- Problem Abstract: REAL solution to headlamp moisture
- Reported By: ()
- Year: 1997
- Model: GT
- Mileage: 18000
- Applicable Options:
- Solution: see "comments" below
- Cost: 0
- Other: Several "solutions" have been proposed, but they are unlikely to work. Headlamps of 1997-98 Grand Prix were sealed with a brittle (white) sealant that cracked with heat and vibrations. When the lamp is ON the air inside the lamp expands; when it is turned OFF it cools and contracts -pulling moist outside air in through the cracks. Moisture accumulates because the relative humidity of the hot air inside is very low -allowing moisture to concentrate to levels much higher than in ambient air. As the headlamp cools down, the moisture precipitates in the front lens. "Driving the car for 4 hours" -as has been proposed- will evaporate the water droplets -so you will not see the moisture -but it will still be there as invisible water vapor, and will re-condensate in the lens after the headlamp cools again, or will re-enter the headlamp the same way it entered the first time...(I know, I tried it...) "Drilling a breather hole" will not work either (unless it is a huge hole). First of all, the lamps already have a "breather hole" covered by a ventilation valve (light gray button behind the lamp). The ventilation hole can be opened by just pulling the button out. An open breather hole would allow moisture to to escape fast, but moisture will also enter through the same hole, so humidity may improve, but some moisture WILL remain. There is NO WAY to completely and permanently remove the moisture once it is inside the lamp. I recommend that you have the dealer replace both headlamps with new lamps (1999) before your warranty runs out. The new headlamps have a CLEAR-GRAY sealant (look around the edge of the glass cover) that keeps the lamp air-tight. There have been very few moisture problems reported in 1999 models. Good Luck.
- Date Entered: 3/4/1999 at 20:43:54 CST
- From IP: (209.91.207.188)