Foggy headlight thread (again)..

[freakstatus]

I have had a foggy right headlight since I bought the car back in May. The Ford guys (two separate dealers) say my only option is to buy a new assembly at $212. I seem to remember a thread on here that showed how to fix it, but I can't seem to find it on the search. Just wondering if replacing it is the only option?? Am I getting duped? The part has to be ordered out of Detroit.

[vkirkend]

If you are talking about the fading / clouding as they get older try toothpaste on the lens with a soft cloth to clear it back up.....

[hidperf]

I think he's talking about the headlight getting condensation in it. I have the same problem with my rt headlamp as well. This usually happens when the seal between the lense and housing isn't air tight. I've heard of people fixing this by applying clear silicone around the area where the housing meets the lense. I haven't done mine yet but will be when I put my upgraded lights in.

[Dr Caleb]

Yep, this is a long time problem. Well, two problems.

The first is that the gasket in the back is known to be crap, and the light isn't sealed properly. It lets water in, and you get the foggy lens on the inside.

The second is, that Ford knows about it, and won't do anything unless fish can swim inside your headlight lens.

The fix is, to reseal the lens properly along the edges, with silicone or similar product, and replace the gasket on the rear (where the bulb is connected),

[ImpalaSlayer]

i got the same problem with my left rear

[Bluerauder]

If you are talking about the fading / clouding as they get older try toothpaste on the lens with a soft cloth to clear it back up.....
My daughter's 1999 Mustang had the cloudy headlight issue and failed inspection last Friday. They were pretty bad --- almost solid white. The solution was to polish the lenses. They almost look brand new and are back to clear again. Fixed for $11.95. :up:

My son replaced both his headlights on his '99 Mustang about a year ago for the same problem. Cost was more than $300.00. :(

I like the $12.00 fix much better and it looks nearly as good. :D

Of course, this is not really an option on the condensation/moisture issue with the Marauder headlights.

[freakstatus]

I think he's talking about the headlight getting condensation in it. I have the same problem with my rt headlamp as well. This usually happens when the seal between the lense and housing isn't air tight. I've heard of people fixing this by applying clear silicone around the area where the housing meets the lense. I haven't done mine yet but will be when I put my upgraded lights in.

Yup...condensation...and lots of it now. With winter here, the moisture doesn't burn off as fast. I'm afraid it may freeze inside the lens. Looks like I'll just replace it....:shake:

[Jimimac43]

If it is the "crud" on the outside of the lens you can feel it as it is rough to the touch. You can polish it out, I used a product made by Novus. It comes in 3 different stages. The product can usually be found in any motorcycle shop. It is made for plexi, or lexan . My rt. lens was partially clouded on the outside.I just did it by hand but I guess if you need to you can use a buffer of sorts. Anyway to stop this rambling, it worked for me .

[Bobmiddle]

You dont have to replace it pull the headlight out and take it apart clean it out and seal it up with silicone. There are 2 tabs on the top of the light that you can pull back and pull the lense away from the housing. If the seal is bad it might already be apart. then glue the tabs back down so it does not come apart again. It should be an easy fix.;)


The second is, that Ford knows about it, and won't do anything unless fish can swim inside your headlight lens.or take it apart put a fish and some water in it and take it down to ford and see what they say.

[Marauder386]

... Brasso and a soft cloth...works every time...just dont polish it like you would a piece of metal...

:cool:

[MM2004]

My daughter's 1999 Mustang had the cloudy headlight issue and failed inspection last Friday. They were pretty bad --- almost solid white. The solution was to polish the lenses. They almost look brand new and are back to clear again. Fixed for $11.95. :up:

My son replaced both his headlights on his '99 Mustang about a year ago for the same problem. Cost was more than $300.00. :(

I like the $12.00 fix much better and it looks nearly as good. :D

Of course, this is not really an option on the condensation/moisture issue with the Marauder headlights.

Charlie,

Good 411. What polish did you use and where can it be purchased?

My daily driver ('99 Taurus) has this condition.

Mike.

[Krytin]

Mother's Plastic Polish worked fine on mine.
It looks like the headlight lenses may have been clear coated from the factory? The way mine looked they looked like the clear paint had worn away from the upper half of the front and the top edges.
Anyway, the polish will do the trick for cloudy surface appearance.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Would that mother's plastic polish work against yellowing on older car's headlights?

[ctrlraven]

I've used TurtleWax polishing compound on my past Fords and it worked just fine. Once they got bad enough I just went on ebay and found a cheap replacement pair and switched it over. Being able to clearly see at night means more safety to me and I don't put a price on safety.

[freakstatus]

You dont have to replace it pull the headlight out and take it apart clean it out and seal it up with silicone. There are 2 tabs on the top of the light that you can pull back and pull the lense away from the housing. If the seal is bad it might already be apart. then glue the tabs back down so it does not come apart again. It should be an easy fix.;)

or take it apart put a fish and some water in it and take it down to ford and see what they say.

Thanks...I'll take a peak today. Any particular type/brand of silicone?

[Bobmiddle]

^^^no just use clear silicone so you will not see any mess.

[STLR FN]

I have the same issue with my rt side parking lamp, guess I'll try some of the fixes mentioned.

[CRUZTAKER]

Yep, this is a long time problem. Well, two problems.

.... Ford knows about it, and won't do anything unless fish can swim inside your headlight lens.


Shame...my dealer has replaced mine twice under warranty for condensation. Once without even my requesting during an oil change. My regular mechanic spotted it, didn't like it, and replaced it.

Drive down to Cleveland and see a REAL Mercury service department.;)

[CROWNMARAUDER]

Does that $212 for the headlight include installation? I paid $105 with shipping included for two new oem headlights from ebay. They are $141.60 each list price from ford.

[offroadkarter]

The second is, that Ford knows about it, and won't do anything unless fish can swim inside your headlight lens.




That might not be to far away, upon walking home last june, i saw an old man with an MGM that i swear had 2" of water in the side light. I could see it waving up and down when he pulled into the parking lot.



Silicone works, try it

[hidperf]

Yep, this is a long time problem. Well, two problems.

The second is, that Ford knows about it, and won't do anything unless fish can swim inside your headlight lens.


It's actually a common problem among many manufacturers. I work for Acura and we replace them constantly for customers. Honda, obviously, has the same problem too.

[Merc-O-matic]

If you are talking about the fading / clouding as they get older try toothpaste on the lens with a soft cloth to clear it back up.....

The headlights on my 1994 Lincoln Town Car were yellow/cloudy/darn
right ugly....Couldn't see the inside of the lamp!
Today I tried your "toothpaste" tip....polished right up.... lens is now clear as a bell!
Thank You...Thank You!

Gotta Love It!

[Mike Poore]

Mother's Plastic Polish worked fine on mine.
It looks like the headlight lenses may have been clear coated from the factory? The way mine looked they looked like the clear paint had worn away from the upper half of the front and the top edges.
Anyway, the polish will do the trick for cloudy surface appearance.

Meguiars makes/sells the same stuff .......works like magic. A $3 bottle is a lifetime supply for you and your friends. :D