Condensation in light assembly. Normal?
- Thread starter zarga
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JExpedition07
That One Member
It's nothing to be concerned about. If the seals start leaking like crazy and you get water droplets inside the dealer should fix under warranty. Usually Ford doesn't get bad headlights and taillights like BMW. Mine are over ten years old and still have no fading or moisture inside. If the temp and humidity is just right this can occasionally happen on any vehicle.
aggiegrad05
Full Access Members
Yep, totally normal. Actually, if you look right here, there’s a little hole in the plexiglass. I thought it was a defect or damage until I saw it was on both sides and read in the manual what edizzle mentioned. 
From the manual:
Condensation in the Exterior Front Lamps and Rear Lamps
Exterior front lamps and rear lamps have vents to accommodate normal changes in air pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal condensation occurs, a fine mist can form on the interior of the lens. The fine mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during normal operation.
Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
The presence of a fine mist (no streaks, drip marks or large droplets).
A fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens.
Examples of unacceptable condensation are:
A water puddle inside the lamp.
Streaks, drip marks or large droplets present on the interior of the lens.
If you see any unacceptable condensation, have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
From the manual:
Condensation in the Exterior Front Lamps and Rear Lamps
Exterior front lamps and rear lamps have vents to accommodate normal changes in air pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal condensation occurs, a fine mist can form on the interior of the lens. The fine mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during normal operation.
Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
The presence of a fine mist (no streaks, drip marks or large droplets).
A fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens.
Examples of unacceptable condensation are:
A water puddle inside the lamp.
Streaks, drip marks or large droplets present on the interior of the lens.
If you see any unacceptable condensation, have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
That’s not a hole, it’s a divot left over from the manufacturing process that someone at Ford saved a couple pennies per lense by using a single injection port in the center of the mold vs multiple ones around the entire perimeter. The vent is on he back side of the assembly.
aggiegrad05
Full Access Members
Ha! You are correct (although I did have to confirm) and I feel dumb. Oh well, it happens occasionally.
No need to feel dumb, I literally had the the same initial reaction as you. I saw it while refueling, said to myself ‘WTH’, pulled out my pocket screwdriver, checked to see if it was a hole or a cavity, determined it wasn’t a hole, said ‘WTH’ again, walked around to the other side, saw the passenger side tail lamp had the same divot, said ‘WTH’ one more time for good measure, walked around the front and inspected the headlamps, found no such divots, said to myself ‘phew’, and then the fuel filler clicked.
Flexpedition
Full Access Members
Until I start seeing every other NEW car on the road with fogged lenses, I'm not sure I'd consider that normal.
My first thought was it could be a byproduct of LEDs not generating incandescent heat, but we've had several vehicles with LED tail lights and not a single one of them clouded over like that with condensation. Notta one.
I'd have to start experimenting with heat tape or something on the backside of the assembly.
My first thought was it could be a byproduct of LEDs not generating incandescent heat, but we've had several vehicles with LED tail lights and not a single one of them clouded over like that with condensation. Notta one.
I'd have to start experimenting with heat tape or something on the backside of the assembly.
Over time this will discolor the inside of lens. I had a Lincoln, with foggy headlights. I replaced them, for this reason. The new one started doing it also. I wound up using a RTV, silicone sealant, around the seams and problem went away. Have the dealer write it up and keep a record of what they do. Moisture and electrical don't mix. Bulbs and sockets, can be damaged.
1HeliCFI
Member
My guess is that this will be a bigger issue with LED vs traditional bulbs. the lens never gets hot enough to dry the condensation. Just like snow collects on LED stoplights when it never did with regular bulbs.
Here is the funny thing.. I took my car in for the first oil change to the dealer. They gave me a free car wash as part of the deal. When I got home I noticed my right tail light had a LOT of water in it. They must have used a high pressure sprayer that put it in. After two weeks of hot dry weather it is still has a lot of water in it.
mine came from the dealer that
Mine came from the dealer that way. Pulled the taillight assembly, removed the bulb assemblies, poured out a cup of water, and used a small hose hooked to a blow gun to blow out the rest and dry. Still trying to figure out how it got in there. I am thinking that with the shape of the light assemblies that using a high pressure sprayer spraying from the front to the rear causes the stream to go between the taillight assembly and the body, hits the bulb assembly and forces it's way through the seal into the assembly.
Mine came from the dealer that way. Pulled the taillight assembly, removed the bulb assemblies, poured out a cup of water, and used a small hose hooked to a blow gun to blow out the rest and dry. Still trying to figure out how it got in there. I am thinking that with the shape of the light assemblies that using a high pressure sprayer spraying from the front to the rear causes the stream to go between the taillight assembly and the body, hits the bulb assembly and forces it's way through the seal into the assembly.
Folks this is not normal for condensation to build up. I used to make the head lights and tail lights as a Tier I to Ford and other OEM's. I just purchased a 2018 Ford Expedition Limited 1/2/2019 and washed it today (1/5/2019) with a water hose no high pressure involved. Condensation developed in both head lights and remained for over 3 hours. This is not a normal condition! This would normally be found with inexpensive aftermarket lights where seals break very quickly. I am going to alert FKTP (Ford Kentucky Truck Plant) to get their input. I still have my 2003 Ford Expedition (perfect condition) and it has never had a condensation issue in any of the lights. Never!
Just picked up our 2019 Navigator yesterday. It too had a slight condensation in the headlamp. I fear this will only get worse. It rained today so I will check it closer in the sunlight tomorrow. Our last 2007 Navigator was 10 years old and never had condensation.
1955moose
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Condensation inside any lamp is a no no. Moisture will overheat the plug going to the bulb, and burn them out premature. Too much moisture can actually cause a small fire, if the fuse doesn't trip. It's something you want jump on now. Water and electricity are a bad combo. Don't believe that, bring a hairdryer to your bathtub next time you want to take a bubble bath!
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SpeedyFreedy
New Member
Hey all, just bought my first Ford (2018 FX4 XLT Expedition) a week ago after years of Chevy ownership...and the darn taillight is full of water! The 'big droplet' kind. So, where my Tahoe rarely saw the inside of a shop bay for 16 years, here I am missing my big red Ford (which is sitting in the cold at the dealer) and joining you good folks on a Ford forum! Thank you for your input and (future) advice!
Mine had it on delivery, dealer replaced the rear passenger light, didn't even blink, I pointed it out, he booked it in immediately. Pity they couldn't straighten the tailgate, apparently its "within tolerances". I have barn doors made to closer tolerances.
I do that all the time.
No fun at all. Those damn GFIs.
And the banks don't give toasters anymore....BORING!!!!
View attachment 38491 View attachment 38492 View attachment 38491 View attachment 38492 Second owner of my 2018 Limited. Usually happens after a wash. Unfortunately sitting at 40,000 miles so I'm past the bumper to bumper. Ford dealership wants me to bring it in when it happens again for them to look for hairline cracks. Hopefully I can talk them into replacing because when the moisture is present it becomes a safety hazard because the brake light stops working. View attachment 38491 View attachment 38492
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