Rear lights steaming up

neilwaterhouse88

neilwaterhouse88

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Hey guys I had problems last year with my rear lights steaming up on my 59 a3 after I changed the bulbs, I thought I had damaged the seals but all looked ok and for the last 7 months or so they have been 100% fine and only the other day when the temp dropped did the problem return. The bulbs I changed to we're some " 50% brighter" from halfords or summer like that, they don't look much different but just thought that the reason for steaming may be that these bulbs may be getting hotter than the standard ones did is this a possibility? And what type of bulb would you recommend
Thanks a lot
 
Just put standard bulbs in, there is no need for your rear lights to be brighter...
 
Neil, almost certainly the problem lies with the seals. Otherwise how would the moisture get in. Brighter/hotter lamps would not normally cause this kind of problem. Short term fix would be to remove the lamps, and gently blow hot air from a hairdryer into the unit until is is nice and warm (not hot). That should remove the current moisture. Next time you have the units off, take a very detailed look at the seals and where they press (or don't press) against the bodywork. I would consider putting a very very light film of clear mastic on the seals before re-assembly, just to be sure. Another area to look at is the possibility of moisture in the boot, coming from a water leak through the rear wiper motor shaft/seals, or even a leaking washer pipe. Good luck.
 
Take the lights off, put a towel over a radiator, place the light on the radiator face down so the socket side is facing up to allow moisture to evaporate out.

Remove the seal around the socket as this can get wet and let it dry out over night.
 
Mine does this too. I got MY11s and they only months old. As soon as it cold it happens.
 
Would of said they weren't sat right then in the location slots as I changed mine last December and they have never steamed up and our MY10 car has never had any issues with steaming up...
 
Thanks for all your comment guys I've changed the bulbs back just in case it just strange that it didn't happen before I changed the bulbs, if it continues I'll re check all the seals thanks for all your responses
 
Mine used to do this on my old 3.2 (04 plate), checked the seals which were fine and even dried them out but still the problem continued. I even took the drastic action of drilling a small hole in them that could not be seen. It made it better but never fully cured the problem.
 
Ok so I've cleared all the condensation out now and had a good look at the lights, the only thing wrong I can see is that where the two small metal prongs clip into the bodywork one on each side is missing the rubber washer any ideas what this is called? Guess I'll have to pop to see audi
 
Rubber grommet for rear light locator plugs...

If these are missing then the lights won't of been sealed properly...
 
neilwaterhouse88 said:
Ok so I've cleared all the condensation out now and had a good look at the lights, the only thing wrong I can see is that where the two small metal prongs clip into the bodywork one on each side is missing the rubber washer any ideas what this is called? Guess I'll have to pop to see audi
Click to expand...

Neil - I doubt very much this is your problem - if the units are sealed as they should be it shouldn't matter about the locator grommets. It is far more likely to be a a seal problem where the circuit board & bulbs clip into the lens OR the moulding of the lens plastic edges. Maybe worth subjecting the seals to a rubber and seal feed product. Water passes around the cluster freely at all times in rain and washing so the locators won't have much to do with water ingress.
 
Thank you for your help, it's only when cold wheather comes around, water never get in there when I wash it or it rains, I took the seals out and cleaned them today which was when I noticed they were missing I'm just hoping the condensation doesn't return
 
No worries - if all else fails I have a perfectly good set of 3dr rear lights off my '07 S3 that need a good home. Not really after anything for them either. First refusal on offer to you!

** sorry just seen the MY '09 bit. Thought was there..
 
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