Headlight Housing Condensation

[fendushi]

Well add me to the list. Bought mine July 2020.

I noticed condensation on the inside of both headlights after a 30 min drive with the lights on whilst in rainy weather. I also did notice several parked cars that were non Kia and Hyundai with fogged up headlights too.

I noticed that the condensation was clearing up after about 90 mins parked in my garage. I then went for another 30 mins drive with the lights on and condensation was forming again but not as bad.

I woke up this morning and the condensation completely cleared up.

I will definitely keep an eye on this and mention this to the service centre next time its due for a service.

 

[stoopid]

This issue is common on most vehicles. There's a tiny hole that allows for some air movement in/out of the housing, it's NOT air tight just well sealed at the points where the lens and housing meet, to prevent outright intrusion of water. On humid days there will be condensation, and after a couple dry days it should clear up. Repeated humid/rainy days back to back to back tho will allow for some collection and even puddling within the lens area in worse cases.

I've been on car forums numerous domestic and foreign makes, every single maker has a thread (or fifty) just like this. It's almost never an "issue" needing fixing or a "design flaw".

 

[StingertimeNC]

agreed, mine does it whenever the water on the outside of the lens is cold. It draws the humidity inside the housing to the lens. no biggie!

 

[clemson85]

Mine still does it everyday, I have always thought the high engine/turbo heat dissipation into the lens is the culprit.

 

[vipeboy2000]

Mine still does it everyday, I have always thought the high engine/turbo heat dissipation into the lens is the culprit.

everyday seems like there may be excess moisture in the housing... in 27k miles over 2 years i've only had tiny condensation twice..

 

[RIck-F]

They must be vented somewhere as mine comes and goes. Never seen actual water gathering in there so that’s a good thing.

That is exactly right! Headlight assemblies are NOT "air tight"; in fact, most are vented. They should not let sensible moisture (liquid) in but "moist" air comes and goes. Depending on temperature and dew point changes, a small amount of condensation is not unusual, harmful, or even unexpected. This most often happens when it has been warm and then gets cool. If it does not go away when it warms up or when the car sits in the sun, there might be a leak or problem.

 

[kantchi]

I had both mine replaced under warranty due to condensation, kia pressure test the headlights and they were both leaking in the glue on the upper section that meets the front fender.

 

[Graham clarke]

Hi I have the same issue as many others seem to have condensation on the inside of sealed front headlight Checked by Kia service no damage found not covered under warranty for replacement as apparently this is normal. Kia service bulletin 055 gives two possible remedies second being replace headlight desiccant bag (which was not checked as part of service) my question is Has anyone had these replaced and was it covered under warranty or as part of the service. Not mentioned in the hand book or as not covered by warranty

 

[AusStinger]

If you don't want to stuff around with KIA, just buy some sachets locally and replace every 6 months or so.

I got some of these but since buying, I've not seen any moisture in the lights

Tyvek Silica Gel Packets - 25gm

Tyvek® Silica Gel Packets - 25gm - Desicco - Packet contains beaded non-indicating silica gel and measures 60mm x 90mm. Protects 19.5L of enclosed space.

www.silicagel.com.au

 

[djerickd]

can the dessicant be reused?? I noticed when they turn hard as a rock you can use a hammer and smash them back into powder... will it now absorb more moisture again since it's back into powder and not a solid mass?

 

[Thomby]

can the dessicant be reused?? I noticed when they turn hard as a rock you can use a hammer and smash them back into powder... will it now absorb more moisture again since it's back into powder and not a solid mass?

The silica packets can be reused, but just smashing them won't get rid of the moisture they've absorbed. You can bake or otherwise heat them to dry them out. If you have a fresh one and a used one, you should be able to measure a noticeable difference in weight (which would let you know when you've successfully driven water out of the used one).

 

[G-514330]

You can buy a moisture absorbent at ebay. The name is Genuine Hyundai / KIA MOISTURE ABSORBENT

 

[jalu]

Do you try to use a moisture absorbent? This can treat this issue.. You can buy it at Ebay. You can search the name/ OEM Hyundai Kia DESICCANT MOISTURE ABSORBENT & Bracket. The part is 92125H8350

 

[LordKOTL]

The silica packets can be reused, but just smashing them won't get rid of the moisture they've absorbed. You can bake or otherwise heat them to dry them out. If you have a fresh one and a used one, you should be able to measure a noticeable difference in weight (which would let you know when you've successfully driven water out of the used one).

Depending on what is used to house the actual desiccant (i.e. bag material), usually between ~200F for a few hours up to 350F for 30 minutes in an oven will refresh it. You just don't want to burn/melt the housing/bag.

 

[Aero_Tech]

Do you try to use a moisture absorbent? This can treat this issue.. You can buy it at Ebay. You can search the name/ OEM Hyundai Kia DESICCANT MOISTURE ABSORBENT & Bracket. The part is 92125H8350

The updated Desiccant Pack P/N is 921252W250 to go with the matching Bracket P/N 92126C1500 as per the TSB. I would order that instead of the old PN's.

 

[D.J.]

The updated Desiccant Pack P/N is 921252W250 to go with the matching Bracket P/N 92126C1500 as per the TSB. I would order that instead of the old PN's.

I would assume, I have not checked myself, but I would assume that Kia has superseded the old part numbers with the new part numbers. There should be no reason to keep the old part numbers active

 

[Homewrecker]

I would assume, I have not checked myself, but I would assume that Kia has superseded the old part numbers with the new part numbers. There should be no reason to keep the old part numbers active

Both P/N's are shown as active and available on the OEM Parts sites I order from.

On eBay, the old desiccant P/N seems to have more availability than the new ones.

 

[D.J.]

Both P/N's are shown as active and available on the OEM Parts sites I order from.

On eBay, the old desiccant P/N seems to have more availability than the new ones.

Well shit, I guess those online distributors are trying to clear out their stock.

I would "hope" that if you went to the dealership directly and tried to purchase the old part number, they would just give you the new and updated part number. Maybe my expectations are too high