Headlight Fogged and it Won't Clear

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Mar 28, 2010 | 02:33 PM

jvp

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From: Northern VA

"Ask Tadge" Producer

Headlight Fogged and it Won't Clear

Hey gang -

I'm on my 3rd C6 (this time a ZR1.. woo hoo!) and I've heard about people having some trouble with their headlights fogging up with condensation. I haven't had it happen to me until now.

I think it started the day I drove (VERY slowly, mind you) through some standing water. The water wasn't deep at all; I could still clearly see the lines on the road. But, it did kick up a wee bit of water. Shortly thereafter, my right light fogged over.

The owner's video is clear that this problem, "Will go away" once the lamp has a chance to vaporize the water so it can escape through the vents. But, it's been a couple of weeks now, and ... nyet.

I'm guessing the vent may be clogged, but I'm not sure. I'm also not sure how to get to the vent to see. I'm assuming it's on the bottom of the lamp unit, somewhere? Is it accessible via the ballast opening in the fender well? Or does the lamp have to come out, completely.

Since the car's brand new, I'm planning to take it in for my guy at Pohanka Chevy to look at it. I trust him completely to do the right thing, I'm just curious: has anyone else had a lamp housing replaced? The Helm says that both the fender and bumper have to come off. That true?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

jas

Last edited by jvp; Mar 28, 2010 at 06:23 PM.

Mar 28, 2010 | 02:44 PM

calemasters

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Thousand Oaks California

If you drive with the headlamps on for about 1 hour, the heat from the bulbs may help remove the moisture.

If not, make sure the vents tubes are unrestricted.

Mar 28, 2010 | 02:44 PM

bob guzzy

Safety Car

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 3,940

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From: shavertown Pa.

You can try leaving it stand in the sun, if you can remove one of the sockets to let it dry out faster.

It could be one of the gaskets on the back of the lamp let the water in because it isn't sealed or tightened all the way to the lock position.

Mar 28, 2010 | 02:49 PM

jvp

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From: Northern VA

"Ask Tadge" Producer

Quote:

Originally Posted by calemasters

If you drive with the headlamps on for about 1 hour, the heat from the bulbs may help remove the moisture.

Tried that. I even hooked it up to my battery charger, plugged it in, and left the lights (and highs) on for 2-3 hours until my battery charger tanked (and killed the Vette's battery... whoops!) No love. The condensation starts to fall off the plastic and lands on the bottom of the light, but it never drains. If I turn the light off, within the hour, it's re-fogged.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob guzzy

Hm. Are the sockets removable? I know the bulbs inside the sockets are removable, but I didn't know that the sockets themselves are.

And by the "gaskets in the back", do you mean the holes where the bulbs themselves go? Or the wholes the sockets are connected into?

Or am I completely confused here? ... :-)

Thanks!

jas

Mar 28, 2010 | 05:36 PM

c54u

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2006

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trip to the dealer...

Mar 28, 2010 | 05:54 PM

saplumr

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Saint Albans, WV

If it hasn't cleared in 3 days I'd say that "could" be a safety issue at night and a trip to the dealer is in order. They all fog periodically but always clear up.