9-5 Edna Headlights misting

[fka]

Hi all

Having driven through heavy rain a few weeks back and again last weekend in the dry but after using my washers, I've noticed the headlight clear plastic covers are misting inside the headlight casing.
It's only a very light fog that clears after a few mins with the headlights on (I drive with headlights on permanently.). And is only apparent after driving. If it rains or I use the washers and the car is at a standstill, there is no misting. The rubber covers on the back of the units are on securely, there doesn't appear to be any damage or cracking on the headlights. I haven't yet checked of the drain/vent hoses are connected/blocked.
Just wondered if this is normal?

Cheers
Dave

[Audax]

Not really normal, I'd park the car facing the sun on a sunny day and take the backs of the lamps and let them circulate some air for 20 minutes or until they are clear and then put the covers back and see if the problem goes away.

[fka]

Thanks, I'll give that a try.
Think my worry is that, as it only seems to be a problem when driving. Moister is being forced in by air pressure and as there's no obvious cracking, the seal between the casing and the clear plastic cover *edit* has failed.
I'm also guessing, as it clears very quickly, ventilation isn't an issue..
D

[Audax]

Well, you said it disappears when the lights are on, I'm assuming that would be from the heat given out from the lights turning the water into vapour in the lamp and then when you park up it cools down again resulting in condensation. Usually just letting out the damp air will fix a problem like that, if not then yes it's likely that the lamp covers are peeling away from the rest of the headlight unit but I'd try the quick and simple thing first.

[fka]

It's actually clears a few mins after shutting off the engine/lights. I first noticed it when I've parked up and left the lights on.
But certainly, I'll try clearing and preexisting moisture before I go any further.
Cheers
D

[fka]

Sorry that sounds totally contrary! I was trying to type on my phone, standing on a busy train..
What I mean is it's there when the lights are on, if the car stops moving it clears quickly, with the lights on or off. It's not that I turn the lights off and it fogs up all of sudden. Anywho..

[sgould]

The workshop manual says that the 6 inch rubber pipes below the headlamps need to be installed without kinks. Otherwise the lights mist up.

[fka]

Oh superb! I missed the large highlighted "IMPORTANT" note. That's dyslexia for you 

I guess the big black arrow is pointing towards the drain pipe? Because I can't see that pipe on either side of my car...

**edit** Just had another good look after finding a video showing the hose on the lamp casing. I can see the one on the offside light and it's pointing upwards 
I'd planned to change the cam cover gasket at the weekend, so I'll pull the bumper forward whist I'm at it and see if I can straighten the hoses out without having to remove the headlights.

Thank you both! I think I'll call this one solved.

[sgould]

The bumper is quick and easy on the Dame Edna.  The two bolts at the front of each wheel arch, the two bolts and two plastic fasteners across the top.  Pull out the sides under the headlamps and the bumper falls forward.  I didn't undo the bolts across the bottom.  Headlamps are fixed with the small bolt on top and two 10mm ones below.

[fka]

I was kind of worried about altering the headlight alignment if I actually unbolt the unit, so hoped to be able to get enough access to the drain hose by dropping the bumper forward as you suggest.
Is the alignment likely to change much if I take the whole unit off?

[Audax]

I was kind of worried about altering the headlight alignment if I actually unbolt the unit, so hoped to be able to get enough access to the drain hose by dropping the bumper forward as you suggest.
Is the alignment likely to change much if I take the whole unit off?

Shouldn't do but if you're worried just use some spray paint over the fixings before you remove the lights so you can align them the same afterwards.

[fka]

Top tip, thanks!

[fka]

Managed to get this sorted without removing the headlights. You can see in the pics below the drain hoses were clearly not routed correctly, with one kinked and pointing skywards, and the other pointing forwards.

Went for a quick blast in light drizzle, squirted the washers and the lights didn't mist up. So all good!

Thanks again for all the advice.

[sgould]

Good result!