REALLY WET HEADLIGHT

[Cummins12V98]

My 15 has had moisture off and on of course AFTER warranty was up and of course MaxCare would not warranty later when the moisture started showing up.

I have watched several videos with all different thoughts on why moisture was entering and different fixes. What is the TDR fix for this???

 

[Cummins12V98]

It’s REALLY wet.

 

[petersonj]

I can't answer where the source of moisture is coming from, but in the meantime you could remove the bulb and set up a fan nearby to evaporate the moisture. This works well if you have a dry place to park the truck for at least 12 hours. If you are going to try this, wait for a day with very low humidity (dew point lower than 30°F) for the best results.

Sometimes the collection of moisture is a one-time event, but the moisture keeps changing state for weeks or months as ambient temperature changes (moisture condenses, evaporates, condenses, evaporates..., and so on).

- John

 

[Cummins12V98]

It started late Summer in NWWA and since late October I have been in the Palm Springs, CA area. Humidity is low here and has not improved on its own.

I will probably remove it, remove bulbs and take a heat gun on low setting to dry it out.

Some say the vents are an issue. Some say the cover on the back the gasket can leak and some say the perimeter where it’s bonded can leak.

 

[petersonj]

since late October I have been in the Palm Springs, CA area. Humidity is low here and has not improved on its own.

The moisture that is trapped inside cannot ventilate out, so it doesn't matter that the humidity was low while you were in Palm Springs. This is why the bulb needs to be removed to be ventilated for several hours with the help of a fan to stir the air inside the headlight assembly. This is also why low humidity matters during the ventilation process. As air is exchanged inside the headlight assembly and moist air leaves the assembly, it is important that DRY air enters the assembly.

- John

 

[Cummins12V98]

From what I have seen these headlights have three small vents. One guy says that some were pressed on too far.
I totally agree the moisture needs to be removed. The concern is drying it out to have it happen again.

 

[Topzide]

@Cummins12V98, Check the vent tubes for insect nest or just bugs looking to get out of the weather. I've had mud dubbers clog up many a vent tube or drain! If you find this is the problem, Maybe some screen over the openings would help solve the issue. Also have seen the seams break seal and needs some silicone resealing done. Good luck with fix.

 

[Cummins12V98]

One guy used Silicone all around the perimeter and later literally grabbed the silicone and pulled it off after getting moisture in again. Silicone is usually the worst sealant a person can use. But yes I will use some type of proper sealant around the connection seam.

Still irritates me as the Salesman offering the MaxCare told of how expensive the headlights were as an example of why I should buy the MC, GRRRRRRR.

 

[Topzide]

Yes, the right type of silicone sealant makes all the difference! I prefer the Ultra Black or the Toyota FIPG (fix in place gasket). Then you also have to make sure that the surfaces are free of dirt and moisture. Proper prep and use make all the difference!

 

[AH64ID]

Still irritates me as the Salesman offering the MaxCare told of how expensive the headlights were as an example of why I should buy the MC, GRRRRRRR.

The headlights should be covered with max care, but water intrusion is specifically listed as not included. You would have to prove a defective headlight for the water intrusion to
be covered.

Bulbs are not included, maybe that’s what they are confusing.

 

[sag2]

Take a look at this.

 

[Ozymandias]

Check out "Captain Tolley", this is for sealing hairline cracks.
Don't smear around on a headlight with silicone ugh.

Once you know it you'll never want to be without again.

 

[Cummins12V98]

The headlights should be covered with max care, but water intrusion is specifically listed as not included. You would have to prove a defective headlight for the water intrusion to
be covered.

Bulbs are not included, maybe that’s what they are confusing.

INTERESTING!!! I was told they were NOT covered by MC and I beleive they showed me proof???

 

[Cummins12V98]

Take a look at this.

Stan, Thank you!!!!!!! I just printed this and WILL be taking a trip to visit the Service Manager that told me No Bueno.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Check out "Captain Tolley", this is for sealing hairline cracks.
Don't smear around on a headlight with silicone ugh.

Once you know it you'll never want to be without again.

I "was" planning to use Permatex "The Right stuff" but now with what sag2 posted I may not have to.

I HATE silicone caulking!!!

 

[AH64ID]

INTERESTING!!! I was told they were NOT covered by MC and I beleive they showed me proof???

I can’t find anything in my max care paperwork excluding headlights.