Headlights
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 771
Likes: 368
From: Millstone Twp New Jersey
Sadly I think you got taken for a ride unless there is more to this and a reason for the housings themselves to get replaced. Also, odd to have to replace both at the same time. I can appreciate doing both while you're in there and def changing both bulbs so the lamp temp/output is consistent but still....
Instructor
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 141
Likes: 89
From: N Muskegon, MI
Defective headlights are considered a safety issue from the factory and typically replaced at no cost at the dealership. I believe there is a headlight replacement service bulletin out on C7 headlight assembly hard water staining.
C7 headlight lens assemblies have small air vents with debris damns in the front lower bottom of the lens that allow venting due to ambient temperature changes and resulting pressure variances inside the headlight assembly. Its a clever design but unfortunately water / moisture can get into the lenses thru the vents passed the damns as a result of high pressure washing or from driving at highway speeds in heavy rain. Results in hard water stains/ streaks on the inside of the lens that affects light output. Hard water stains in C7 headlights is common in southern states. My car was from FL and headlights were stained with hard water streaks. Was told from selling dealer that the former owner washed the car at an auto car wash (recycled water) an excessive amount which I believe likely caused the problem. My local dealer had no problem replacing the headlights at no cost.
C7 headlight lens assemblies have small air vents with debris damns in the front lower bottom of the lens that allow venting due to ambient temperature changes and resulting pressure variances inside the headlight assembly. Its a clever design but unfortunately water / moisture can get into the lenses thru the vents passed the damns as a result of high pressure washing or from driving at highway speeds in heavy rain. Results in hard water stains/ streaks on the inside of the lens that affects light output. Hard water stains in C7 headlights is common in southern states. My car was from FL and headlights were stained with hard water streaks. Was told from selling dealer that the former owner washed the car at an auto car wash (recycled water) an excessive amount which I believe likely caused the problem. My local dealer had no problem replacing the headlights at no cost.
