Moisture in tail light

**Beelzeebub** · 10-31-2008 10:22 PM

I've done a search on this but nothing really came up to answer my question. So here goes, it was warm out today after some unseasonally cool weather the past few days. I noticed some moisture in the right tail lamp right by the lens of the reverse light. I have never been involved in any accident in the two months i've owned the car. the tail light has no visible cracks. what could be causing this? the other tail light has no moisture inside. how can i fix this? is this something that i could claim under warranty since its CPO?

**Bpitz15** · 10-31-2008 10:35 PM

i took my car to the stealership for the headlamps getting moisture inside and they claim this is "normal" and that if the dealership fixes the issue they will be fined by AOA.
Now the taillamp is a lesser known issue so I dunno if it is covered. To fix it you would have to create a better seal around the electrical panel that holds the bulbs w/ silicone or a new o-ring ? if there is one?

**Beelzeebub** · 10-31-2008 10:49 PM

i hope you argued your case with the stealership regarding the moisture in your car's headlamps. Im set to take the car in on tuesday anyway for a check on it's fuel pump (strange rattling sound just before ignition), so i might as well ask if they will do something about the tail lamp moisture. i do know for a fact that if i leave it as it is, over time, rust and corrosion will build up in the metal contacts for the bulbs causing additional problems.

**Justincredible** · 10-31-2008 10:54 PM

I would pull the tail light out and look at it. The water actually goes in between the tail light and the body when It drains.

To remove the tail light is easy.

open the trunk.
look to where the light and the trunk molding meet up. then look back 3in you will see a circle of carpet. pull the carpet back to expose a phillips screw head. remove the screw and now the tail light YA it is that easy. I was thrown as to how easy removing the tail lights are.

Any way after you remove the light look to see if there is any area for water to get in. If you see nothing remove the lights and check the wire seals that seal the light bulbs in the housing. Still see nothing remove the lights and take the housing in the house and fill it with water to see if there is a spot where water can weep in.

**Beelzeebub** · 10-31-2008 10:56 PM

thanks. i'll check it out tomorrow.

**4Rings3Liters** · 10-31-2008 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by Bpitz15

i took my car to the stealership for the headlamps getting moisture inside and they claim this is "normal" and that if the dealership fixes the issue they will be fined by AOA.
Now the taillamp is a lesser known issue so I dunno if it is covered. To fix it you would have to create a better seal around the electrical panel that holds the bulbs w/ silicone or a new o-ring ? if there is one?

I had both my headlights replaced under warranty due to moisture getting in. It is a common problem with Audi that they just can't seem to fix. I know the headlights are vented from the factory to let some of the condensation out but I don't know if the taillights are.

**charliemike** · 10-31-2008 11:44 PM

They get fined for replacing the headlights? Really?

Maybe if Audi didn't charge $800 for one I'd be willing to go halfsies.

**40valve** · 11-01-2008 09:30 AM

Headlight is a known issue and Audi knows about it but it is not covered by any kind of warranty. I've seen a TSB on how to fix it and they specifically state that this is not covered in any way.
I'm sure they will say the same about the tail lights as well.

**DucatiTorrey** · 02-21-2012 09:34 PM

sorry super old thread, i know (hey, at least i'm using search!!!) I ahve the exact problem, right light, moisture / condensation in reverse light area.

im scared.... :-P

**SuperAvant** · 02-22-2012 07:52 AM

I have the same problem with my tailights. The Headlights are an easy fix (o-ring replacement) but I cant really figure out where the condensation is dripping into the tailight from.

**rjkotler** · 02-22-2012 08:04 AM

I also have the tail light moisture problem.

If you pull the tail light assembly on your Avant you will see a rubber seal that keeps water out. On mine the seal was pulling away from the assembly. I put a bead of silicone down the length of the light where the seal is and it solved the problem. This is on the top edge of the light assembly.

The light actually has a couple of layers of plastic on the inside and where the rubber seal is 2 of the layers meet. The seal is supposed to protect this area but as they get older the adhesive on the seal fails. Try the silicone route and you will probably be ok.