Headlight has "foggy" spots on the inside. Suggestions?

"valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option" (valsidalv) 10/08/2015 at 13:57 • Filed to: None

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Title says it all. One of my headlights has this weird spotting going on. It appears to be on the inside of the light (but I may be wrong). It’s not a uniform haze but rather sporadic cloudiness. I have never seen any moisture inside the lamp, though. Here’s another pic with the light turned on. Has anyone experienced anything like this before?

I have a Meguiar’s restoration kit... but that’s only good on the outside.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 14:03

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Fire worked for the Zenvo.

Wacko > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 14:03

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Replace or remove, open, clean reseal. make sure seals are good on bulbs.

or you can turn it into a super car with this

OPPOsaurus WRX > Wacko 10/08/2015 at 14:06

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lol u beat me too it

Wacko > OPPOsaurus WRX 10/08/2015 at 14:10

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i had to offer the best advise possible, hey we are all friends here.

asenna > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 14:25

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If you are married rejoice because this is the perfect excuse to buy a new car!

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 14:29

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New car

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 10/08/2015 at 14:36

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True story. Better look at spare cars as well. I recommend having a spare S class to 2 around, just in case.

Tohru > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 14:43

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Time to sell your G35.

BloodlessWeevil > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 14:50

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Unless you see condensation, it is on the outside. Your restoration kit should do it. I usually just buff headlights with boat windshield polish. Never tried anything made specifically for headlights.

Svend > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 15:04

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If it’s fogging on the inside and not on the outside (ever so slightly rough to the touch), open the back of the headlight by removing the bulbs and any gap covers and if you live in a warm place park towards the sun, if not use a hair dryer on the front of the headlight and allow the lense to warm up, this will allow the moisture to evaporate and then from time to time blow into the rear of the unit.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Svend 10/08/2015 at 15:12

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If it is moisture wouldn’t this effect come and go? I’ll try out your suggestion either way, but I’ve also read that there is a coating inside the lamp which can deteriorate over time. Hopefully that isn’t the case...

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > BloodlessWeevil 10/08/2015 at 15:14

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I’ll try the kit out. I read there is some sort of coating inside the headlight which might be the issue, but I hope it’s not it.

Sam > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 15:17

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You’ll need to replace the seals and make sure there aren’t any leaks.

ColoradoTaco > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 15:17

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Looks like condensation right there. Are the housings easy to remove? I’d take them out and look for breaks in the seal or the back covers to the bulbs. Allow them to air out and reseal if possible.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 15:17

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Those kits for headlight restoration are kinda unnecessary. A regular rubbing compound will work for cleaning up headlights. Alternatively, toothpaste works too but doesn’t seem to last nearly as long. The only thing missing from using either of those is UV protection. I have seen people clear coat their headlights to accomplish this.

Svend > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 15:21

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I’ve not heard of a coating on the inside of the unit but know the outside does have a UV coating which needs replaced if you polish any exterior clouding or fogging off. The inside can warp though over time as the heat from the bulbs gets too hot and there’s no airflow to cool down the lense. If this is the case then the best thing is to replace the headlight unit.

This is a quick fix as the moisture (as you said) may be a one off or you may have a broken seal somewhere. While the bulbs are out check round any openings, seals and gaskets and wipe down with either a good all purpose cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt and debris before reinstalling.

Needmoargarage > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 10/08/2015 at 16:23

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The only way I’ve totally eliminated this problem is by rebuilding the headlight. It’s not a fun job.

Pull the headlight, heat up joint between lens and plastic housing, pull the two apart, clean, reapply sealant, put back together. It’s tedious and you face the risk of entirely melting the headlight altogether if you aren’t careful.

But before all that, check the seals between the bulbs and housing. If any of those are shot, replace them after letting the headlight air out.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Needmoargarage 10/08/2015 at 18:00

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Well, shit.