Got major condensation inside the brake light lens
replacement parts are hard to source
any advice on a new part or repairing the existing part
XK 2008 4.2

 

My advice is to post your inquiry in the proper forum for your car or correct your Public Profile.



​​​​​​​

 

I haven't attempted to pull apart and reseal a tail lamp. Others have done so with the headlights. Hang in there. Someone will chime in.

 

I noted that @volvo940 edited his Post #1 to inform us that he has a 4.2L 2008 XK.

Unfortunately, I can't think of an easy way to eliminate that condensation. Be very careful when removing the outer assembly as it's very easy to break the pointy end.

 

Since it’s a 4.2L, it has incandescent brake/tail lights, so the housing isn’t totally sealed like the LED units on the 5.0 cars.
So carefully follow the procedure to change the light bulb, and while the bulb is out use a hair dryer to blow warm air in the hole to dry out the condensation. Don’t use a heat gun on a high setting that melts the plastic.
I don’t recall, but I think the housing has to be removed to change the bulb? If that’s the case, then it’s also a good time to inspect the unit to see where the moisture is getting in. (And as noted above, be careful to not break the pointy tip when pulling the unit out of the car body.)

 

As suggested remove unit carefully and use a hair dryer . I put mine on top of a radiator.
When reinstalling try putting a little Vaseline on the lamp holder to give a better seal .

They are expensive to replace even on EBay

Note the manual is wrong with number of nuts to remove. There is an extra one not mentioned. Maybe just the convertible user manual

 

If you can't find the source of the water ingress, Steve will have a used light.

https://www.cotswoldautoparts.co.uk/

Ours had a hairline crack in the plastic at the top flange but it's not easy to reseal. We replaced it with a used one from Steve and the problem has never returned.

Our 2006 4.2 coupe has two securing nuts, 8mm if I recall correctly.

Richard

 

On the 4.2 there are 2 physical nuts toward the trunk edge and then one press-fit stud near the fragile tip.
That press-fit can be tricky. I used a pliers to squeeze the fitting from inside the car to work the stud out.
(The 5.0 simplified things by using 3 physical nuts.)

 

I have a brand new replacement lens assembly that may be the correct side, I'd have to look at it (box in attic).