Moisture in Taillights

Joined
29 April 2009
Messages
164
Location
Chino Hills, CA
Hey guys,

I have a quick question regarding moisture inside the taillights (see pictures). I got my car repainted and when I went to check on it, there was water inside the lights. I asked the shop owner about it, and he said that the lights werent put back on tightly and he will remove them again to let the water dry out. My question is, does the water inside the lights mean that it has been damaged, or is it a normal issue and can just be dried out. Ive had the taillights for over a year now and after several washes, Ive never had water enter the taillights. Reason Im asking is I am planning to sue the shop for some damages and alot of other issues ive had to deal with. Should I add in the replacement of my taillights? I will be posting a full review of my experience with this shop very soon. It has been the WORST experience Ive had. Thanks alot everyone!
 

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When got mine back from the shop I had the same problem. When I took the lights out it turned out one of the gaskets had a puncture in them so I took the opportunity to replace all the gaskets and that solved the problem.

Thanks.

Otto

Here's the part list and prices from Delray Acura when I ordered back in January:
33503-SL0-A01 GASKET, R. BASE (1) 1 $16.09
33505-SL0-A01 GASKET, R. BASE (2) 1 $26.91
33553-SL0-A01 GASKET, L. BASE (1) 1 $16.09
33555-SL0-A01 GASKET, L. BASE (2) 1 $26.91
 
Moisture in the taillights is a very common problem. I wouldn't hold this against the body shop at all. Especially if the shop had to remove the tail light to do body work.

As mentioned, the gaskets are probably very old and you could use new ones. Your car is over a decade old and probably have the original gaskets still on them.

Even with new gaskets, the glue holding the taillight may have deteriorated over time. No need to panic, there is several solutions.

You can take the tail light apart and glue them again with window clear silicone from home depot.
 
Replace the gaskets....even mines gets a little moisture from time to time, but thats because my gaskets are original ones.
 
Thanks everyone for the input. Thats one less thing to worry about, but the shop is still not off the hook, there are other issues that need to be dealt with. I will be posting a full review of my experience soon. Thanks again!
 
keep a desicant in your trunk...
I keep 2 little packets on each side, picks up moisture well
replace yearly

fyi: desicant = "those little tiny packages that come in a box of shoes that your mom told you never to eat"
 
I had moister in my tail lights so I took them off the car and drilled a 3/8" hole on the side of each light such that it was not visible when installed back on the car. This way, the lights will always be airing out. I have not had any problems the last 5 years.
 
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