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Author Topic: Headlights steaming up  (Read 3391 times)

Offline bakili

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Headlights steaming up
« on: April 26, 2012, 07:48:16 pm »
Hey guys,

Its been heavy raining today all day. I have noticed, that both my headlights are steaming from bottom of headlights, working way up.
Is it common? I checked all back covers and it seems all tight.

 

Offline bakili

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2012, 07:35:40 pm »
 :popcornsoda:

I spent all day today trying to figure out the reason of headlights steaming up. Replaced all headlights bulb covers with brand new OEM cover, thought first its failed seal.
Still same. Both headlights misting up from same spots, bottom bit. If I drive car with lights on, as soon turning them off, mist starting disappear slowly. Weather not helping at all  :fighting:
The only different thing I did, activated to 25% indicators bulbs (US style), now indicator bulbs are permanently on. Can it be the issue???
« Last Edit: April 27, 2012, 07:45:09 pm by bakili »

Offline stealthwolf

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2012, 08:01:25 pm »
The headlamps aren't hermetically sealed. Moisture will work its way in and condensation will occur.

Some people on here have taped some moisture absorption packets (like you get in boxes of shoes) to the caps covering the lights.

The GTI isn't just a machine. It's very much a living, breathing thing.

Offline Weston

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2012, 08:07:06 pm »
I have this on my aftermarket lights. More on one side than the other so I leave one of the rear covers off which helps. Apart from that turning the headlights on wherever you go will help, or use a hairdryer to dry them out  :happy2:
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Offline bakili

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2012, 08:45:17 pm »
The headlamps aren't hermetically sealed. Moisture will work its way in and condensation will occur.

Some people on here have taped some moisture absorption packets (like you get in boxes of shoes) to the caps covering the lights.

Silica gel packs???
Already have them in, but won't help

Offline bakili

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2012, 08:50:57 pm »
I have this on my aftermarket lights. More on one side than the other so I leave one of the rear covers off which helps. Apart from that turning the headlights on wherever you go will help, or use a hairdryer to dry them out  :happy2:

My headlights are genuine GTI.
The problem turning headlights on while raining makes it worse. Tried hair dryer job, and it helped. All mist gone, as soon went for drive with lights on, mist came back. 
After about 1 hr, parked on drive, mist disappeared from both headlights.
I put them headlights about week ago, went few times trough car wash, no problem, rained couple times no problem. But yesterday when sky opened with heavy rain, headlights started misting up. 

Offline Weston

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2012, 09:53:00 pm »
How bad does it get? Got any pics?
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Offline v2brett

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2012, 09:56:48 pm »
i think the steam issues are probably caused by the wet weather conditions, humidity and up & down temp changes we`re having with the weather at the min.
 as above the silica packs should help to get rid of any steaming up what happens,
  As long as the steaming up isnt permanent i wouldnt worry too much  :happy2:
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Offline bakili

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #8 on: April 27, 2012, 10:01:26 pm »
How bad does it get? Got any pics?

It starts from bottom bit where indicator bulb is, and works it way up. 
Will get pictures done tomorrow   :drinking:
« Last Edit: April 27, 2012, 10:03:44 pm by bakili »

Offline bakili

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #9 on: April 27, 2012, 10:06:57 pm »
i think the steam issues are probably caused by the wet weather conditions, humidity and up & down temp changes we`re having with the weather at the min.
 as above the silica packs should help to get rid of any steaming up what happens,
  As long as the steaming up isnt permanent i wouldnt worry too much  :happy2:

Seems to be happening in past 2 days, but disappears over night. If I leave car on drive, in the morning headlights are clear even if it was raining.
As soon have lights on it comes back.   

Offline sanj

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #10 on: April 27, 2012, 11:30:50 pm »
Mine do the same,but like you only when it rain's a lot,i've removed one of the rubber cover's at the back on each of the headlight's(the small one to get access to the sidelight's) and it's been fine since.I know it's not the best thing to do but it seem's to have got rid of it 100%,will put everything back to normal when the weather pick's up. :smiley:

Offline bakili

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2012, 07:28:23 am »
Mine do the same,but like you only when it rain's a lot,i've removed one of the rubber cover's at the back on each of the headlight's(the small one to get access to the sidelight's) and it's been fine since.I know it's not the best thing to do but it seem's to have got rid of it 100%,will put everything back to normal when the weather pick's up. :smiley:

 :happy2:

Offline Msc1

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #12 on: April 28, 2012, 03:03:19 pm »
mine also have the same problem.

Offline bakili

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #13 on: April 28, 2012, 03:24:48 pm »
I bought today 2 new indicator bulb holders from main dealer, cost £14.25 for both.
I do think, maybe rubber casket failed on indicators bulb holders.
I will report back, if it will cure problem.

Offline Russ_leeds

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Re: Headlights steaming up
« Reply #14 on: April 28, 2012, 04:49:38 pm »
ive had this problem since ive owned the car for over 2 years
Black 2007 gti, 18' monza 2, sat-nav, highline, i-pod dock, armrest, 35mm H&R springs, WALK, BCS tbe, autotech front and rear arbs, ITG maxogen, NQSBBK... and more to come