Condensation - headlamp(s)

DaveW · Unread post by **DaveW** » 16 Apr 2008, 16:02

Hi all,

I've noticed that there is quite severe condensation on the inner surface of the glass of the near side headlamp.

Has anyone else ever had this problem and if so, how did you cure it?

Dave.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 16 Apr 2008, 16:31

I've never seen it on either of my MK1s Dave although once a little on my MK2 during a period of disuse and exceptional weather.

Check the rear cover is tightly and properly in place and inspect the glass for a tiny crack.

DaveW · Unread post by **DaveW** » 16 Apr 2008, 16:53

Thanks, Jim.

I can't see any cracks with the unit in situ so I will pull it out and give it a careful inspection.

Dave.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 16 Apr 2008, 17:24

It could also be the mastic seal breaking down where the glass bonds to the plastic reflector housing Dave.

DaveW · Unread post by **DaveW** » 16 Apr 2008, 17:43

Found the problem.

One of the two lower clips that hold the glass in place has gone AWOL. The headlamp body can be flexed sufficiently to allow moisture in between the glass and the seal.

Thanks for the responses.

Dave.

mezuk04 · Unread post by **mezuk04** » 16 Apr 2008, 17:53

Is it that cheap and easy to fix the same problem with double glazing windows

Unread post by **myglaren** » 16 Apr 2008, 18:34

mezuk04 wrote:Is it that cheap and easy to fix the same problem with double glazing windows

No, is the short answer.

I work for a company that manufactures double glazing units and if there were a simple cheap way of fixing those units that were breached I am dead certain they they would employ it.

WB

As it is they scrap them and fit a new unit.

That said, they are not difficult to get out of the frame. Pop the beading with w flat scraper and stanley knife, measure the unit and get a local company to produce a new one for you.

Try and get it direct as fitters will charge a premium four sourcing and fitting, or get someone at the factory to do it as a 'guvvy' job.

I won't be at work for another month or so so won't be able to give you any indications of pricing - not something I am involved in but one of the lads at work made and fitted a non opening window for my daughter, approximately 70x50cm for £50. It went through the books as a legit job.

DaveW · Unread post by **DaveW** » 18 Apr 2008, 14:50

Just a quick update.

I phoned a couple of Citroen dealers in an attempt to buy some clips (phoned GSF first - no go) but was told the clips are only supplied with the replacement lens kit and not separately. Out of interest, I enquired the price of the kit - £69 + VAT !!!!! --- for a piece of glass and a handful of clips ----wow!

I fabricated a couple of clips from some spring steel I had lying around, cleaned and de-greased the perimeter of the lens and applied a thin bead of silicone sealant from a part used tube.
Total cost - my time (about 3/4 of an hour).

Dave

Unread post by **myglaren** » 18 Apr 2008, 15:23

I did my Volvo headlights with just clear silicon, lasted until I scrapped the car a few years alter.

Unread post by **elma** » 19 Apr 2008, 02:38

If you do use silicon but want to be able to take apart the siliconed thing without cutting through the seal then appply washing up liquid to 1 surface first.
The silicon will not stick to the surface wih the wash up liquid so you get a good seal which still allows you to take apart the component easily.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 19 Apr 2008, 19:11

Funny this Xantia headlights problem -

On the BX there is no sealing cap at the lamp socket on the rear of the headlights housing. There is an opening for free air exchange.
I've never ever seen condensation on BX headlamps. I believe its because there is a chance for the heated up humid air to escape, and then the surrounding air is drawn in whenever the headlamp cools down.

That way the temp & humidity both sides the front glass of the headlamp remains the same - when there is no light to heat up the lamp.