scudder2

I have a buildup of condensation inside my headlamp lens cover.
Does anyone know how to clear it ? If I could get it off I could wipe the moisture away but there doesn't seem to be a way to remove the lens. The replacements are over 500 each from Lexus.
Thanks
Scudder2

bhango

This is going to sound silly, but the best way I've found to remove condensation is to put the headlight in the oven at a very low temperature, roughly 175F to 200F.

Edit: this is also how you would remove the lens which is held to the housing by a combination of clips and glue/sealant.

Dougspeed

iTrader: (2)

Depending on how bad the condensation is, you could just pop out the bulbs and use a hair dryer or heat gun to blow hot air into the housing to dry it up. But to fix it in the longterm, you'll have to remove the headlamps and do as what he said above, heat the oven to 225, remove all the screws off the headlight housing and then stick the whole assembly into the oven. Take it out after 5-7 minutes. Be careful as it will be very hot, wear some gloves. Then carefully pry off the lense. Then clean off any debris/sand on the sealant and let it cool down a bit. Then apply some black silicon caulk over the factory sealant, and stick the housing back in the oven without the lense to soften the seal up for maybe 5 minutes, then take it out and stick the lense back on and put the screws back in. Should prevent future condensation unless there's a crack in the lense or housing itself.

Dougspeed

iTrader: (2)

And yes, I've done this for several cars including the SC as it was my side business for a short time.

Sweatshop

iTrader: (11)

I've heard, throw a couple of tiny silica gel packs in there to absorb the moisture

1JZPWRD

iTrader: (59)

Bingo, we have the winning answer.. ^^^^^^^

Also try a bag of rice. LOL

Just reseal them and you should be good to go.

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

And if you're type A like me, avoid those things all together and pay too much for a new light.

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

Condensation is not from letting moisture in it is from not letting it OUT. Condensation is the removal of moisture from the air in the heat. The headlight is naturally vented in three places on the back and bottom. When the vent sponges get clogged and the system doesn't flow in all holes properly it condenses from lack of proper air flow. The very best solution is to remove the headlight and drill holes along the bottom of the headlight case to allow cool air to come from the bottom into the headlight and push warm air out the top vent.

This is the only proper solution.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I've been getting condensation in my driver side headlight and it usually goes away if I leave the car outside on a warm sunny day.