[firehawk618]

Condensation in one headlight and both tail lights. Brand new 2017 Volt.

Should I start complaining or give it time and see if it works itself out.

I just HATE going to the dealer and really don't like getting told this is acceptable.

Any of you have experience with this and did you get them to replace the units?

Thanks!

 

[dcpdx]

it will not work out. A brand new headlight should not be leaking water-- you need to go to the dealer immediately and get it fixed under warranty. I've had trouble recently on another car (a BMW 328xi) with leaking headlights-- reminds me that back in the 80's "sealed beam headlights" were being promoted as the latest-greatest invention: no more will we have water leaking into the headlights causing shorts, condensation, corrision etc. now we are back to modular headlights. Oh well....

 

[firehawk618]

it will not work out. A brand new headlight should not be leaking water-- you need to go to the dealer immediately and get it fixed under warranty. I've had trouble recently on another car (a BMW 328xi) with leaking headlights-- reminds me that back in the 80's "sealed beam headlights" were being promoted as the latest-greatest invention: no more will we have water leaking into the headlights causing shorts, condensation, corrision etc. now we are back to modular headlights. Oh well....

Thanks, when I pick up my charger cord I will have the service dept look at it and see how much smoke they try to blow up my rear.

 

[Aus1]

Thanks, when I pick up my charger cord I will have the service dept look at it and see how much smoke they try to blow up my rear.

Good luck with that, My Gen 1 in Australia has that issue and I gave up with GM to fix that after viewing fellow volt owners issues. Learn't to spray very fine mist while washing and dry with a towel afterwards. This has helped the rear light assemblies a bit, the less effected are the font assemblies. Amazing isn't it - GM and their supplier can't even design proper ventilated ones these days. Maybe they should contact Koto of Japan, they have designs that work. Lol!

 

[BAZINGA]

This is my second winter with our 2017 Volt as my DD in all temps/conditions and regularly use a high pressure car wash and I don't have any condensation issues with my 2017. Seems a trip to your local dealer is in order.

Good luck.

 

[VoltenRock]

NOT normal. In my Gen 1, I had them replaced 3X until they got it right.

No issues on my Gen 2 yet, fortunately.

 

[Norton]

Condensation in one headlight and both tail lights. Brand new 2017 Volt.

Should I start complaining or give it time and see if it works itself out...

The best customers never complain about anything.
That warranty should not be used at all costs, even if the car has crappy, ugly lights.

 

[firehawk618]

Well believe it or not on my 4th day there's no hint of moisture in any of the lamps.

I will wait for a nice sunny day and make sure.

Today was drizzly but I didn't see anything in the lenses.

 

[Norton]

Keep an eye on it. That moisture probably did not somehow cycle out of the assemblies.
It will need the right combination of inside the assemblies vs. outside temps.

So, if these light assemblies happened to be assembled at the supplier on a really humid day some moisture could be trapped in there.

I have done this before to help remove it:
On a DRY humidity day twist out the lamp holders, leave connected, and point a hair dryer set to warm into the opening. Ideally if you could tape on a small hose so that the warm air is forced into the assy. and there is a flow of air exiting the assy around the hose.
Dry nitrogen on a really slow flow would do a great job at removing any residual moisture in the assemblies, also.

But, why dik with a brand new car? Use your warranty.
Try to drive to the service writers desk as soon as you see the problem return,,, with the lights off so there is no added heat.

 

[Volterado]

Headlight assemblies are NOT sealed. They have a small air vent located on the back side. They rely on the heat of the light itself to evaporate moisture out of the inside. This is pretty much the same way your car's cabin operates. When temperatures outdoors fall quickly, you get in the car and windows fog up. Then you turn on the heat and the windows clear. Same thing with your headlights.

Drive with your headlights on continually for a few days and it will clear up. (This is all assuming your lens is not actually cracked and letting water directly in.)

 

[firehawk618]

Thanks for all the input.

Yes the lights have all cleared up and it's been 100% raining here for days.

If there were a leak it certainly would be apparent in these conditions.