Tail Light Condensation

[RFB]

Originally Posted by sirsol66

I have this this entire thread as well as the one on the BRZ forum, quite a few people have suggested a thicker custom gasket or doubling up the OE one. I have already purchased a new set from Toyota that I will use on the new taillights when they're installed, right now I'm letting the other set air out.

The idea of building the dam doesn't appeal to me, as it traps the water on top of the trunk area, instead of letting it flow down and out as its intended to. I'm not suggesting the Toyota/Subaru design is ideal (far from it), but I'd much rather have condensation in my taillights than salt water sitting on the quarter panel of the car, especially since this car doesn't have any other drain holes. We'll see if my condensation comes back in a few days, it was just very weird that there was no hint of it until a year after the car arrived.

I beg to differ - my snow man snot dam DOES NOT trap water on top of the trunk area.

Because of the shape of the dam, the angles, and gravity, ALL flowing water is evacuated - none is trapped to left sit on the quarter panel of the car.

That was the first thing I checked when shaping the snot dam. I checked with direct, indirect and every conceivable water flow and volume I could devise. I also checked after natural inundation (rain) verses man made.

The idea as first posted by me was to build a dam to prevent ingress to the seals and cause EGRESS away from the car.

If you build a dam to trap water you are doing it wrong. Reshape and spray till you get the right shape and NO water remains. Took me only a few seconds the first try to get the right shape.

By the way - with my stock gaskets, snowman snot dam, still no condensation !





CERBERUS

[sirsol66]

Originally Posted by wdninja

3M Automotive Weatherstrip Adhesive (1oz tube) works well and isn't expensive. I've used it to install my gaskets in 3 of my own sets of tail lights (factory, Colin, Valentis), and for installs for at least 10 other people with good results.

Here's a video I made for my site showing how I apply the adhesive, you can skip to 4:40 for the application.

Thank you for the video, it was very helpful. Any specific place you know that carries the weatherstrip adhesive? I can check autozone or advance, but can also order online if necessary.

[wdninja]

Originally Posted by sirsol66

Thank you for the video, it was very helpful. Any specific place you know that carries the weatherstrip adhesive? I can check autozone or advance, but can also order online if necessary.

It's at Advance Auto for sure and I've also seen it on Amazon. I'm sure it's at other auto stores as well, but that's where I get mine.

They have a few sizes at Advance Auto. The 1oz tube should be plenty, no need to spend more than that.

[jermyzy]

hey guys, I'm bringing my Subaru to the dealership tomorrow to look at taillight condensation. In the past I've ignored it, as it usually disappears, but now it's actually collecting water at the bottom. Am I better off parking the car inside the garage or outside tonight to have a better chance of the condensation showing up tomorrow morning?

[kodyo]

^^
Wherever it's cooler.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by sirsol66

Thank you for the video, it was very helpful. Any specific place you know that carries the weatherstrip adhesive? I can check autozone or advance, but can also order online if necessary.

Some Walmarts also carry it. Picked up a tube of it from there for less than 5 bucks a while back.

[Pake1]

I have ninja's gaskets and am ready to apply-

However, I've had the same condensation in my taillight for the past 2-3 weeks and hasn't gone away... Should I just go to the dealership, get the new taillights, then put on the new gaskets, or just put them on these ones?

[RFB]

Originally Posted by Pake1

I have ninja's gaskets and am ready to apply-

However, I've had the same condensation in my taillight for the past 2-3 weeks and hasn't gone away... Should I just go to the dealership, get the new taillights, then put on the new gaskets, or just put them on these ones?

Get new ones - if not free on warranty you can take out the condensation with swishing methyl hydrate (only, nothing else) over the water and pouring it out.

If warranty, have them install as stock, go home then do it right (new sealed gasket and snot dam, don't over tighten). Don't tell them and give them an excuse to blame you for future problems. (A dealer mechanic saw my replacement switchback led's and made a note for future warranty exclusion re. led's not bulbs).






CERBERUS

[cnk]

Originally Posted by Pake1

I have ninja's gaskets and am ready to apply-

However, I've had the same condensation in my taillight for the past 2-3 weeks and hasn't gone away... Should I just go to the dealership, get the new taillights, then put on the new gaskets, or just put them on these ones?

Honestly I don't think it really matters. I had condensation and got my lights replaced last January. The condensation came back last week. I installed the ninja gaskets with sealant on Friday so we'll see how it works out. I did pull the bulbs and use a hair dryer to circulate hot air in the lights prior to installation to make sure there was no moisture left in them.

[Felix7007]

Yes, noticed this and had my passenger tail light replaced under warranty.

[mikeg7827]

its been 14 months since both driver & passenger tails replaced and i have condensation again in just my drivers side TL...this is such a PITA... supposedly they ordered the TL tuesday and havent heard anything yet.

when you buy a car.. crap like this shouldnt happen... i dont see many tc's or other toyota tails with issues like this ... this often.

i know there are worse things to complain about but seriously.. i bought an extended warranty on this car and they started to ask me questions like was m driving different since i got the new tails? im like no... and they looked at me like i had 3 heads.

[cycleboy]

Went to the grocery store today and noticed I've got a puddle. Driver's side only so far. Almost 1 yr old and just started.

[subiestyle]

Do the aftermarket taillights have the same problem?

[kodyo]

Originally Posted by subiestyle

Do the aftermarket taillights have the same problem?

A few local members have had leaking aftermarket tail lights. Don't recall the exact brands though.

I still haven't had any issues with the ninja gasket, but it's too soon to say for sure that it will last.