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      02-21-2008, 12:24 PM   #1
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Foggy Headlight issue

Today its raining/snowing, and my driver's headlight has fog/mist on the inside of the lense. I have to imagine that something occured when I was installing the replacement bulb for my MTEC HIDs.
The question now is: What do I do to correct this problem???????

Any and all help is appreaciated!
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      02-21-2008, 12:59 PM   #2
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what it is is when you took the stock bulb put, moist air got into the headlight assembly. The moist air got warm from the light and the moisture from the air rose to the top of the headlight assembly, the moisture collected on the inside of the lens and that is what is causing the haze. That is, assuming that you replaced the light in a moist enviroment. To correct the problem, if this is the case, remove the bulb, take a hair dryer and warm the lens while it is cool to cause the moist air to escape, then reinsert the bulb and test the lights. That should do it, again, assuming that there moist air in the headlight assembly.
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      02-21-2008, 02:26 PM   #3
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Not sure how the non-xenon Z4 headlight assembly works, but for the Z4 xenon the D2S HID bulb and wiring are all inside a sealed back cover. If that is the same case for the halogen headlights then my question is did you drill a hole in that cover to install the HID kit? If you did the moisture is probably seeping in from the gasket/hole you have for the bulb wiring. If you didn't have to drill a hole then its possible when you put the rear cover back on that part of it didn't seal and moisture got in or as JHastings0826 mentioned. Either way take off the back cover, make sure the seal around the edge is in tact and take a hair dryer to your headlight. I had this happen to me once after I replaced my HID bulb, it was soaked in there, I had to leave the cover off overnight and constantly blow dry it before it was dry enough to reinstall. I double checked the gasket and made sure the back cover was sitting flush and no more foggy headlight. Hope this helps, long I know.
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      02-21-2008, 02:56 PM   #4
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Open the rear seal, let it dry, and make sure to close it properly this time. Thats all it usually takes. If the cover is a little bit misaligned or isn't sealed tightly, an air leak will result and condensation is an eventuality.
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      02-22-2008, 01:24 PM   #5
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Reach explained it a little more simple than I did. Between the two of us, you should be able to get it done.
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      02-26-2008, 02:34 PM   #6
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Thanks guys! I'll try that next weekend. Till then, my Z will keep looking like it is crying. (When I walked out of my office to my car the other day, a little boy standing on the sidewalk asked me why my car was crying) LOL
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      02-27-2008, 01:58 PM   #7
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I would have to say be cautious with the weather though.

It likes -20*C here and that would prolly make ice inside the housing, so wait for a decently warm day.

But I doubt that's a problem in Sanfa Fe...

Glad you brought this up though, cuz I need to fix my driver's side for the exact same problem.
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      03-05-2008, 11:01 AM   #8
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Thanks for all of your suggestions!

I've finally gotten around to taking out the light assembly, opening it up and airing it out, aided by a hair dryer. Over night the light assembly has dehumidified and the foggyness and moisture is completely gone!

One problem left: there are now dried water spots on the inside of the lense. How do I get rid of them?

Any & all suggestions are greatly appreaciated!
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      03-05-2008, 01:32 PM   #9
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Ouch, thats a tough one, I didn't have the water spots problem, i dont think there is anything you can do because there is no way to get to the lens. Maybe someone else that has ran into the same problem can help you
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      03-05-2008, 06:46 PM   #10
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My car's being taken in to the dealer tomorrow to have the headlight housing replaced under warranty.
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      03-05-2008, 09:14 PM   #11
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I dont think that'd help the OP since he has an aftermarket HID kit that would probably void his warranty since he cut a hole in the back of the cover.
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      03-06-2008, 11:55 AM   #12
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I'm concidering purchasing a new headlight assembly and starting fresh (more carefully this time).
Just checking all other less expensive options first.

THANKS!!!!
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      03-08-2008, 01:22 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerZealot View Post
I dont think that'd help the OP since he has an aftermarket HID kit that would probably void his warranty since he cut a hole in the back of the cover.
I'd be in that same shit boat....

The lens is so badly fogged...
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      03-11-2008, 02:29 PM   #14
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Finally had the time last night, pulled off the back cover, blow dryer for about 20 min non stop to dry out the massive amount of water inside, and I used silicon spray to moisturize the rubber gaskets/seals. Closed it back up, it seemed ok for the first little while, then it started slowly fogging up...

ARGHHH....

I think next I'm going to try buying a new seal from the dealer.
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      03-11-2008, 02:36 PM   #15
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Did you look at your HID kit as a possible problem? I would suggest you buy the back cover without the HID hole drilled into it and after drying install that one, see if it fixes the fogging problem. If it does you narrowed it down to the HID install. You'd have to run halogens for a few days but it will get to the problem. If you get a new back cover and it still fogs then you're looking at a leak somewhere else on the headlight which puts it into manufacturer defect territory. My vote goes for the HID install though, but it could be either
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      03-14-2008, 12:52 PM   #16
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Thanks for the tip, but I'm pretty sure its not the HID, I went ahead and sealed it with Silicone to make sure.

The main seal however, I coated in some silicone spray it seems to have drastically reduced the fogging. It still fogs a bit when its cold outside, but I think it needs to be dried one more time. I'm thinking the air was still moist when I sealed it back up.

I'm going to see if I can get the dealer to give me a new gasket under warranty and tell them i'll do the labour myself.

I'm having problems with my windshield wipers anyways so its going in for warranty one last time before my warranty runs out.
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      03-14-2008, 02:28 PM   #17
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Oh okay, well if the gasket doesn't work then you know to try the new rear cover. Keep us updated, good luck.
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      05-05-2008, 02:07 PM   #18
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I couldn't get a new gasket from the dealer as they don't sell it like that apparently.

But I was lucky enough to get them to change the entire headlight housing.

However we've had rain all week and now my driver side is back to being fogged. F**K! My warranty JUST ended too.

I'm doubting that they replaced the rubber gasket when they installed the new seal.

I'm thinking of taking the bumper off and removing the entire headlight then sealing every possible hole I can find with windshield silicone.
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