headlamp condensation.

[paul999]

A new nearside headlamp was fitted prior to my purchasing my XKR "carbon fibre" model.The offside headlamp now has condensation inside.Does anyone know of a way to cure or indeed prevent this problem please?

[mike020150]

Hi Paul,
In essence, most X100 XK8s/Rs (and some X150s) suffer from headlight condensation to a greater or lesser extent. Early cars lacked a drain/vent which made the problem worse but it persisted long after Jaguar modified the lamp unit and introduced a retrofit kit. Running the headlights for a few minutes after washing the car may help minimise the effect by drying them out. Although unsightly, the dampness typically takes many years to damage the lamp silvering to the point when light output is limited significantly. Mike.

[Nik]

Just to add to what Mike says , try placing a bag of silica gel crystals in the headlamp , simply remove the clear plastic top cover and pop the bag in the top ,
my wife made up some cotton bags about 5" X 3" that hold quite a lot of crystals , obviously they need sewing closed once filled , they fit into the top aperture readily , I dry the bags out on a hot radiator every couple of months to rejuvenate the crystals ,

Hope this helps ,

Nik

[paul999]

Many thanks Mike and Nick for your replies.Its a relief to know that the headlight should last a while even with the condensation.I had considered the silica gel but thought it would need to be in the headlight itself.I now have the confidence to try it. Paul.

[Nik]

I had considered the silica gel but thought it would need to be in the headlight itself.I now have the confidence to try it. Paul.

By removing the clear plastic tops and placing the gel crystals inside it communicates to all the headlamp internals ,

All the best ,

Nik

[SWF]

When the crystals are saturated, condensation returns. Depends on the moisture level in the atmosphere. It's a design fault and I feel there is no cure.

[BrizzleJag]

Hi Paul,
In essence, most X100 XK8s/Rs (and some X150s) suffer from headlight condensation to a greater or lesser extent. Early cars lacked a drain/vent which made the problem worse but it persisted long after Jaguar modified the lamp unit and introduced a retrofit kit. Running the headlights for a few minutes after washing the car may help minimise the effect by drying them out. Although unsightly, the dampness typically takes many years to damage the lamp silvering to the point when light output is limited significantly. Mike.

Does anyone know when Jaguar started fitting the drain/vent? Are they accessible so you can check for blockages without removing the whole unit?

[xrjohnny]

I had same trouble with offside headlight condensation - tried removing it splitting it & resealed it with silicon- was only partially successful - ended up buying a new headlamp lens which comes with a new seal £200 ouch ( the old lens was discoloured & water damaged ) also got a new access cover which again comes with new seal - no more condensation in that headlamp.
Don't know if you can get just the seals - I couldn't find them
but its an easy job just 3 bolts & wiring connections - make sure you completely remove the one underneath.
John

[xrjohnny]

also tried drilling the hole - unsuccessful - the trouble is water gets inside from washing or rain when the seals loose their elasticity & cant get out

[BrizzleJag]

Thanks Jonny

[BrizzleJag]

Condensation problem tracked down to a broken lug on the clear inspection cover. £8.34 replacement from SNG Barratt. Condensation removed with Mrs P hairdryer

[J44EAG]

You should see what builds in the dryer unit of an X350 air suspension compressor after thirteen years. Drying media gets minging wet...absolutely sopping in fact. Half a tea cup of soaking wet material. Changing that media is not on service schedules. The story is in the next May 2017 magazine.

The XK8 headlights have always had something of an issue as regards condensation. Silica gel can be very useful. especially if dried out on an as needs basis. Dew point due to hot and cold surface action is of course a natural occurrence. The golden rule always has to be that if you heat, then you also ventilate. Component leaks are also a nuisance.

Mike K

[BrizzleJag]

It has been five days since sorting it out and so far no condensation, but then the weather has been favourable. As you say there will always be a degree of condensation with these light units. The other gets minor build up but then quickly dissipates but until I replaced the cover on the offside one it was steadily getting worse and not clearing at all.

[FrankC]

I had a bit of bodywork done where they removed and put back the headlight. From that point on I had BAD internal water problems in my left headlight. Literally could see a quarter of an inch of water in there.

The rest I will leave you to read http://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.p ... post983353

Ever since I did the 'repair', for want of a better word, I have had NO problems since. Despite very heavy downpours, driving in rain, washing the car etc. Kept dry.

Hope this helps.

[FrankC]

Thats fine, dont mention it.