Foggy/moisture inside headlight

[nguvanh]

I just drove to touchless car wash today. After one hour, my CX-9 right (passenger) side headlight assembly has foggy/moisture inside.
I want to ask you if deal will replace whole assembly or repair it?
Thank you.

[Force-1]

I probably wouldn't worry about it just yet. That happens to my taillights when I wash the 9, and the moisture dissipates shortly thereafter.

[nguvanh]

However, this is the first time it happens.
My CX-9 is over 2 years and this was never happened before.

[CX9 SportOwner]

The headlights are not totally sealed. Condensation inside depends on humidity, and the temperature, both inside and outside the housing. You probably just never had the right conditions for it before. We've had temporary fogginess on certain cold days after a snow, but only 2 or 3 times at the most. It goes away. IF it doesn't for some reason, then I'd be more concerned.

[nguvanh]

I have talked to dealer and they are getting approval to order me a new housing.
I had couple snow times here in northwest washington and no condensation at all.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Sounds like it may actually have a leak then. Nice it's being taken care of.

[nguvanh]

Just an update.
Have it in garage yesterday for oil change.
The dealer also has done Air Bag Light Recall. I also report the driver side mirror (vibrate).
They have taken care of them. Both mirror and headlight assembly has been ordered and expected to be complete next week.

[ceric]

They even ordered a new mirror for you?!
If that is not a good dealer service, I don't know what is....
You are lucky to visit that dealer. Hope everything get fixed properly.

My understanding of the headlight housing is that it is not air-tight, but condensation like that indicates some crack in the housing. My old BMW had a cracked housing, it had condensation like that in the photos. There was none when new even after washing.

[nguvanh]

They are Mazda dealer in my town.
I didn't even bought my both cars from them, but they are doing good their job.
This is 2nd time for mirror replacement.
I don't know about headlight, but it just happened for the first time in over 2 years, and to passenger side. I don't even see any cracks or chip. That's why they confirmed there's something wrong and ordered the replacement.

[danz75]

They are Mazda dealer in my town.
I didn't even bought my both cars from them, but they are doing good their job.
This is 2nd time for mirror replacement.
I don't know about headlight, but it just happened for the first time in over 2 years, and to passenger side. I don't even see any cracks or chip. That's why they confirmed there's something wrong and ordered the replacement.

Which dealer is this? I got mine from Umazda.

[nguvanh]

Hi neighbor,

I bought my CX-9 at Auburn Valley, but I have it at Mazda Olympia dealer for service (takes me 5 min to get there).
I bought my 10' Mazda3 at South Tacoma Mazda.
Actually, when I got into dealer to show them the condensation, it was almost gone. I let them see this page. Fortunately, when I got home, it was condensed again, so I went back to dealer and they confirmed it.

[nguvanh]

My CX-9 was in dealer yesterday for mirror and headlight replacement.
Vibration of the mirror on the road is now almost gone.
New headlight is also perfect.
There is only one thing I concern. New headlight has perfect edge at cut. I mean the bulb is right in focus point of projector. However, the defect one or even the old one on left (driver) side, the cut is not perfect.
I am not sure if something wears after time or it is a defect.

[fellowkillla]

i have the same problem with mine too, but i have actual rain drops that's 85% covering the inside of the lense.. very frustrating to see this. another thing i have on my mind, i have hid conversion you think the dealership will mess with me if they see it?

[Davicho]

If you have an HID kit, the dealership will surely not cover it under warranty. So if you want them to cover it, remove your HIDs and put it back to stock form before taking it into the dealership this way they can cover it. If you cut a whole on the access cover (dust cover) to fit your HIDs go buy two of them and install them before going into dealership as well so that it looks fully stock. I am sure the price of the covers is not nearly as much as buying a complete headlamp assembly even if you found it on eBay.

[nguvanh]

You can buy those covers really cheap at some online mazda parts stores.
Wayne is one of them.

[fellowkillla]

do you know by any chance the part# ceric help me out!!!

[ceric]

I don't think WorkShop manual has part # in it.
Other than that, let me know how I can be of help.

[jabba]

Most headlights have a little Goretex patch that lets the headlamp breathe (i.e. keeps water from coming in, but lets moisture come out). Are you sure you didn't damage that patch? Might be the easiest fix if that's the issue...