{"id":12319,"date":"2020-02-28T06:50:20","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T14:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/?p=12319"},"modified":"2022-11-29T22:40:04","modified_gmt":"2022-11-30T06:40:04","slug":"water-in-headlights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/water-in-headlights\/","title":{"rendered":"Water in Your Headlights? [6 Steps to Help]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When a headlight has moisture or water inside of it, there are ways to fix the leak and get rid of the water. If water is in the headlights, the bulb can still work, but it has an impact on the brightness of the lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there is water in your headlights, you can replace the headlight or repair it. Although repairing your headlights is cheaper, replacing them can be faster. Replacement costs vary from $20 – $200+, and restoring it can cost less than $20 with the right tools. Fixing a headlight involves removal, evaporating all moisture, sealing, and replacement. In about an hour, you’ll have repaired or replaced it.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may be a bit of extra work to repair a headlight, but it can be worth it to save some money. But regardless of which way you choose to fix the problem, it’s important to take action because the water in the headlight(s) can impair night driving visibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Diagnose if Water is in Headlights Assembly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"headlight <\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

To know if there is water in your headlight assembly<\/strong> (I’ll also be calling it headlight & housing),  you will see a pool of water collecting in the headlight<\/a>. It may also appear as moisture and water droplets on the inside of the headlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if you notice water moisture one day, and then it is gone later? Then you may have seen moisture on the outside of the headlight, or the moisture has found a way to escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way to make sure there is moisture in the headlight is to use a flashlight<\/strong> to check for any moisture or pooling water on the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your headlight is hazy, try to clear it off by using one haze removal method<\/a>, or you can just place some water on a rag<\/strong> and apply it to the headlight to temporarily see clearly inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are still not sure, the next step would be to look carefully around the headlight for any cracks where water could enter and check the seal<\/strong> where the light bulb is inserted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will need to open the hood<\/a> and may need to take out the headlight to thoroughly examine the headlight housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If Water is Found in the Headlight Assembly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What If you have not found <\/strong>any water <\/strong>or moisture in the headlight, but there is a crack? Then the seal for the bulb is likely letting moisture in. You will need to fix those problems by following the steps under the next heading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have <\/strong>found water <\/strong>or moisture in the headlight<\/a>, there are several steps you can take to remove it. Your headlights can be sealed up, so they don’t let in moisture anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may need one or more of the tools listed to help you with your job. A flat head and Philips head screwdriver may be needed, as a pair of needle noses or regular pliers, a socket set, and possibly rubber gloves if wanted. Don’t forget some sealant for any cracks if necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gloves<\/p><\/th>

Sealant <\/span><\/p><\/th>

Pliers<\/p><\/th>

Socket Set<\/p><\/th>

Phillips and Flathead Screw Drivers <\/span><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>

<\/a>\"\" <\/td><\/a><\/td><\/a><\/td><\/a><\/td><\/a>\"\"<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
AD<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Steps to Take out the Headlight Assembly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have identified water in the headlight<\/a>, a leak, or a crack, the next step would be to take out the headlight to fix it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This involves removing any clips, any screws holding the headlight in place, pressing any tabs that might hold the headlight, and carefully taking out the headlight bulb or disconnecting the wire, depending on the headlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 1. Screws, Nuts, Tabs, and Clips<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"headlight <\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Remove any screws or clips holding the headlight in place. See if there are any tabs that need to be pressed in order to release the headlight assembly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a repair manual<\/strong> or find out information online to understand the correct procedures. Some jobs may require you to take off the bumper, turn signal, or other items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To take out the screws or bolts. Sometimes you will need to check for any tabs that may be holding the headlight in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may need to wiggle it as you pull<\/strong> it out. If it doesn’t pull out, check and see if the wiring is preventing movement, tabs, or another hidden screw or bolt<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other cars may have clips that hold<\/a> the headlight assembly in place. So, look behind the light<\/strong> and see if you find any clips holding it in place. Some require pulling, and others pinching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pull on the assembly to see if it is free. Then you can go to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a good idea to watch a couple of<\/strong> videos for your car make and model before trying to take out the headlight assembly. Sometimes it’s easy, but other times you may need an hour or more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this video, you can see how an entire headlight assembly is replaced. Sometimes a crack is too severe to easily fix, and it might be worth it to replace the headlight assembly altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=L9lb2nZyBok<\/a>