Q45 Headlight Condensation

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loystock
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Car: 10 Honda Pilot
97 Infiniti Q45
03 Infiniti Q45
97 Infiniti I30
06 Infiniti M35 Sports
04 G35 & 99 I30-RIP
Location: San Jose, CA

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I've had condensation in the left headlight in my 97Q, last winter. I expect the problem to recur this coming winter. Ive read that Infiniti has issued a TB about this problem. Should I take the car to the dealership to have the headlight replaced? Will this be free of charge? If not, how much will it cost?

Thanks,Rod


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PalmerWMD
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Loy:Welcome to our club!:jazz:

If your vehicle is that far out of warranty it will be unlikly the dealer will do it for free, I am not aware of a TSB, but that doesnt mean there isn't one.

One solution might be to take out the headlight and treat the inside with that rainX anti-fog stuff ( different from their original product).

Fred..:)

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elwesso
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Yeah... take out the bulbs and clean it out good......

maxnix
Posts: 22627
Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:11 pm
Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45

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The TSB is ITB03-051 and addresses headlight fogging, but only for the 2001-2004 FY33 and F50 Q45. My synopsis is that fogging is OK and normal, but condensation is not.

Check your plastic surround on the backside of the lens for cracks. My 1995 seem to have plenty, and they can be filled with epoxy after the surrounds are cleaned. If the plastic front cover is not sealing, they may have to be replaced. Check with Joe at http://www.infinitipartsusa.com if they do. Don't buy used as they are often scratched and yellowed.

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loystock
Moderator
Posts: 2072
Joined: Sun Sep 21, 2003 9:12 pm
Car: 10 Honda Pilot
97 Infiniti Q45
03 Infiniti Q45
97 Infiniti I30
06 Infiniti M35 Sports
04 G35 & 99 I30-RIP
Location: San Jose, CA

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I found 2 Service Bulletins related to headlamp condensation at Infinitihelp.com (97 Q45)

Service Bulletin Number: ITB99005Date of Bulletin: 9903Component: LIGHTING: GENERAL OR UNKNOWN COMPONENT: OTHER PART LIGHTING SYSTEMSummary: SUBJECT PERTAINING TO WATER / CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES.Service Bulletin Number: 99005ADate of Bulletin: 9909Component: LIGHTING: LAMP OR SOCKET: HEAD LIGHTSSummary: SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING WATER / CONDENSATION APPEARING IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY.

I removed and inspected the LH headlamp assembly but found no crack/holes. There are small vent holes at the joint - 2 at the top and 2 at the bottom. The holes are part of the assembly since similar holes are on the RH headlamp. I used plumbers putty instead of RTV to temporarily seal the holes on the LH side. It's been a month since I plug the holes and I have not seen any condensation so far. If I don't have any condensation this winter, then I will replace the putty with RTV in spring.

Rod


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