Slightly off subject

Perfessor

Perfessor

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My question doesn't really pertain to cleaning or waxing, but it would be considered car care.

I have a turn signal that keeps building condensation up inside it. I've cleaned/dried it out but it keeps coming back. I can see no cracks in the lens or backplate and the gasket around the bulb looks good and has a tight fit.

Any ideas??

Thanks,
Perfessor
 
There may be a hairline crack in one of the seams. You could try to dry it out completely and then put a bead of silicone or some type of clear caulking around the seam to be 100% sure its sealed. Just make sure there is no moisture left in there when you put the light back in. Other than that, I have no ideas.
 
Most headlights have a small opening in them to allow heat transfer out of the lense from the bulbs. As the lense cools it will draw air into it, simple physics, and with it some moisture as well. I would advise not to caulk it as you may create a crack in the lense which will be worse than the condensation inside it.
 
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bryansbestwax said:
Most headlights have a small opening in them to allow heat transfer out of the lense from the bulbs. As the lense cools it will draw air into it, simple physics, and with it some moisture as well. I would advise not to caulk it as you may create a crack in the lense which will be worse than the condensation inside it.
Click to expand...
:iagree:Try locating the hole on the bottom of the backing holder and clean it out. If you can't find one, drill a small hole to allow the condensation to evaporate.
 
Try putting the headlights on while driving (even in the day time) and see if that dries it out inside. Drilling a hole might allow more condensation in especially on wet days or early morning dew. This is the reason for the gasket-to try to keep them sealed- IMHO
 
Excuse me, all. These are all good suggestions, but for one thing. It's my turn signal, not my headlight.
 
If you can get at it, check around the back and see it the rubber gasget is sitting properly to the signal light. There should be a rubber seal where the bulb goes in, check that out and possibly replace it. You may have to take the headlamp off to get at it, I don't know what kind of car it is you didn't say.
 
Guess I should have said before - it's an '03 Eclipse Spyder - the front turn sig is all one unit. one screw holds it to the body. the only part that comes off is the bulb housing. that gasket seems tight (must be it's hard to twist off).
 
some turn signals do have a small rubber valve to allow heat to escape. It looks like a little rubber finger. I have found is misaligned (usually pointing up in error) that some water can get in while washing and fog lenses temporarily. Turning it down so only heat/pressure can get out usually helps.

I too have also seen a small bead of silicone work wonders, and can usually be found with compressed air can and duct tape at bulb inlet. Do not over pressure just enough to feel where air is escaping.

Also check the bulb connection. They usually have two feet. Sometimes only one gets seated correctly and just enough space for air/condensation to get in .
 
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