Condensation in rear light

[Mark Lovell]

I had condensation in the o/s rear light of Mk V Golf, which cleared but returned not long after. It seems worse after a cold night when dew can be found all over the car.

I read somewhere this is a common problem due to materials used by VW and is nothing to worry about. Is this really true or should I be looking to replace the lamp?

[RickT]

Hi there,

I have noticed the same issue on mine, its been fine and never had any problems and then just out of the blue, its streamed up..

I think i am going to remove the cluster and dry it out.. then re fitt ensuring the seals are all sat flush and take it from there.

Cheers

Rick

[Mark Lovell]

Thanks for your reply.

I spoke to a VW dealer this morning who told me it was just the law of physics! He said it is natural that after heating up and cooling down it would be natural to draw cold air and moisture in. If his is the case why doesn't it happen on every car or at least every light on the vehicle?

I decided to contact another VW dealer who didn't give he above explanation. He suggested replacing the seals (which are cheap enough but the labour would be the same as fitting a new lamp) or fitting a new lamp.

I would be happy to go down his route but don't want to waste money if indeed the law of physics say I'll have exactly the same problem again!

[The Fingers]

I have just had a rear B6 Passat light replaced due to water ingress.

It had got to the stage where the condensation had built up to be a small fish pond inside the light.

Thats when the problems started, LED light failed (indicator and brake light)

Took it to SKF hyde and they replaced the rear cluster under warranty.

[Mark Lovell]

I was concerned about the trouble I may have if the problem wasn't solved so I bit the bullet and had a full replacement.

Fingers crossed problem solved.

Thanks for your replies.

[Daz Seaton]

just goto a vw dealers after rain. there all the same after rain. even the brand spankers. **** design and cheap materials.

[richardsonc]

Chaps, I had this problem on an '08 Golf, was indication of a bigger fault, see post: https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...922#post386922

[mjom89]

I took a picture of mine when it was steemed up at its worst point and then showed to VW who promptly changed it under warranty.

They said the picture was very useful, and they kept it, as the warrantly company ofren query things such as light clusters.

[Judja]

Had a similar problem after a nearside rear bump. Following the repair the N/S cluster started to fill up with water. The repair agent changed the cluster twice and even put additional sealant around the bulb carriers and where the cluster enters the body. The problem was very intermittant. They finally resolved the issue by removing the tailgate bump stop plastic insert on the N/S (this is the black bit part way down the tailgate channel) and putting non-drying sealer around the metal "plug" where it enters the body, and on the thread of the bump stop plastic. Hey presto that was 3 months ago and so far no water!!! This may not cure everyones leak but it did mine.