dolphans1
Active Member
- Joined
- April 29, 2005
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- 98
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- City, State
- Lone Star
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 94 XLT
I have read several posts about water entering the head light assembly of some Ford Explorers. Though no one really explains exactly how or why the water is getting inside. I had the same isssue happen with me recently. I originally assumed it was water condensation from being cold outside and dried both headlight assembly's completely out. Then one day it rained all day and there was water droplets back inside both headlight assemblys.
Upon inspection, I did not notice any visable signs of cracks. I pulled both headlight assemblys out (again) and filled them both with water and turned them upside down and never saw any water leak out the seams where they are plasitic welded or glued together.
I wonder why no water leaks out? Is it easier for water to flow into the assembly than out of it?
When I pulled one of the bulbs out of the socket it made a noise similar to that of pulling a cork out of an empty wine bottle. That told me there was some steam pressure building up inside the headlight assembly because of the heat caused by moisture trying to escape inside the headlight cavity, and if so, would this not tell me that the headlight assembly it is air tight, thus water tight?
What is the best proven fix other than replacing each headlight assembly.
I have read of applying silicone or drilling holes on the bottom, but if you drill holes, where exactly do you drill them, and is that even a good technique to use?
Also why would Ford design a headlight assembly that's air tight operating a halogen bulb, do they not burn hot?
d-1
Upon inspection, I did not notice any visable signs of cracks. I pulled both headlight assemblys out (again) and filled them both with water and turned them upside down and never saw any water leak out the seams where they are plasitic welded or glued together.
I wonder why no water leaks out? Is it easier for water to flow into the assembly than out of it?
When I pulled one of the bulbs out of the socket it made a noise similar to that of pulling a cork out of an empty wine bottle. That told me there was some steam pressure building up inside the headlight assembly because of the heat caused by moisture trying to escape inside the headlight cavity, and if so, would this not tell me that the headlight assembly it is air tight, thus water tight?
What is the best proven fix other than replacing each headlight assembly.
I have read of applying silicone or drilling holes on the bottom, but if you drill holes, where exactly do you drill them, and is that even a good technique to use?
Also why would Ford design a headlight assembly that's air tight operating a halogen bulb, do they not burn hot?
d-1