Lights - Water Condensation In Lamp Lens

9216nissan01

Models All Models

Section Body & Frame

Classification BF91-017

Bulletin No. NTB91-067

Date July 11, 1991


WATER CONDENSATION IN LAMPS

APPLIED MODELS: ALL MODELS

MODEL YEARS: ALL

SERVICE INFORMATION

A small amount of water condensation on the inside lens surfaces of exterior lamps is normal on Nissan vehicles. Most Nissan exterior lamps (head lamp assembly, turn signal lamp assembly, side combination lamp assembly, fog lamp assembly, rear combination lamp assembly, stop lamp assembly, trunk lid finisher, etc.) have a breather on the back side of the lamp assembly which allows air to enter and exit the lamp assembly. Air will flow in and out of the lamp assembly depending on the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the lamp assembly.

Water condensation forms on the inside lens surface of exterior lamps and can be seen as small water droplets. This usually occurs when the inside of the lamp surfaces are heated by having the lamps ON or by the sun shining into the lamp assembly. As the lamp assembly cools down, it draws in outside air. The moisture in the outside air condenses on the inside lens surface. This is much like water condensation on the outside of a glass of cold water on a warm day or the frosting up of a vehicle's inside glass surfaces on a cold winter day.

Replacing the lamp assembly will not resolve the customer's complaint because this condition is normal. Even if the lamp assembly is replaced, the incident will re-occur when the conditions that originally caused the incident are present.

To resolve this condition, dry out the incident area of the lamp assembly with a hair dryer. Be extremely careful not to overheat the lamp assembly causing it to deform. Explain to the customer that condensation is normal and will not affect lamp performance.

If there is a large puddle of water at the bottom of the lamp assembly this condition is not normal. This indicates that there is a leak somewhere on the lamp assembly seal. Replace the lamp assembly to resolve this condition.