Would like to get rid of the moisture that has collected inside one of my headlight enclosure. Not sure HOW to remove the headlight bulb or? to gain access for a blow-drier... Any ideas on how a novice mechanic can accomplish it without breaking something (smile)?

 

Common problem: drill 1 or 2 8mm vent holes in the large transparent plastic cover on top of the headlight housing and then simply warm the glass from the outside with the hair dryer until the water has gone. The two holes should prevent 95% of the problem reoccurring in the future.

 

A friend of mine on this forum has the same issue. My concern is wouldn't the drilled holes let water/dirt/dust in? Perhaps rubber plugs similar to those used by Paintless Dent Removal techs to plug holes they drill to access damaged panels from the inside?

 

Also check the inner fender liner panels are still attached (and there). I had this issue, and a missing fender liner panel. Panel replaced, no more moisture.

 

Will check the panel...and will think about drilling the holes then plug them after... Great support guys!!

 

XKRoo,
Since I bought my 2002 XKR about 3 years ago, I have always had a lot of moisture in the driver's side headlight but not passenger side til about a month ago. It then started on passenger side as well. Twice, I took a hair dryer, heated up the glass until the moisture disappeared, covered my car with its weatherproof cover for the night, only to find that by 6am the next morning, moisture had returned. Last Saturday, I went out to my car in the morning to find both headlights completely dry for the first time ever! It's been that way for the last 3 days, we had rain on Sunday (briefly), and still everything is dry. I have no idea what changed as I have made no alterations, holes. added silica gel or anything else. Magic!

 

I removed the top clear cover from the light units on mine and used it for a few weeks, the 3 mm of water that was sloshing in the light has gone and not even the slightest hint of condensation has returned.

My advice would be don't rush it or you'll end up needing a new light unit!

 

The panels are there... For starters I will remove the clear cover for a few days and see if that solves the problem...thanks again all who responded.

 

My 98 developed the same problem, I removed the plastic covers, turned the lights on and went for a drive, a few miles later, no condensation. I haven't bothered to put the covers back on, but when I see condensation I just run the lights. No dust inside yet, but plan to drill and install easily removed plugs.

 

It's a standard Jag fix, my dealer did it for free...

 

problem solved... thanks to all who contributed information.

 

New lights? Drilled panels? Hair dryer? Or just whipped em out?

 

Had Jag of Tacoma do the mod...all OK