Headlamp - Lens Moisture Diagnosis/Tips

87ford01

Article No. LAMP - HEADLAMP - MOISTURE INSIDE OF
87-13-4 LENS - DIAGNOSTIC AND SERVICE TIPS


FORD: 1985-87 ESCORT, EXP, TEMPO
1986-87 TAURUS
1987 MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1984-87 MARK VII
1985-87 LYNX, TOPAZ
1986-87 SABLE, CONTINENTAL
1987 COUGAR

MERKUR: 1985-87 XR4Ti

LIGHT TRUCK: 1987 F SERIES, BRONCO

ISSUE: Moisture forming on the inside of the Aero headlamp lens is not normal and may be caused by one, or more, of the following conditions.

^ Damage such as cracks, chips, or holes in the lamp assembly.
^ Loose bulb assembly, or loose O-ring seal.
^ Dirt or burrs in headlamp body socket port.
^ Lens-to-headlamp body weld, or adhesive joint, not completely sealed.


ACTION: To correct this, use the following diagnostic service procedure.

NOTE: Under NO condition should a hole be drilled to remove moisture inside the headlamp.

Headlamp Damage

1. With headlamp mounted in vehicle, carefully inspect for cracks, chips, or holes.

2. If damage is found, replace headlamp.

3. If damage is not found, proceed to the next step.
O-Ring Seal Contamination

CAUTION: Make sure headlamps are turned off and bulb is not hot. Do not touch glass bulb.

1. Remove bulb assembly/O-ring seal from headlamp.

2. Inspect O-ring seal for dirt contamination. If required, wipe O-ring with a lint-free rag. Do not apply any kind of lubricant to O-ring.

3. Inspect headlamp body at O-ring seal area for burrs. If required, remove burr and wipe with a lint-free rag. Do not apply any kind of lubricant to O-ring.

4. Carefully dry inside of headlamp using heat gun or lamp. Do not heat more than warm to touch.

5. Install bulb assembly and secure with retaining ring.
NOTE: If bulb socket was not properly seated into lamp housing, do not proceed with this procedure.

6. If inspection of the O-ring seal shows no contamination or burr, remove headlamp from vehicle and inspect for damage. Proceed to the next step.

Lens-To-Headlamp Body Joint Seal

1. If O-ring seal is clean and no damage is found, the moisture entry is between the lens and headlamp body. The only way to correct the unsealed joint is to replace the headlamp.

2. Replace headlamp, check headlamp aim, and adjust if necessary.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"