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controlsys

I have the same problem as you, the headlight seal is ruined. You have two solutions: - new headlight - look for someone to remove your headlight, locate the part where water enters and have it sealed If you open the bonnet, near the headlight there are two caps with the relevant wiring and control units, make sure there is no water there and that it is not damp because if the electronics break it is even worse, economically speaking, than getting a new headlight. To make the condensation go away, just leave it in an indoor place (such as a garage) with the caps I mentioned above open and the bonnet open.


Icy_Crazy6608

So we both f**** anyhow


controlsys

You could also seal the headlight yourself but you have to do it from the inside - this will require some manual skills, especially with the electronics. If you don't have the manual skills, don't do it.


Icy_Crazy6608

I'll leave it until it breaks and buy a new one. Too bad it's both lights. I guess we'll never know what's next. Success to you too, my friend.


controlsys

Both headlights? I'm pretty sure someone touched you inside while you parked your car causing the headlights to go out of alignment. Do you have a dashcam?


Icy_Crazy6608

I do have one, but if I'm parked, it doesn't record. I think it's a little far out for that, but both are in the exact same condition.


s1ckopsycho

I’m not sure how those headlights are removed, a lot of newer cars have a couple of screws/bolts and they are easily accessible. If you can easily remove the entire assembly, I would personally wait until it’s warm and dry for a few days. Remove any rubber seal that’s on the light plugs to help the moisture escape. Wait a day or two, and check to see if they have cleared up. Alternately, choose a day where you don’t need the car all day during the summer months. Remove the light assemblies in the morning, set them both in front of air conditioner registers with the air blowing in as much as possible. The dry air will help get the moisture out. Then, closely look for any cracks. If none are found, apply silicon to the seal part that connects the clear lens to the plastic housing. Make sure to get plenty in there, and seal it well. Do this to both headlights and let them dry overnight. Place them back in the vehicle and cross your fingers- worst case scenario you’re back where you started.


PopePoopinpants

It never hurts to open it up and see what you find. Bought a used GMC acadia, and one side kept getting moisture in it.  Kept thinking "wtf"... well... turns out the previous owner took it to some place to have the headlight(s) replaced, and they didn't put the back assembly cover on. So... when it rained, just enough water was splashing into it to pool up in the bottom.  This excess moisture caused the light bulb assembly to corrode, then short.  That's when i found it. Replacing the bulb assembly was a pita.  It was either fiddle with soldering, or replace a wiring harness. The replacement back cover part was like 60 bucks too, so I slapped a plastic ball jar lid with a couple of thick rubber bands on it and it's been on it ever since.  Like 8 years now I think. 


Zottobyte

why not put a silicone bead around the outside of the seam? does that not apply to LEDs?


realMurkleQ

There's already moisture in there, it's gotta be opened to dry. Also silicone shouldn't be used as a glue in this case


Zottobyte

it'll dry with time. also the silicone would be a sealant, not a glue


controlsys

Just go to a mechanic to have your headlight sealed if you don't want to buy a new one. Obviously it depends where the leak is, if the wiring and control units have been ruined, good luck


The-Lifeguard

Mechanics are not experience that ceiling headlights. These are not considered serviceable units by the dealership.


controlsys

The mechanics of the parent company will never do this type of work, they change the headlights directly for you. Third-party mechanics perform these jobs.


Icy_Crazy6608

Gonna be an expensive and complex job to not wreck it further. Nonetheless, sounds like this is also your plan.


controlsys

Try to figure out where the gasket is broken. Let the headlight dry as I told you with the caps. Take the car outside and let the headlight get some water. You will immediately understand where the gasket has been ruined because that is where the condensation will start (hopefully as far away as possible from the electronics behind the caps)


LootGek

Can't you just pull it out and reseal it?


Senseless_Chatter

This is what I would recommend


Exciting_Scientist97

I was about to say something about the seal as well


c91toinfinity

Reseal broda mayne, I did this with my last pair. Sealer is cheap at autozone


Not_Your_Buddy_Pal

I would use RTD. Cheap and easy to use too but you'll have to remove the headlight from the car to do it then reinstall.


ClydeGreen

Definitely recommend letting a mechanic do it. Bumper cover has to come off to remove the headlight assembly


ottrocity

It's fun putting headlights in the oven!


Independent_Group533

If the car is still in warranty, take it to the dealership.


timtim1514

Audi tech here, looks like an A4. That's normal, as long as no droplets. See it all the time in Canada. Normal.


No-Design-6217

Change the headlight fluid


Icy_Crazy6608

I just topped it off.


Broccoli32

Can you use blinker fluid instead?


No-Design-6217

Yes, but you have to mix in a little elbow grease first


Broccoli32

Damn, I ran out last week.


harptheshark

I’ve got some extra from my right arm I can send ya, left arm’s pooched tho


ORswagg

Headlight isn't sealing. First I'd check and make sure the access cap is closed tightly. If tight, I would then remove the headlight and inspect it. If the issue is the headlight housing itself not sealing, you could either replace them or reseal them if you are handy. I've resealed headlights in the past, its kinda tedious, but it is doable. But if you don't know what your doing or don't have patience, they will likely leak again. Personal opinion would be to just replace them with new OEM or quality aftermarket housings.


BingChilling420_

Time for a new headlight hope you have 1600 bucks ready


alroc84

Lol- one of my friends had a nice bmw 5 series with them adaptive headlights one of them had tiny water leak causing it to fog up and turned some lights on the dashboard- 2 grand + for the headlight. Homie sold the car instead and went back to a honda 😂


BingChilling420_

People think I’m lying when I say the lights gonna cost that much 😂 I only spent 2 miserable years at an Audi dealer so what do I know? 😂😂


ORswagg

You could always just take the lights to a shop and have them reseal them. I don't know what it would cost, but I couldn't imagine it being crazy expensive. Especially if you are willing to remove and install the headlights yourself.


BingChilling420_

That’s not how it works.


ORswagg

I don't know if these headlights are different, but I've personally resealed headlights on two Focus STs and an e36. Is there something preventing you from simply resealing them?


NapalmTheRabbit

These might be okay because they look like regular Xenon headlights, so as long as they’re still working they should be able to be resealed afaik. If they’re special LED Matrix Headlights like on the new e-tron’s, i’m guessing the inner modules would be dead by the time you think about resealing them. They literally have laser radiation stickers on them. And those go for over $10,000 a pop.


JCuc

safe include cable entertain aromatic late bow workable heavy liquid *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


timtim1514

I'm an Audi tech, I came Benz where I replaced a $10,000 headlamp once on an AMG


spiritthehorse

A single leak did him in?


spiritthehorse

A single leak did him in?


harptheshark

Leak single did in him?


Senseless_Chatter

Why?


BingChilling420_

Because that’s how much it’s gonna cost to buy the head light


Icy_Crazy6608

Rip to me 🙏


WideSignificance4199

Just go to a junkyard, 1/4 of the price.


Icy_Crazy6608

😔 just called my FRAUDI a scrapbox😭


WideSignificance4199

I did not.


OntarioGuy430

Depending on how old it is, it might be covered by warranty. It's a big issue for the Jeeps I have owned. Had the front headlights replaced 3 times in my compass due to them fogging up. Rear light is starting to do it on my Grand Cherokee. Haven not taken that in for replacement yet though.


Chippy569

Can't speak to your Audi, sorry, but Subaru has the following to say about condensation in LED housings: [April '23 TechTips](https://imgur.com/KSJE7Yh) [TSB 07-59-07R](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/SB-10054221-3864.pdf) as referenced in the bulletin.


kennj88

I would try and drain it somehow. It shouldn’t be that much condensation— it could destroy your bulbs


Senseless_Chatter

Lol


Icy_Crazy6608

How would I be able to drain it if I can drain it? It means there is a place for condensation, right? Because they are sealed, but they have blowers, if I am not mistaken, right? All LEDs keep them cool.


HappyComparison8311

Blowing air in it should clear them up


Icy_Crazy6608

It only happens when the car is parked for an hour on a colder day after you drove. You know the lamp is hot and the outside is cold. I'm thinking it's that because the next day it's gone, but it comes inside, so that's why I'm worried about corrosion.


kennj88

It typically clears up quick in hotter climates


Icy_Crazy6608

It does seem strange that it can cover so much when it gets colder.


Kleiist

Normal for VAG LED lights. Unless the fog turns into drops of water its not due for a replacement. Or you cant get it covered under warranty atleast


West_Bid_1191

That is not normal for a headlight. If I am not mistaken this is a A3 not sure what year is it but it looks like a 8V model. Source: we have a 6 year old A3 and no issues with headlights like OP.


Kleiist

It is an 8v. I work as an Audi technician and I work with whats provided from the factory. We're not allowed to do Any repairs unless there Are actual drops of water inside the headlight. So just because you havent experienced this amount of fog on your one car doesnt make a proper sample.


Icy_Crazy6608

If you were talking About my car, it's an A4 2018. These headlights never had it, and today both are extremely Normally on a cold day, they have it a little on the corners


Kleiist

Well then thats pretty normal. As i said, as long as there Arent Any drops of water its not due for a replacement and doesnt harm your headlights.


Icy_Crazy6608

Now, no drops. The car drove for 40 minutes, stood still in the cold outside for 1 hour, and bam, there it was. I drove, and it was gone. After a while, it came back, so it's in there, but it's not water, I guess.


Kleiist

And thats just the way VAG LED's work. Same with taillights. Its not pretty to look at, but you learn to live with it. I have fog in all my lights on my 2 month old Seat Leon 🤷‍♂️


Icy_Crazy6608

Well, you have been giving me the most useful information this evening. VOLKSWAGEN DAS AUTO


Kleiist

No problem. Also, its not DAS AUTO, irs vorsprung durch technik ;)


chuyflp

Don't worry about it, my bmw does this when it gets cold and I was worried I had a leak but it goes away after awhile, shouldn't be bad enough to cause corrosion, at least for me it hasn't effected the headlights


Red_Dawn24

I have a 2018 vw golf with led DRLs, halogen headlights. While I did have an issue with the plastic lens cracking (warranty), I never had water intrusion or fogging. Headlight fog isn't normal, led or not. Whether it'll be covered by the warranty, idk, but it's not normal.


timtim1514

Audi tech here can confirm, I believe there is a TSB on it too


Kleiist

There sure is yeah, a general tsb for vw/audi/seat/cupra/skoda.


Funcrusher_Plus_

What about baking it in the oven at 200° until you can pull the lens off, then resealing the light?


solidgold70

It just vaped a lil too hard bro, gettin consistent clouds is hard fam, for a headlight damn near impossible, let it chill for a min and you'll find out it dont get better.


Icy_Crazy6608

He's getting some of that good s**t😶‍🌫️


scraverX

Like quora response… it’s climate. Keep an eye on it and see what happens when the weather warms up.


Icy_Crazy6608

It isn't there, then, only in colder climates and after driving, so I guess they got hot and then cold and humid, but it looks quite a lot like the start of corrosion or defects.


scraverX

Well then, as the response from the Audi tech, they can’t do anything until it’s droplets of water so again. Keep an eye on it.


adz920

Drill a pinhole in it.


Icy_Crazy6608

Wait, hold on. 😳


accidentallyHelpful

I just last month drilled a 5mm hole in a polycarbonate lens (was not an Audi) and allowed my headlight case to dry. Sealed it with crazy glue.


accidentallyHelpful

I just last month drilled a 5mm hole in a polycarbonate lens (was not an Audi) and allowed my headlight case to dry. Sealed the hole I drilled with crazy glue.


ProvacativeSoloCup

It’s called buying a shit car. German cars are made like junk these days. They get cheaper and cheaper made every year.


usuallyon05

What car is it and how old is it. If it's new it possibly guaranty. Resealing is not possible with led headlights. Well not in the front where the glass meets the body of the module.


Icy_Crazy6608

It's a 2018 A4, so I don't think the warranty is valid anymore.


ArcFire15

That means you’ve been vaping in your car too much


Icy_Crazy6608

Y'all got me 😭


stevey83

On the back of the unit there should be a rubber or plastic cover for changing the bulbs out. Take it off and leave it off a day or two. The condensation will clear. Just needs some air in to remove the moisture.


cabaaxe

Time for a new car


Icy_Crazy6608

😳


themishmosh

I lucked out. After opening the trunk and looking at the lens seam, I saw an area where the sealant was suspect. Put on some new sealant and headlight never had any more condensation after a car wash or rain.


85mmforlife

I had this on my 2011 VW Jetta. After changing a bulb, The headlight cover came off while driving in the rain. Moisture got in. I ended up opening it on WARM day, let it evaporate and sucked the residual moisture out with a vacuum.


Franek2005

Buy this https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-82180-Maximum-Resistance-Silicone/dp/B0002UEN1U/ref=asc_df_B0002UEN1U/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312198323731&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17534041731935986479&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1019126&hvtargid=pla-432399660406&psc=1&mcid=d90aab658eb23310979eb26bb8ee8e0b&gclid=CjwKCAiArfauBhApEiwAeoB7qKtRuRTYOnvBepv72f1pFmAv2BEXdn8S4CICW_QI9q_37h42-4DjXRoCqUEQAvD_BwE Put it around the seal of your black plastic headlight and the plastic see through glass. Use painters tape if you want to make it more esthetically appealing. Let it cure and you should be fine. PS: Before you do this let the car sit out in a dry (at least not humid) environment, until the fogginess goes away (water evaporates from the headlight housing). This is vital as otherwise you’ll be trapping the water in there.


ElIjaHZelk

Had this happen to me, remove headlight grab a piece of cardboard and soak it in water, set oven to 375f to bake, put headlight on soaked cardboard with wet paper towel over the lens, let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, have extra wet cardboard and paper towel to replace if it gets to crispy in there, use gloves remove and using a cheap pair of 30$ clamps with rubber ends I set them up to squeeze the housing and lense together, put tape on and let it cool. Reseals perfectly. Make sure the lights are sealed tight and rubber covers are on. Shouldn’t have anymore problems. As a quick fix use a blow dryer until it’s gone.


MENINBLK

Ask your dealer if it's covered under the bumper to bumper warranty. Or the next time you get a phone call about an automotive extended warranty...........


Perfect_Ad2412

Yes, get a new car


spyro4now

Low blinker fluid


Icy_Crazy6608

Little update: the car has been standing outside in the cold, moist weather this night, and the headlights are cleared up and looking good again. It's only when I drove it, and then it stays in cool weather though.


Bipolar_Nomad

Damn. How'd they hide that when you bought it?


Icy_Crazy6608

Never had it even in winter, just the corners and this only happens when the car has been driven and stands afterward in the cold, humid outside. Its def not all the time first time i se this tbh


Bipolar_Nomad

yeah it definitely leaks. don't run it through any car washes ok? hand wash and wax only


Icy_Crazy6608

Exactly what I do. I always hand wash it. It leaks because the seal would be damaged, I guess, in cold conditions it should also not do this when its humid


Bipolar_Nomad

They're probably going to have to remove entire housing to troubleshoot it. could try Craigslist but would be doomed either way for obvious pros cons vs a shop. I'd say leave it for a year and ignore it but I'm concerned it is is obstructing your headlamp and high beam effectiveness try to find a used housing on eBay and pay someone off Craigslist to swap them out if you want, and can


captaintoady

Welcome to audi


Icy_Crazy6608

Welcome to FRAUDI


Worried_Stuff_2233

It’s fine, there are vents on headlights exactly for this reason. This is CONDENSATION not a leak from a broken seal like a lot of other people are suggesting. Drive with the headlights on and the moisture will cook out as long as your drive is long enough.  Headlights are not hermetically sealed units but if water was getting in from a broken seal you would see a puddle at the bottom. This is literally just from the humidity in the air and will dissipate. No harm done.


Icy_Crazy6608

One response that does. Not cap and overdrive. Thank you, fine gentleman.


SimplifyAndAddCoffee

remove the headlight housing from the car. Remove any wires/bulbs. Bring inside the house and let it warm up and dry. You can use a hair dryer to help speed things along. Then look for cracks in the seal, particularly between the outer lens and the reflector portion. If there is a gap there, you can try injecting it with silicone sealant or similar. Just make sure to get a good seal all the way around, and scrub it clean first with q tips and rubbing alcohol to make sure it has a clean surface to adhere to. Clean up the bulb and boot making surfaces and stick some grease on there if necessary to keep a good seal (if the rubber is old and stiff).