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MASTER THREAD: Moisture condensation in taillights, fog lights, etc

Discussion in 'Model 3: Interior & Exterior' started by gemmisa, Apr 6, 2018.

  1. gemmisa

    gemmisa Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    It's been a joy driving in my car but one terrible issue is starting to really bug me. Check out the condensation in my back tail light. I have been driving around like this for at least a month now. =(

    We had a small bout of rain in LA, and after things cleared up, well, my tail light did not. The Tesla service center said they would fix it and ordered a replacement part. It just seems bizarre how the condensation hasn't evaporated under even with the sunny weather conditions in LA. I spoke with several other Model 3 owners who had the same exact condensation issue with at least one of their back tail lights too.

    Happy that Tesla offered to fix it but it's a bummer paying over 60k and now having to drive looking like I've got a busted part on my car. Still waiting for over a month and not sure when this issue will be resolved. Will circle back when that happens. IMG_3012.jpg
     
  2. Sawyer8888

    Sawyer8888 Member

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    Location:
    South Florida
    The seals in the tail lights on the Model S are also poor. Small flies and mosquitos make there way in, as does water. I do not know how widespread the issue is, however I already had my lights on the tailgate for my MS replaced once in the first year due to little creatures getting in there. Good luck in having that addressed sooner rather than later.
     
  3. Trips

    Trips "Boring bonehead questions are not cool. Next?"

    Joined:
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    Omaha, NE
    If it make you feel a tiny bit better this $4 million Centenario has the same issue. Knowing Lambo that was most likely a $50,000 fix.
    Screenshot_20180406-214306.png


    4:20 into the video.
     
  4. gemmisa

    gemmisa Member

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    Feb 25, 2018
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Aww, thanks for sharing your experience and happy they took care of you. All of this happened within the first 2 months of me taking delivery of the car. I still have love for Tesla but wish they would iron out these defects already.

    Hopefully, the bugs and critters stay out of your lights for good. =)
     
    • Like x 1
  5. gemmisa

    gemmisa Member

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    Location:
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    Ok, you're awesome! Thanks for sharing and that is one beauty of a car!!!
     
  6. gemmisa

    gemmisa Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Quick update! On May 5th, Tesla service center finally replaced my tail light with a new one. Hopefully, I won't get the same problem again.
     
    • Like x 2
  7. steven415

    steven415 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2018
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    113
    Location:
    California
    Washed my cat yesterday late afternoon at 4pm. Anyone else get condensation? How long is the wait time for the fix?
     

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  8. Derek Kessler

    Derek Kessler Active Member

    Joined:
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    Cincinnati
    Cats are self-cleaning machines. Outside of abnormal dirtiness or infestation you should not wash your cat. If you do, lingering dampness is to be expected; your cat will eventually fully dry. Using a blow-dryer is not recommended, as you can easily burn your cat's skin.
     
    • Funny x 12
    • Like x 2
    • Disagree x 1
  9. Devanish

    Devanish Member

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    Virginia
    I suspect “cat” was meant as a euphemism and not in reference to an actual feline. All the same, I think your advice still applies.
     
  10. Devanish

    Devanish Member

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    Have you contact your service center about this? I don’t think that should happen on a $50K car.
     
  11. jrmnet

    jrmnet Member

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    Location:
    SF, CA
    I haven't noticed that after washing the M3, but will double check the next time it is washed.
     
  12. steven415

    steven415 Member

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    Location:
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    i have called and they've ordered parts and I have an appointment in a week to replace. Really easy to do.
     
  13. steven415

    steven415 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    California
    Hey all,

    Just FYI for us obsessive model 3 owners.

    Owned my car since May. It was Built in May. Vin in 16Ks

    My driver taillight was replaced within 1 month due to condensation build up problems. Easy 20 minute fix.
    Today 4 months later, my passenger taillight has the same problem and it will be replaced. This time I was offered mobile service.

    Just wanted to let people know that if you get this issue, make sure you call it in so they order the part instead of making a trip to a service center without the part.

    That is all, hope it helps and hopefully my new taillights don't have anymore issues!.
     
  14. dendenyc

    dendenyc Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2018
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    Location:
    New York
    When I went to pickup my car last month my driver side had condencentation and my passenger side was kinda murky. Had them replace both the same day. The problem still exists VIN 26XXX
     
  15. Wubbles

    Wubbles Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2018
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    Location:
    NJ
    My AWD Model 3 (545XX) has the same issue with driver side tail light condensation. It's at the service center getting replaced today.
     
  16. bpjod

    bpjod Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2016
    Messages:
    423
    Location:
    Alberta, Canada
    My driver's side taillight had condensation too, replaced by Ranger Service (VIN 29xxx). Disappointed to hear that a light that was previously good has gone on to develop the problem too.
     
  17. dendenyc

    dendenyc Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2018
    Messages:
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    Location:
    New York
    If you search the forums the difference between the original tails and the updated ones are a tiny hole drilled into corner the clear plastic which allows the light to breath. I checked both my updated taillights and they have tiny holes.
     
  18. Zirak

    Zirak Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
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    320
    Location:
    Canada
    Would you have a photo that helps show these holes? Trying to see if mine has them as well.
     
  19. Uncle Paul

    Uncle Paul Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2013
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    6,105
    Location:
    Canyon Lake,CA
    Had this same issue with a Corvette and a Lexus.

    Believe the tiny hole will solve the issue.
     
  20. steven415

    steven415 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2018
    Messages:
    113
    Location:
    California
    All the condensation on my passenger side taillight is now gone, but I have a ranger set to come out next Thursday. Funny how my car was sitting outside in the heat yesterday and the light condensed. Now after a foggy day, it's all gone...
     

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