Odd headlight problem

Ever since I was a poor college kid, I've been fixing my own cars. This has turned out to be a priceless skill that I plan to teach to my children. In all these years, I've seen some strange stuff, like my mustang that would run great, but only for five minutes at a time, or my suburban with the disappearing coolant, or my old olds that would diesel for up to 30 seconds after turning it off, getting out, locking the door, and walking away.

But yesterday, my 94 dodge caravan had a problem I've never seen before. I decided to get around to fixing the burnt out headlight. When I removed the old bulb, water poured out of the headlight. I had to remove it to empty the rest of the water. It was completely full. I figure there was a crack in the top of the headlight, and the shape of the car, or wind, funneled rain water right into it. I taped it up to seal it. We'll see if that fixes it.

brian

I noticed the bulb had shattered also. I'm assuming that's from coming in contact with the water when it came in. Wouldn't water passing through the headlight shatter the bulb again?

brain

Hi Glenn...

Not about to try telling a professional anything at all, but just in case you were somehow unaware of it...

Chrysler makes a "vent" for some headlights. My neighbor loves the early 90's models; they were wet inside after every durned rain.

The part number is 4805147, the description line reads "spord tube", and they sell for 6.20 at the dealer. Not in stock (at least here in Winnipeg), but they're happy to order them for you.

Take care.

Ken

I had a similar situation. The seal between the lens and the housing failed, allowing moist air to enter. Chrysler wanted $75 for a new assembly, so I bought an aftermarket unit for less than half the cost. So far, it seems to be working fine. All of the little tabs and notches lined up perfectly.

-KM

Shoot, Im always open for new ideas and opinions. Some vehicles have that vent but I cant say which ones they were. I do know that that part number is good for 1989 to 2006 vehicles. Anytime you get that much water in a headlight it is either a crack or a weak seal around the socket seal and no vent will help. If you don't want to replace the headlamp assembly your gonna have to drill small holes in the bottom of the lens to relieve the water or the bulbs will keep breaking as the lamp fills up. Chrysler issued a TSB on this at one time but then again I cant remember the year. Boy it stinks to get old!!

Glenn

Hi Glenn...

As another old guy - stroke victim as well - I sure agree that it stinks. But we have to think positively, so it's a heck of a lot better than the alternative :)

Take care.

Ken

Agreed!!