jusdach

Moral of the story? Avoid all dealerships and go the aftermarket route as much as possible. When it comes to OEM exclusive components like a headlight unit that you can only get through Lexus (or used on ebay), they may have us over the proverbial barrel. Most M&R's though can be purchased and installed by either yourself or an independent mechanic who is obliged to EARN your business and will do the job right.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

your friend is incorrect. you can easily change the bulbs. Heres the DIY

KSOGS3

In my case it was a bad seal. There were no visible cracks on the headlights surface...Not only was the low-beam portion filled with condensation but the DTR light portion was too...

Is your headlight out because of the condensation?...If not, you may have a tougher time getting Lexus to budge when it comes to replacing it under goodwill/Warranty. The Condensation caused my bulb to blow out and the new bulb wouldn't work either so they came to the conclusion that the whole unit was completely ruined by water damage... This worked out in my favor when it came to fighting Lexus about replacing it for free


Good Luck though, shoot me a PM if you have any questions...or you can post them in this thread...Ill try to answer them in a timely fashion

Wronglane

My headlight is not out,the lens just fills up with condensation.

My wife just got off the phone with Lexus Corporate where they put a specialist on the phone and he took all our information. I explained that the light is defective and should not be a wear and tear issue.

We also spoke to the servive manager at out dealership.He said they used to replace them all the time on the new cars. I guess it got to be too expensive for them.

Question..........Will the condensation eventually cause my bulb to fail?

KSOGS3

Only Time will tell, I searched this forum and I didn't see a case like mine...and Honestly? if My bulb didn't burn out I wouldn't have fought Lexus to replace the headlight unit...the actual condensation didn't really bother me too much...

If I was you, I'd be proactive and push for them to replace the unit ASAP so you wont be in the same situation I was in...Not being able to drive at night sucks.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

depends on how much is in there. condensation, typically no but if its filling with water then it will eventually.

where in jersey are you? If your not far from philly, id recommend going to Wilkie Lexus. They were always helpful for me.

Here a thread with people complaining about the condensation they've been getting in their headlights.

Wronglane

We will let them know we are not happy about their decision shoud they decline. I mean,others have had theirs fixed,why should they not fix ours? I will let you know what happens.

Wronglane

I am at the other end of the state,but,thanks for the help.

Lexinton

iTrader: (1)

So I'm going through the same problem that everyone else is having with the condensation in the headlights, and now my passenger side bulb is blown. I tried using the 'blown' bulb in the driver side, so it works. I'm assuming this means that the ballast is pretty much toast? From what I've been told, the ballast is built into the headlight, and was debating about purchasing one from flea-bay, but would it just be best to get a whole new headlight since this could happen again since the condensation is still there? Any other ways of fixing this?

j0emama

Your hole situation sounds like a nightmare. IMO it was the dealer that was giving you the hassle. My dealer has been nothing but accommodating for any problem I've had (except for fading wood on shifter which is "cosmetic" and expired after 50k). Glad you got it fixed, but dealing with them can be an on going nightmare (don't ever buy Chrysler).

KSOGS3

Are you still under any type of warranty?... If so take your car to the dealership... If they deny your claim, FIGHT!!!...don't let them leave you out here to dry

If you're not under warranty, your best bet will be to purchase a headlight unit off Ebay for $300-$400...Be careful though... These Headlight units are used and might have the same condensation problem...Good luck

ATLinWI202

Absolutley be very careful of ebay lights! Probably taken out for the same reason.


Headlight assemblies are not covered by cpo because lamps and bulbs are specifically excluded in the warranty wording.

Also, I think this was mentioned incorrectly earlier. Bulbs ARE covered under the 5/50.

Im glad to hear everything worked out well for the OP.

Wronglane

Heres an update for you guys.The dealer called us and said they wanted to inspect the car. We took it in ,they looked at it to make sure the car was not hit,sent us on our way saying that they will contact us within a few days. Lexus Corporation calls us saying that they will pay for 50% of the cost of the new headlight housing which is $1200 plus labor. My wife told the woman that this is defective and how we have 2 Lexus vehicles,blah blah blah. The woman says,"yes,we know,but we just covered(about a week ago) 100% of an oxygen sensor replacement on the GX470 which was out of warranty"

What could the wife say. We feel Lexus was fair so we are going to pay $600 out of pocket and have it replaced.Wife also spoke to our dealer and they are not going to charge us any labor.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Actually what my dealer told me was the same thing that they used to change them all the time but, some people that ddin't have condensation would get them replaced and it was costing them to much money so nots it harder to get them approved by corporate. The bulb could fail if the condensation water leaks into the bulb housing.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

dont buy a whole headlight, change the ballast, its not that hard. i may even have an extra ballast in my house considering i have a drivers side headlight still. i did a little write up on how to change the ballast.