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Condensation in rear lights
- Thread starter Rooster6655
- Start date
Glan gluaisne
Active Member
Seems a common problem. When my rear lights were replaced for this, the SC said the replacement criteria they worked to was that any light with just misting wouldn't be replaced, any with visible water droplets would be replaced.
The Tesla view seems to be that misting is acceptable, but persistent water droplets inside aren't. FWIW, when I first reported this the SC looked at the lights and said it was "within acceptable tolerance", with both lights still misted up after a drive of nearly two hours to get to the SC. That suggests that persistent misting is OK, although I'm not convinced that the police would share that view, with regard to whether the rear lights are obscured or not.
The light change is literally a five minute job, they are very easy to remove and replace, apparently. That photo shows clear evidence of water droplets, so if Tesla are still using the same criteria then they should just replace the light.
There are other threads on this, including some discussion about DIY sealing of the welded join between the light components that may the cause of the water ingress. If mine start to mist up again, then I'm pretty sure I'm going to try sealing that join, as I'm not convinced that the cause of the problem has yet been resolved, and the new lights may be just as susceptible to leaking as the ones they replaced, perhaps.
The Tesla view seems to be that misting is acceptable, but persistent water droplets inside aren't. FWIW, when I first reported this the SC looked at the lights and said it was "within acceptable tolerance", with both lights still misted up after a drive of nearly two hours to get to the SC. That suggests that persistent misting is OK, although I'm not convinced that the police would share that view, with regard to whether the rear lights are obscured or not.
The light change is literally a five minute job, they are very easy to remove and replace, apparently. That photo shows clear evidence of water droplets, so if Tesla are still using the same criteria then they should just replace the light.
There are other threads on this, including some discussion about DIY sealing of the welded join between the light components that may the cause of the water ingress. If mine start to mist up again, then I'm pretty sure I'm going to try sealing that join, as I'm not convinced that the cause of the problem has yet been resolved, and the new lights may be just as susceptible to leaking as the ones they replaced, perhaps.
Easily a warranty replacement.
Water droplets can clear up. I had a ranger visit, then a SC visit (lack of parts) booked for the below. By the time the SC visit came around, a good month or so later it had somehow cleared up. Tesla wouldn't replace it even though I provided numerous photos like the below.
As has been said above they will need to see it like this with their own eyes.
Luckily for you your appointment is this Friday (how??).. I can't see that clearing up between now and then.
Water droplets can clear up. I had a ranger visit, then a SC visit (lack of parts) booked for the below. By the time the SC visit came around, a good month or so later it had somehow cleared up. Tesla wouldn't replace it even though I provided numerous photos like the below.
As has been said above they will need to see it like this with their own eyes.
Luckily for you your appointment is this Friday (how??).. I can't see that clearing up between now and then.
Glan gluaisne
Active Member
It'd be nice if they would let you keep the old light unit. I asked, but was told they had to be sent back for investigation. Having a known to be leaky light unit to play with would allow some testing to find out how water gets in, and how best to seal it, perhaps using techniques that may not be practical in a production environment.
Rustybkts
Member
There is certainly a problem with rear lights as previous non Tesla cars I have had have suffered from the same problem but touch wood, even after all these downpours my car's lights are clear.
From my experience with equipment installed outdoors in steamy places like Africa etc, if air is allowed to escape when the supposedly sealed environment is heated usually by solar energy, it draws in damp air and after a few cycles the moisture inside increases.
I have seen motors and infra-red sensors full of water in situations where it is impossible for water to ingress past seals so can only imagine it is a tiny leak in the same way that double glazed windows accumulate condensation.
From my experience with equipment installed outdoors in steamy places like Africa etc, if air is allowed to escape when the supposedly sealed environment is heated usually by solar energy, it draws in damp air and after a few cycles the moisture inside increases.
I have seen motors and infra-red sensors full of water in situations where it is impossible for water to ingress past seals so can only imagine it is a tiny leak in the same way that double glazed windows accumulate condensation.
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rincewind
Member
Well, I booked the appointment this morning and was given Friday 
. It's at a new SC (Chelmsford) so may be that's why it had early availability. I didn't get a choice of a ranger visit.
. It's at a new SC (Chelmsford) so may be that's why it had early availability. I didn't get a choice of a ranger visit.
Gatsojon
Member
Two of mine were changed by a ranger and, fingers crossed, all have been fine in the latest series of downpours.
I too asked if I could keep the duffers for investigation but alas not, they go back for ‘remanufacture’.
I too asked if I could keep the duffers for investigation but alas not, they go back for ‘remanufacture’.
Thunderbird1
Thunderbird1
Has anyone had condensation problems with new replacement rear lights or do the new replacement lights solve the condensation problem completely?
Thunderbird1
Thunderbird1
Glan gluaisne
Active Member
Yes, misting is back in my right rear light, but not yet in the left. At the moment it seems to be below the "droplet threshold", and clears after a few hours of dry weather.
Glan gluaisne
Active Member
Yes, it is. The misting is nowhere near as bad as it was before the lights were replaced, but it's a bit annoying to find it's still happening.
spooksman
Member
I ended up with condensation in all four back light units. Had a service centre visit this week and they seem to have sorted them all out. Need a good dose of rain and a trip to really check if it is sorted.
The right side rear light assembly was changed on mine about 2 months ago. Up until last week new unit was fine but now it’s starting the misting up process all over again but no droplets as yet
Since having one of my outer lights replaced it's remained clear and no issues with any of the others.
However I have now discovered the boot lid fills with water, it sloshes around when I open it but will drain through the front corners with the boot open! A mobile tech has recommended removing the two small grommets on the underside to let any water out and don't refit the grommets. Apparently I'm not the only one to have experienced this ....
However I have now discovered the boot lid fills with water, it sloshes around when I open it but will drain through the front corners with the boot open! A mobile tech has recommended removing the two small grommets on the underside to let any water out and don't refit the grommets. Apparently I'm not the only one to have experienced this ....
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