Hello,

Sadly one of my headlights is starting to show signs of the seal failing. Its a 2022 model with the premium LT (ie standard) lights. I am just starting to think through options now the car is out of warrantee and the main dealer is looking for the price of a used unit just to take a look .
If I did pick up a used unit with the same part number would it need to be coded to my car? What would be the likely effect of not being coded?

 

My US MY2020 headlight design is a generation prior to your UK MY2022, but when I replaced my LED headlight assembly, it was a matter of simply unplugging the old unit and plugging in the new one. No coding was needed.

What are the signs or symptoms that indicate a leaking seal? Is moisture getting into the headlight? Is it possible to detect where the seal is failing and resealing it with silicone? I mention this as an option because a new unit will be expensive and a used unit might come with its own problems.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply, good to know a swap might be possible. Yes its condensation inside the unit. Not exactly causing problems at the moment but does not clear even after a couple of hours use of the lights. Resealing would be tempting but not sure how realistic a fix would be.

 

If water has collected in the headlight unit, you would continue to have condensate on the lens. There are online posts by people who have drilled small holes in the bottom of the housing to allow water to drain. Mentioned were holes of 1/8 inch or about 3mm. Heat from the lights and electronics would then be able to dry out the remaining moisture over the course of several days' driving. LEDs don't run as hot as older xenon or halogen bulbs, but these assemblies' electronics must run pretty warm, as my headlight unit has a couple of large heat sink built in. Good luck and please let us know your progress.

 

Mine is a 2018 model year with LEDs from factory. Condensation happens during the winter months and disappear when the weather gets warmer. I don't think much of it as almost every BMW, Audi with LED headlights made un the past 5 years or so do the same when subjected to the same weather conditions.

 

Hi,

I have found a substantial section in the workshop manual on condensation in lights complete with photos of what Jaguar considers normal and abnormal. Notable bits for me are :-

• If there is not a pool of water collected at the bottom of the light, then its normal
• The lights are not sealed but can have breathers, drain tubes or membrane patches that can need clearing.

I currently have one headlight with noticeable condensation all the time and one that stays dry. This is also noted as normal in workshop manual

Previous car was a 911 where I had the rear lamp unit replaced under warrantee after it developed much less severe condensation. I might try finding the vents etc, or just stop looking at the car from the passenger side until next summer.
Cheers