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Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:26 pm
by Theivz
Hi all just got a 3.0 and the left head light just gave me an error and has stopped working
There seems to be condensation on the inside of the unit
Any suggestions/ tips or ideas or do I need to replace
Any ideas for replacement
I like the Amber blinkers and the silver inners
Anyone got a left headlight spare?
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2024 11:22 am
by colb
I assume you have Xenon bulbs or are they Halogen?
Try our resident Breakers for a replacement on here you will find them posting on here.
In the meantime check out the condition of the wiring inside the unit and with the rear access panel removed use a hair dryer to blow into the unit to dry it out. Usual cause is the seal on the access cover being bad when refitting it ensure it gets a tight seal, an application of Gummi pledge rubber conditioner on the seal may help or rubber grease to achieve a good seal. Do not heat the front of the headlight lens it can discolour with too much heat on the inside surface.
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2024 12:29 pm
by paddy wright
If Xenon’s which it looks like they are the condensation has likely drawn into the ballast on the bottom a killed it. Bumper off and try switching driver to passenger ballasts to see if the problem is related to ballast. Head light off and into the house to dry out while you wait on a cheap replacement ballast from eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325801614954 ... media=COPY
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 2:34 am
by Theivz
colb wrote: ↑Thu Jan 04, 2024 11:22 am
I assume you have Xenon bulbs or are they Halogen?
Try our resident Breakers for a replacement on here you will find them posting on here.
In the meantime check out the condition of the wiring inside the unit and with the rear access panel removed use a hair dryer to blow into the unit to dry it out. Usual cause is the seal on the access cover being bad when refitting it ensure it gets a tight seal, an application of Gummi pledge rubber conditioner on the seal may help or rubber grease to achieve a good seal. Do not heat the front of the headlight lens it can discolour with too much heat on the inside surface.
Yes xenons
Ok awesome yes will try that
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 2:34 am
by Theivz
paddy wright wrote: ↑Thu Jan 04, 2024 12:29 pm
If Xenon’s which it looks like they are the condensation has likely drawn into the ballast on the bottom a killed it. Bumper off and try switching driver to passenger ballasts to see if the problem is related to ballast. Head light off and into the house to dry out while you wait on a cheap replacement ballast from eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325801614954 ... media=COPY
Ok awesome
Thanks so much
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:48 am
by paddy wright
Theivz wrote: ↑Fri Jan 12, 2024 2:34 am
paddy wright wrote: ↑Thu Jan 04, 2024 12:29 pm
If Xenon’s which it looks like they are the condensation has likely drawn into the ballast on the bottom a killed it. Bumper off and try switching driver to passenger ballasts to see if the problem is related to ballast. Head light off and into the house to dry out while you wait on a cheap replacement ballast from eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325801614954 ... media=COPY
Ok awesome
Thanks so much
No problem, hope it works for you. Let me know how you get on or if you need anything.
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:08 am
by x-driver
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:36 pm
by Reamesy
Have you tried just swapping out the lamp itself with the other side to rule out the basics. Then look further afield if it’s the same result. Sorry if I’m pointing out the obvious.
Then look to get new rear covers after drying out your lights. They are around £30 a pair from BMW. I know this because I went through all the different steps even swapping the seals round and inverted them. Only new covers solved water ingress.
Another tip is to let the lights come to outside ambient temperature before sealing the rear covers as warm air from inside will condense.
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:04 pm
by StudioWizard
Reamesy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:36 pm
Another tip is to let the lights come to outside ambient temperature before sealing the rear covers as warm air from inside will condense.
Hmmm.... I have to think about that one for a minute. I don't see the benefit of doing this unless I'm missing something Won't the air inside warm and cool regardless of the air temp inside when the covers are put on?
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:08 pm
by enuff_zed
StudioWizard wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:04 pm
Reamesy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:36 pm
Another tip is to let the lights come to outside ambient temperature before sealing the rear covers as warm air from inside will condense.
Hmmm.... I have to think about that one for a minute. I don't see the benefit of doing this unless I'm missing something Won't the air inside warm and cool regardless of the air temp inside when the covers are put on?
Warm air from indoors will hold more moisture. So when it goes outside the moisture will drop out of suspension and collect in your lights.
Leave the light unit open and the air will all mix and hopefully any moisture will escape before you seal it up.
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:09 pm
by StudioWizard
Btw, is there a safe way to test the headlight assembly seal before installing it? ChatGPT said to submerge in water which sounds like a horrible idea. haha It also said to try a low pressure blower inside and then listen for any hissing sound. That also sounds iffy to me since the blower will be making a hissing sound as well. The only other viable suggestion it gave was to leave the assembly sitting out in a warm, dry place and observe any possible condensation.
Any human suggestions?
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:10 pm
by StudioWizard
enuff_zed wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:08 pm
Warm air from indoors will hold more moisture. So when it goes outside the moisture will drop out of suspension and collect in your lights.
Leave the light unit open and the air will all mix and hopefully any moisture will escape before you seal it up.
Thanks for the clarification. That makes sense.
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:24 pm
by Reamesy
StudioWizard wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:09 pm
Btw, is there a safe way to test the headlight assembly seal before installing it? ChatGPT said to submerge in water which sounds like a horrible idea. haha It also said to try a low pressure blower inside and then listen for any hissing sound. That also sounds iffy to me since the blower will be making a hissing sound as well. The only other viable suggestion it gave was to leave the assembly sitting out in a warm, dry place and observe any possible condensation.
Any human suggestions?
I would not suggest submerging
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:33 pm
by StudioWizard
Reamesy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:24 pm
I would not suggest submerging
Agreed. That's a horrible idea! haha I told GhatGPT that as well and it agreed and apologized.... for real.
Headlight condensation and main beam not working
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:51 pm
by Abbas
Will be having a go at this tomorrow hopefully too now that it's finally stopped continuously raining for a bit
I've bought a new headlight cover thing just to be on the safe side. Was planning on taking the cover off, getting my hairdryer out and then just leaving the cover off the rest of the day so it can match up with the outside air in terms of temperature and then put it back together and hope for the best!