Tail Light Condensation

[cycleboy]

Originally Posted by dnieves

I was reading a review of the 3M weatherstrip adhesive and few people said it dries out, does not retain a strong bond over time affecting its water resistance. One person said he used silicon adhesive (the kind you buy at Home Depot to attach a sink to a pedestal and the pedestal to a tiled floor). He said it's strong and completely waterproof. Have you heard of this? I purchased the gaskets last night and would be willing to test it (provided I get a free replacement in case the experiment failed ).

Not sure you need to worry about the 3M stuff. I got mine awhile back whenever I redid my left side light and gaskets and it is still fine. I'll take a close look tomorrow and post a pic.

[dnieves]

Originally Posted by cycleboy

Not sure you need to worry about the 3M stuff. I got mine awhile back whenever I redid my left side light and gaskets and it is still fine. I'll take a close look tomorrow and post a pic.

Did you also do the tape to cover the gap between the light and the sheet metal as mentioned earlier?

[OUGrad05]

Does anyone know if there's a TSB that covers this issue? I'm looking at an FRS that is used and outside of the 3yr/36k warranty. The pics show no condensate in the tail light but definitely wet around the edges of the light, at least that's what it appears to be.

If it's out of warranty and I have to buy new lights that can't be cheap. If Toyota will still fix it I won't sweat it.

[Rican_D]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Does anyone know if there's a TSB that covers this issue? I'm looking at an FRS that is used and outside of the 3yr/36k warranty. The pics show no condensate in the tail light but definitely wet around the edges of the light, at least that's what it appears to be.

If it's out of warranty and I have to buy new lights that can't be cheap. If Toyota will still fix it I won't sweat it.

It's a known defect. It should still be covered.

[wdninja]

I personally tested a variety of silicones and adhesives before going with the 3M Superstrength Weatherstrip Adhesive. It was the best combination of ease of application, seal, longevity, flexibility, and price. I personally haven't seen or heard of anyone with any issues with it drying out, some of which are going on 3+ years of use.

Originally Posted by dnieves

I was reading a review of the 3M weatherstrip adhesive and few people said it dries out, does not retain a strong bond over time affecting its water resistance. One person said he used silicon adhesive (the kind you buy at Home Depot to attach a sink to a pedestal and the pedestal to a tiled floor). He said it's strong and completely waterproof. Have you heard of this? I purchased the gaskets last night and would be willing to test it (provided I get a free replacement in case the experiment failed ).

[RFB]

Originally Posted by Rican_D

It's a known defect. It should still be covered.

Last I heard, the known defect (TSB) acknowledges only over tightening of the bolts through the gasket, warping the mounting surface allowing water entry.

Corporate has not admitted the design mistake allowing the assaultive eroding water flow.

I haven't seen anything addressing the engineering flaw with the new twins.

Anyone opened the trunk on a new twin to see the design flaw fixed ?

[FX86]

that's just the blinker fluid

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

If it's out of warranty and I have to buy new lights that can't be cheap. If Toyota will still fix it I won't sweat it.

Originally Posted by Rican_D

It's a known defect. It should still be covered.

It is not covered if it is outside the 36M/36000M warranty. I know from experience, mine did it 59,000 miles and I tried to get it covered with this result.

Bottom line, a TSB is not the same as a recall which is covered regardless of mileage.

Interestingly enough, mine dried out over the winter and has not repeated since then. I purchased new/better gaskets but have not installed them. Probably should get around to doing that.

[Overdrive]

Just bought my car nearly a month ago, and noticed the right rear light has condensation on the top portion where the plastic flattens out horizontally. I'm going to contact the dealer to get this replaced under warranty. You'd think the last year of the car before the facelift/rebadge/tweaks would have worked this issue out by now.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Overdrive

Just bought my car nearly a month ago, and noticed the right rear light has condensation on the top portion where the plastic flattens out horizontally. I'm going to contact the dealer to get this replaced under warranty. You'd think the last year of the car before the facelift/rebadge/tweaks would have worked this issue out by now.

They will just replace it with the same thing so once they swap it you may want to do the goop dam thing. They changed the gaskets way back in 14 and there are not a whole lot of later ones that have it from what I have read.

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

They will just replace it with the same thing so once they swap it you may want to do the goop dam thing. They changed the gaskets way back in 14 and there are not a whole lot of later ones that have it from what I have read.

So it is a possibility that it'll happen again on a replacement piece? Does it just require a DIY resealing that'll outlive the car? Lol

[Kimsey47]

Figured I'd post my experience... I got my car in 2012 and had condensation in both lights. Dealer replaced the passenger side under warranty; however, the drivers side of course didn't decide to have any the day I got the work done. The one replaced has remained ok; however, my drivers side is getting worst. Looks like I'll be going to Tom's for replacements like others have done.

[reeves]

March and April has been rainy enough to finally confirm: after driving through several hours of light to heavy downpour the past 2 months (including an hour of rain driving home tonight), I NO LONGER HAVE CONDENSATION in my original OEM tail lights!!!

After 4 and half years, I can finally enjoy sliding my car around in the rain without getting condensation in my tail lights!

Whoohoo!

It just goes to prove.. sometimes if you ignore a "trivial" problem, it actually does go away!

Seriously though, I have no idea why this is the case. I'm guessing there's probably so much gunk built up around the gasket area, no more water can get in lol

[Cope]

Originally Posted by wdninja

I personally tested a variety of silicones and adhesives before going with the 3M Superstrength Weatherstrip Adhesive. It was the best combination of ease of application, seal, longevity, flexibility, and price. I personally haven't seen or heard of anyone with any issues with it drying out, some of which are going on 3+ years of use.

Just ordered my replacement seals from Gasket Ninja. The seals on my Buddy Club tails finally gave it up after the fourth (!!!) time going to the paint oven at the body shop. Wasn't thrilled to find half a gallon of water in the trunk after a storm, so I'm psyched to get these done!