2012 Cab Lights sweating inside

[Texaspsdx]

Need to remove and seal the cab lights on my 2012. How is the best way to do this and make this a one time repair?

 

[lawdog1]

I just replaced two cab clearance lights on my '12 2500. The lights were cracked on the top rear near and around screw and had condensation (often) and water (sometimes) in them. I was concerned it was going to leak into the cab and I ordered two new lens from Genos. In examining the new lens they are a solid design and a cracked lens was not very likely to get water in the cab unless it gets a 1/2 inch or more of water filling the entire bottom of the lens and it managed to leak down around the bulb fitting (which would be tough...but we all know water kind almost always find way if given long enough to try...) The light bulb fits into the lens at an angle and the bottom of the lens is designed to fits snugly with bulb socket (which is rubbery and notched so it sort of clicks into the lens.) Also, the entire lens is a sealed unit (except where the bulb fits in but it is sealed very well when the bulb is in), it is not open at the bottom or a three sided shell as you might expect and the plastic bottom of the lens is covered entirely by a one piece rubber gasket with the exception of a small area where the bulb fits through (and as mentioned the area the bulb fits into the lens is raised so any water in the lens cannot leak into the bulb fitting unless it is a large amount of water.) Also, with the bulb elevated at an angle in the lens cover it would take a lot of water in the lens to hit a hot bulb and cause it to go out.

So in summary, if you just have a bit of condensation or water chances are very good it will not affect the bulb or leak into the cab, unless the lens is really cracked or has a sizeable hole so that really fills up with water. Also, if you have condensation in the lens it is probably not a gasket issue, the lens itself is likely compromised. Lens are $17.95 from Genos I think....just get a new one is my suggestion and change it out. No need for any silicone caulk or anything, there was no indication any was used at the factory on the original lens. Also, the screw is a torx head T-20, so make sure you have that handy. Hope this is helpful.