Astra headlight condensation

[john Smith]

Hello,

I have noticed some condensation in my left headlighton a 2001 astra.

Is this serious?

Can it be easily fixed, or does it mean a major new part.

Plus will it fail an MOT

Thanks in advance

 

[RJO]

This is a known VX problem. I understand that the bonnet adjustment level needs to be raised just a fraction to avoid damage to the headlamp seals. Problem is you already have the problem. How old is the car, you say
2001....is the car inside 3 years old for a warranty claim?

Even if just outside VX 'may' be sypathetic given the known problem. VX customer services rather than the local dealer, unless you have a friendly one' may be the best bet.

VX do a test to see how bad the condensation is. They put the car on full beam for a few minutes to see if it clears it. If it doesn't clear then a new part is needed. (sealed one piece unit I believe).

Pushing under warranty may be the way to go.

RO

 

[Alan Steele - Steeles of Worthing]

I agree.

Talk to the dealer who should assist.

 

[john Smith]

You say you can get id done under warranty,

I bought the car privately 3 weeks ago, although the date of 1st registration is 29/11/2001,

Can I still get VX to have a look at it?

Thanks again

 

[RJO]

Car should have 3 years warranty from date of registration.

I think VX insist on the car having a dealer service to extend the 12 month warranty to the full 3 years but I think that they would have difficulty arguing that the service history, if incomplete, would have any bearing on the failure of the headlamps considering it is a known problem.

Worth a try.

RJO

 

[Alan Steele - Steeles of Worthing]

Vauxhall do not insist on a dealer service history in year 2 or 3 although they will obviously refuse claims related to poor or lack of servicing.

I see no reason why this is not covered by warranty although do bear in mind there is a mileage limit of 60,000 miles too.

 

[R. Murphy]

If all this fails, try the following (which worked on a Cavalier

Remove the headlamp

Remove all bulbs

put headlamp in a warm place until completely dry (I did this on a hot sunny day, and kept the unit pointing to the sun)

run seek'n'seal around the joins - sparingly, si you dont get it inside the lamp and on the relfector. Do this a few times to make sure its all nicely sealed

Replace all bits

My cavalier was OK for years after this - but I did catch it before any damage had been done to the reflector.