Headlight Condensation Problem

IndianaBob · Post by **IndianaBob** » 28 Mar 2006, 07:41

Both of my S80 headlights are constantly filled with condensation. Does anyone know what the fix is? Is it the gasket between the the glass and bulb holder? PLEASE, if you've had this problem and had it fixed, let us know how to correct this problem.

ychap · Post by **ychap** » 03 Apr 2006, 22:18

Hi IndianaBob

That was actually the first problem I encountered with my S80. I bought the car new last summer and no longer than a month afterwards I noticed the condensation within both headlights. They are xenon headligts (you did not specify if you have this type of headlight).

Went to the dealership and was told that they had never seen this problem before. They thouht that I may had been a dealer preparation problem (the car was prepared at another dealership and sent to mine for delivery). Apparently there is some type of plug that must be removed from the units during the initial preparation prior to delivering the car. Anyway as the headlight units are completely sealed so there is no way of getting rid of the condensation and the resulting streaking within the units. The streaking was so bad on mine that you could see the streaks projected upon a wall at night!

As the car was a moth old obviously it was garantee work. They do have to take off the front bumper to remore the units so if your car is not under warranty if might be costly.

Good luck,
Ychap

trekking · Post by **trekking** » 03 Jul 2006, 02:37

Hi IndianaBob

There is an official "service solution", at least for the non xenon lights.
The solution is a replacement cap with a gore-tex (or some similar "breathing" material) inlay. Costs about 14 EUR, easier to change than a lighbulb

Some explanation:
As far as I understood these headlights are ventillated, so water can get in. It can also get out, but in some conditions it just doesn't want to

Here comes this replacement cap, which modifies ventilation so thet it gets out. I think you should change the inner cap, although I'm not sure. Check the diagram while you order!

I was trying it, and although it is not perfect, it did modify the condesation pattern ... I think condensation goes away much faster, in a half day or so.

Don't try to remove the headlight glass to clean it, it is reportedly quite cumbersome. According to Volvo service instructions you have to remove the bumper as well.

BTW I've seen the same problem reported for XC90s

lous80 · Post by **lous80** » 08 Sep 2008, 19:30

Yes they know VERY well about the problem. Yes they are vnted and breathe - however when they inhale they take in moisture. The factory "fix" was as you said a gore - tex insert in the plastic rear cover - VERY clever! It is a square cloth in the center. but in true style they only provide one per side instead of 2. Also i think that the pores may clog over time with grease fumes/dirt rendering them useless. Try to replace only one on one side (non gore-tex) and see if any improvement.
Dont touch the glass - it is a solid epoxied assembly that you cannot separate. However you can hasten the process by removing the rear covers and let it remain open on a hot dry day. BUT please reinstall before driving.

command · Post by **command** » 22 Sep 2010, 03:52

you need check the ballat rubber ring.

like this

Maybe problem is this point.

Thisistom · Post by **Thisistom** » 05 Dec 2016, 09:28

I had same problem on 2001 s80 t6. To expedite condensation removal, remove both (high and low beam) covers and lay a hair dryer so it blows in one opening and (therefore) out the other. Drys it out in no time. Cleaning the internal side of the lens is another issue. I will post my solution when I figure it out.

Would cutting a hole in the plastic cover and attaching some GoreTex fabrick help??

ThommyKent · Post by **ThommyKent** » 05 Dec 2016, 11:17

My 2000 S80 had just one side with condensation. I took the caps off and left them off, problem gone. Of course I worried about contamination. I keep comparing it to the side with caps on and I see no contamination of dust inside the headlight, both look the same. They have been off for 6 months now. On the older s80's the glass is held on by spring clips and comes off easily. Unfortunately getting to the clips means taking off the bumper and that`s not so fun.

Post by **oragex** » 05 Dec 2016, 12:58

Had the same common problem with water condensation. No need to remove the headlamp. I just removed the upper thin black plastic on top of the headlight - red arrow, then a seal will appear underneath. Apply outdoors silicone on this long seal between the glass and the headlight housing, as far as you can reach, under the clips too.