Official Condensation in Headlight Thread
#1
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
Official Condensation in Headlight Thread
Well, many here are having headlight issues… such as water and moisture getting into their headlight assembles causing condensation on the lenses etc. This condition, if left unchecked, will eventually cause the lenses to prematurely cloud up, electrical connections to rot, etc…. a rather expensive proposition.
Here’s a simple check you can do at home. It’s very easy. The only tools necessary is a flashlight and a small mirror.
I do have a simple request to all those who are actually having this condensation issue. Could you please post the build date listed on each headlight along with the part numbers on this thread? It would help MB and others with the same problem if a defective batch did make it into production.
Thanks
_____________________________________________
Open the hood and locate the top cover behind each headlight.
Now look for this tab....
Pull it forward toward the front of the car and lift up. The entire cover will slide up and off. Set it down somehwere safe.
This will expose the entire assembly. Notice that the headlight is composed of two sections, the black rear section and the clear lens front section. (Take note on how well these two sections are glued together.) On top of the black section will be a production sticker with the build date and part number. Please remember to post this date and part number if you are having condensation issues.
Before we go any futher, check all bulb sockets to make sure they are fully secured and tight. I have pointed out where these twist sockets are located along the top. (Parking lights)
Now depending on the country you live in, there are a few *dead* sockets not in use. Some of these are sealed up, others are plugged-up. You must check these plugs to see if they are fully seated in the sockets, otherwise they will let water in. You'll need a mirror and an flashlight for this.
Now take a close look at the gap along the two sections of the Headlight. It should be very small and tight all along the way between these two sections.
Follow this gap/seal down here with a flashlight. Mine opens up about half way (I marked the opening with arrows on the pix) and could be a potential area for water to get in.
This is where water could get in.
After you're finished, simply slide the rear plastic cover back into position and push down to snap in place.
Please take a look at your GLK if you can, even if it's not an issue for you... then post your findings here so that others with the problem can compare.
Thanks and good luck.
Here’s a simple check you can do at home. It’s very easy. The only tools necessary is a flashlight and a small mirror.
I do have a simple request to all those who are actually having this condensation issue. Could you please post the build date listed on each headlight along with the part numbers on this thread? It would help MB and others with the same problem if a defective batch did make it into production.
Thanks
_____________________________________________
Open the hood and locate the top cover behind each headlight.
Now look for this tab....
Pull it forward toward the front of the car and lift up. The entire cover will slide up and off. Set it down somehwere safe.
This will expose the entire assembly. Notice that the headlight is composed of two sections, the black rear section and the clear lens front section. (Take note on how well these two sections are glued together.) On top of the black section will be a production sticker with the build date and part number. Please remember to post this date and part number if you are having condensation issues.
Before we go any futher, check all bulb sockets to make sure they are fully secured and tight. I have pointed out where these twist sockets are located along the top. (Parking lights)
Now depending on the country you live in, there are a few *dead* sockets not in use. Some of these are sealed up, others are plugged-up. You must check these plugs to see if they are fully seated in the sockets, otherwise they will let water in. You'll need a mirror and an flashlight for this.
Now take a close look at the gap along the two sections of the Headlight. It should be very small and tight all along the way between these two sections.
Follow this gap/seal down here with a flashlight. Mine opens up about half way (I marked the opening with arrows on the pix) and could be a potential area for water to get in.
This is where water could get in.
After you're finished, simply slide the rear plastic cover back into position and push down to snap in place.
Please take a look at your GLK if you can, even if it's not an issue for you... then post your findings here so that others with the problem can compare.
Thanks and good luck.
Last edited by MBRedux; 12-17-2009 at 07:34 AM.
#4
I checked out my car tonight before I went to the gym. Everything seems fine.
I have the exact same gap you do MBRed, in the same place, same tiny little gap between the plastics.
I have the exact same gap you do MBRed, in the same place, same tiny little gap between the plastics.
#5
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
Kamen, we need your build dates and part numbers since you are one who actually has a problem. Thanks.
#6
Ah crap forgot that. Guess I'll have another look see tonight.
Funny how the gap in the lighting is identical to yours though, or maybe they are all molded like that. I read in the service letter that gaps were left on purpose for ventilation.
Funny how the gap in the lighting is identical to yours though, or maybe they are all molded like that. I read in the service letter that gaps were left on purpose for ventilation.
#7
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
That gap may be normal... seems odd though.
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#9
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 41
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From: Canada
2010 GLK350 4Matic / 2007 Infiniti G35S / 2005 Acura TL - All of them Loaded
Guys,
What was the outcome of this? I just picked up my GLK this week and noticed the condensation. Build date was December/09. Is MB saying this is normal or is it a defect?
On another note, I'm just starting to mess with all the controls and commands and am finding it frustrating that I just can't turn the radio off without turning the whole command module off. How do you just turn off the radio, but leave the navi on? Sounds silly doesn't it? In the mean while, I've been muting the radio, or switching it to Aux. There's got to be another way.
Also, on the Navi, what is the voice command that simply routes you to your "my address". In my other vehicles, I just have to say "destination Home" and the navi takes me there. How is that done in the GLK Navi?
Thanks in advance.
What was the outcome of this? I just picked up my GLK this week and noticed the condensation. Build date was December/09. Is MB saying this is normal or is it a defect?
On another note, I'm just starting to mess with all the controls and commands and am finding it frustrating that I just can't turn the radio off without turning the whole command module off. How do you just turn off the radio, but leave the navi on? Sounds silly doesn't it? In the mean while, I've been muting the radio, or switching it to Aux. There's got to be another way.
Also, on the Navi, what is the voice command that simply routes you to your "my address". In my other vehicles, I just have to say "destination Home" and the navi takes me there. How is that done in the GLK Navi?
Thanks in advance.
#10
On another note, I'm just starting to mess with all the controls and commands and am finding it frustrating that I just can't turn the radio off without turning the whole command module off. How do you just turn off the radio, but leave the navi on? Sounds silly doesn't it? In the mean while, I've been muting the radio, or switching it to Aux. There's got to be another way.
You have to store home address and then should be able to say "enter destination" and then say "home."
#11
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 41
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From: Canada
2010 GLK350 4Matic / 2007 Infiniti G35S / 2005 Acura TL - All of them Loaded
Thanks for reply NYCGLK.
On the condensation issue, the above instructions only get you to uncover if you have a gap in the light housing. I don't think it was concluded as to wether this is normal or something that needs to be replaced.
Kamen said "Funny how the gap in the lighting is identical to yours though, or maybe they are all molded like that. I read in the service letter that gaps were left on purpose for ventilation."...Is it a fact that these gaps were left on purpose or is it BS?
On the condensation issue, the above instructions only get you to uncover if you have a gap in the light housing. I don't think it was concluded as to wether this is normal or something that needs to be replaced.
Kamen said "Funny how the gap in the lighting is identical to yours though, or maybe they are all molded like that. I read in the service letter that gaps were left on purpose for ventilation."...Is it a fact that these gaps were left on purpose or is it BS?
#12
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, (BC) Best City on Planet Earth
GLK 350X :0
when I p/u mine in December, the rep drove it from outside to inside the showroom to give me a tour of the new delivery. When I asked him about the condensation, I was informed that it was normal due to the vents.
Since this is our first MB, I am not sure if this in the design, or some defect. However,it has not affected the performance in the lighting. If a lot of condensation built up and then turned into water, then I would be worried. Hopefully, if there are enough complaints MB may fix the problem? It seems unusual for a model that has been tested in extreme heat and cold (Arctic) and no one every found this problem during their tests...
Since this is our first MB, I am not sure if this in the design, or some defect. However,it has not affected the performance in the lighting. If a lot of condensation built up and then turned into water, then I would be worried. Hopefully, if there are enough complaints MB may fix the problem? It seems unusual for a model that has been tested in extreme heat and cold (Arctic) and no one every found this problem during their tests...
#13
I saw the letter from head office in Toronto and it stated the vents are normal and intended, new headlight design they have employed. Some condensation is normal and it should all burn off, if it starts to puddle or collect water then it would be a defect.
I just stopped worrying about it, I've chased it down enough and it seems to be operating as intended. I did however notice condensation in my driver side fog light after I got my chrome fog light cover replaced. I really, really hope I don't have to take the car in again.
I just stopped worrying about it, I've chased it down enough and it seems to be operating as intended. I did however notice condensation in my driver side fog light after I got my chrome fog light cover replaced. I really, really hope I don't have to take the car in again.
#15
Guys,
What was the outcome of this? I just picked up my GLK this week and noticed the condensation. Build date was December/09. Is MB saying this is normal or is it a defect?
On another note, I'm just starting to mess with all the controls and commands and am finding it frustrating that I just can't turn the radio off without turning the whole command module off. How do you just turn off the radio, but leave the navi on? Sounds silly doesn't it? In the mean while, I've been muting the radio, or switching it to Aux. There's got to be another way.
Also, on the Navi, what is the voice command that simply routes you to your "my address". In my other vehicles, I just have to say "destination Home" and the navi takes me there. How is that done in the GLK Navi?
Thanks in advance.
What was the outcome of this? I just picked up my GLK this week and noticed the condensation. Build date was December/09. Is MB saying this is normal or is it a defect?
On another note, I'm just starting to mess with all the controls and commands and am finding it frustrating that I just can't turn the radio off without turning the whole command module off. How do you just turn off the radio, but leave the navi on? Sounds silly doesn't it? In the mean while, I've been muting the radio, or switching it to Aux. There's got to be another way.
Also, on the Navi, what is the voice command that simply routes you to your "my address". In my other vehicles, I just have to say "destination Home" and the navi takes me there. How is that done in the GLK Navi?
Thanks in advance.
#16
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2010 GLK350 4Matic / 2007 Infiniti G35S / 2005 Acura TL - All of them Loaded
Thanks dwlovell.
The condensation seems to go away. Just wondering if it will get to the point where it starts making the silver paint on the inside peel or prematurely burns out the bulbs, rusts exposed wires, or affects cornering lights performance.
Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
The condensation seems to go away. Just wondering if it will get to the point where it starts making the silver paint on the inside peel or prematurely burns out the bulbs, rusts exposed wires, or affects cornering lights performance.
Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
#17
Thanks dwlovell.
The condensation seems to go away. Just wondering if it will get to the point where it starts making the silver paint on the inside peel or prematurely burns out the bulbs, rusts exposed wires, or affects cornering lights performance.
Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
The condensation seems to go away. Just wondering if it will get to the point where it starts making the silver paint on the inside peel or prematurely burns out the bulbs, rusts exposed wires, or affects cornering lights performance.
Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
- you never saw it at all again (my experience)
- you see it somewhat regularly, but it goes away shortly after your trip/day is over (ie: same day within hours)
- you see it regularly and it takes more than a few hours to clear, etc
#18
As I posted many times, after checking with MB slight condensation that appears and goes away is normal and is operating as intended.
If it begins to pool water then it is defective.
Have a little faith and stop asking the same question over and over or see a service advisor.
If it begins to pool water then it is defective.
Have a little faith and stop asking the same question over and over or see a service advisor.
#19
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
...... bump! Some here are still reporting issues with this. Over time it will cause the reflector and inner lens to become dull. I do have some moisture in the right headlight, not the left side (drivers side)... Only the right side (pss.side) assembly has this gap on my car, and it is the only one that fogs up! Hmmmmm?
Last edited by MBRedux; 10-25-2010 at 04:38 PM.
#20
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From: Old Dominion
2015 VW GTI.S4; 2016 Audi Q3 Prestige
Bump - MBRedux - you mentioned this was not a problem anymore, but your last post here seems to indicate open question still.
I assume KAMEN's guideline succinctly puts it best:
Slight condensation that appears and goes away is normal and is operating as intended.
If it begins to pool water then it is defective.
I assume KAMEN's guideline succinctly puts it best:
Slight condensation that appears and goes away is normal and is operating as intended.
If it begins to pool water then it is defective.
#21
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
Stupid Question #8,569 in an endless series:
Mr. MBRedux,
Why don't you insist that M-B replace your passenger side headlight assembly under warranty? Huh??????????????
Wayne
Mr. MBRedux,
Why don't you insist that M-B replace your passenger side headlight assembly under warranty? Huh??????????????
Wayne
#22
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
Bump - MBRedux - you mentioned this was not a problem anymore, but your last post here seems to indicate open question still.
I assume KAMEN's guideline succinctly puts it best:
Slight condensation that appears and goes away is normal and is operating as intended.
If it begins to pool water then it is defective.
I assume KAMEN's guideline succinctly puts it best:
Slight condensation that appears and goes away is normal and is operating as intended.
If it begins to pool water then it is defective.
Update:
There is no problem. It's normal.
#24
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
Actually in all honesty, I do't like the fact that moisture filled air can get into the headlight assembly anymore than you all do. I was at a car meet over the summer, and a Hella automotive specialist told me that if these HID headlights weren't well vented, they would overheat regularly thus sacrificing bulb life.... & they are expensive. He also said that we shouldn't worry about the condensation, unless it doesn't go away with use. I explained my concern with inner panel discoloration, lens fogging and corrosion. He brushed it off claiming that every OEM application they manufacture for the industry does this, that the better the ventilation, the better the headlight unit.... so go figure..
#25
Hi,
I realize this is a very old thread, but I would like to be able to follow it to troubleshoot my car.
The pictures in this guide no longer load, would anyone happen to still have them?
Thanks!
I realize this is a very old thread, but I would like to be able to follow it to troubleshoot my car.
The pictures in this guide no longer load, would anyone happen to still have them?
Thanks!