Corin-

Your headlight assemblies are not sealed units. They are vented to the atmosphere when you remove the lamps.

Have you ever replaced the headlamp bulbs? If so, it is possible they were replaced on a damp summer day, and now that the weather has turned cold the moisture is condensing on the cool outer surface.

-njjoe

 

Corin,

I had the same problem with my passenger side headlight and the dealership replaced it under warranty. Since then I have even run my MO through high pressure car washes with not one drop of moisture in either headlight. On the work order it says "replaced sealed beam headlamp assembly - internal failure". Not sure if they are different, but I have xenon HID lights (which by the way was a $670 part!)

 

RK2112-

The Halogen headlight assemblies are not sealed, but are vented to the atmosphere when you remove the bulbs. The HID units look to be completely sealed from the atmosphere, even when the lamps are removed.

-njjoe

 

njjoe,

I was just going by what was stated on my repair order.

rk2112

 

The MO's halogen headlight likely has a rubber drain tube to prevent condensation from building up. My Maxima has it. Look around to see if its kinked, or maybe use a pipecleaner to unclog the tube.

 

Thanks for the info, everyone. I do NOT have HIDs, so I guess it's not draining properly. Or maybe the headlight is not sitting properly. I've never removed it.

With the wetter weather we've been having the last few days, I'm noticing more and more condensation in my left light, and my right light has never had ANY.

I'll check the drain tubes and make sure the lamp is sitting properly. If that doesn't work, I'll take it to the dealer so that they can shrug their shoulders again. Thanks for the tips.

 

Corin,
In my (unqualified) opinion, looks like you may have a TSBable repair coming.

Take a look at nissanhelp.com. There is a TSB listed that addresses condensation in the headlights. According to it, the condensation at the bottom is (marginally) normal. That at the top, however, is out of place and too heavy to be considered "normal".

 

EXCELLENT!!!!

Thank you so very much!

However, it is listed under the 2004 recalls, not the 2005. While the headlight assembly hasn't changed, I have complete faith that my stupid dealer will claim that it doesn't warrent them doing any work...

Here's the TSB, for those who are interested. No steps to repair, but it does prove that this is a problem.

http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/Common/headlights.htm

AND, since it's getting even worse now, it's DEFINITELY not how that TSB describes "cloudy condensation". These are huge droplets all over my headlight.

Here's another picture taken this morning. ALL of those water droplets are INSIDE the headlight.

 

Corin-

It looks like you have your own little weather system brewing in there. I'd like to see how your dealer attempts to ignore this one.

-njjoe

 

The first thing the dealer will do is try to find a hole in the plastic of the headlight. Once you prove to them there is no hole, they might try to unkink/unclog the drain tube for you.

If you can locate the tube yourself, a quick shot of compressed air (the type you use to clean say, the inside of a computer with) might be enough to open up the tube. It will save you the frustration of returning to the $tealer.

 

Was there ever any update on how this turned out. My left headlight looks exactly the same and my lease is almost up, Im sure they will charge me if Im not informed on the topic.
Also any tips on to where this drain area is or easiest way to get to it would be appreicated.

 

MNMurray-

According to Nissan's Technical Bulletin NTB03-074b the fogging is considered normal. The following is an excerpt from the TB:

"Occasionally customers may notice water in the exterior lamps. This is generally NOT due to a defect."

If the dealer tries to charge you for the replacement of the lamps you can always reference the Technical Bulletin.

-njjoe

 

My left headlight looks exactly the same and my lease is almost up, Im sure they will charge me if Im not informed on the topic.

If all fails, on the day you plan to return the lease, take the bulbs out and blast compressed air into the HL until it dries out. Then take it back!

 

Was there ever any update on how this turned out. My left headlight looks exactly the same and my lease is almost up, Im sure they will charge me if Im not informed on the topic.
Also any tips on to where this drain area is or easiest way to get to it would be appreicated.

No update, sorry. I still get condensation in there, but I've just basically ignored it. My bulbs are still OK after 3 years (knock on wood) so it doesn't really seem to be a problem. It's just annoying that it does this, but I figure it's not worth me taking it into the dealer to have them claim it's normal and refuse to fix it.

I still think that I get more water than what Nissan really considers to be "normal", particularly on my left headlight. But I'd rather save my "Nissan-battling" energy for something bigger.

 

thanks for the feedback

Yes, I read the TSB highly technical diagrams they have in it!

I just noticed yesterday my above normal conditions, meaning it was beading up inside just like the last picture that was posted.

i went out and looked at it during lunch and noticed that the headlight is now not working guuuhhh The orange light still works but the actual headlight is not.

What a pain. Its raining now and suppose to rain/snow for a day or so, I guess i'll try to dry it out and see if it works again, I don't imagine those are cheap.

I haven't been able to detect any cracks but its hard to tell with mositure in there...