mx5cartalk.com

Hi all

With the recent heavy rain and possibly after motorkhana, my rear left light has started pooling water. Apart from looking fu*king stupid, I don't want to start blowing bulbs and fuses.

I pulled it out and drained most of the water. From what I can see, the problem was caused by leafs/dirt blocking the drainage near the boot lining and causing water to seep through the light sockets.

So questions;

1. How do I get the light completely dry? I've drained and hair dried it but there's still some droplets and condensation in there.
2. If it wasn't caused by a drainage issue, how can I prevent from re occurring? Would silicone be a good idea? Or maybe drill a small hole so it can self drain?

I didn't think to take any photos but will if it builds up again.

ta

These lamps will already have a breather. Usually it's a u shaped rubber breather which allows for the air in the lamp to expand and contract. If the lamps is fully sealed it will not breathe. Lamps can fill with water say when there is crack in the lens or a glue track or ultrasonic weld which attaches the lense to the housing or a faulty bull holder etc. lamps should dry out naturally when the sun is out ie droplets. I would put it back and see if you get a repeat and then remove again and insect if it fills up with water.

I'm with Mr Morlock here.


As for removing the remaining moisture, placing the lamp into a container with plenty of uncooked rice can draw out moisture. (bicarb also works, but rice is simpler to clean up)


If you've had a leak though it's also likely that the boot got damp as well, and humidity in the boot is probably condensing in the lamps. So i'd also be checking the carpet etc is dry.

Thanks. I'll give rice a try. At the moment the car is mostly parked under ground and dríven when the sun is down, so it hasn't had a chance to dry out.
I can't see any damage to the lamp so hopefully it was just a drainage overflow issue. It hasn't started to fill again but still has visible droplets inside.
The boot liner has been drying on the balcony and will hopefully smell less like dog in coming days.

While you're there throw some rice into the boot as well if you're unable to park the car with it open.

Rice will be more effective if you place the lamp housing and rice in an air-tight bag/container and I would suggest that you purchase a damp absorbing product for the boot space, remembering that the moisture will accumulate in the container.
Greg.