Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics headlight condensation

My headlights have a lot of condensation in them and i was wondering if there is a way to get that out? it wouldn't be a huge deal to replace them, but i'd like to try to fix them first before having to buy new one's.

pre or post 98?

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he said condensation...not hazing. it sounds liek they need pulled apart and to be allowed to dry. then re-seal them with some marine grade silicone caulking. a friend of mine did this in his SVT and it worked great. while your in there, paint the chrome trim in the headlight and remove the orange reflector.

it's a 99. in your opinion is it fairly easy to do. it's my girlfriends car and i don't want to mess it up.

o well if its your GF's car, just fix it, dont mod it. i have a pre 98, but the link above should tell you how to get the headlight apart at least. then to put it back together, reverse the process and add pletny of marine grade silicone. IMO, it shouldnt be hard to do...plan on a weekend.

If you have condensation inside the assemble there's a few ways to get the water out, so take your pick...

Alcohol - Use 100% rubbing alcohol, if you can find it at a drug store or Wal-Mart. Remove the assembles from the car. Next, remove the bulbs from the assembles. Now, pour about half the bottle of alcohol into the inside of the assy and work it around "GENTLY". Main reason I stress gently is because the chrome-like material inside the assembles can become brittle and you may loosen it up to where it comes off. It's not pretty, believe me! Then just drain as much out as you can and let it dry. This is quickesy way.

Heat - Remove the bulbs from the assembles. Park the car in an area where the headlights will recieve direct sunlight for an extended period of time. The heat generated by the sun will cause the condensation to vaporize again and removing the bulbs will give the vapor an easier way out. If you will not be able to park the car in direct sunlight, you can use a blow dryer all the same.

As for sealing them up so this doesn't happen again - Remove the headlights from the car. Go get yourself some black silicon or better yet, some clear flowable silicon. You can get either of them at Autozone or somewhere like that. Take the silicon and run it around the seam where the lens meets the case of the headlight. Next, use a number 20 Torx bit screwdriver and remove the 6 torx bits (three for each bulb) from the back of the assy. You can now remove a plate and underneath that you will find a gasket. Inspect this gasket, looking for any cracks or tears. If everything looks well, clean the gaskets and there mateing surfaces. This will give you some insureance when putting it all back together. Also, look closely for any cracks in the case of the headlight. Pay close attention to the bottom of the assembles. Put silicon anywhere you think you spot a crack. This is why I really like the flowable silicon, because it does not only seal the outside of the cracks, but actually gets down inside of it as well.

Then again, if you will be looking for reasons in the near future to visit your girlfiend, then I suggest skipping this last step.

Hope this helps ya out a little.

Contour headlights aren't made to be sealed. That's why there are two little hoses hanging down on them. Usually, the moisture works its way out those vent tubes. However, you can help the process along with alcohol technique and leaving them under a desklamp overnight, lenses face down.