09-007-14-2878

Service Bulletin
Mazda North American Operations
Irvine, CA 92618-2922
© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Subject:
Bulletin No:
09-007/14
Last Issued:
01/24/2014
CONDENSATION / FOG IN FRONT AND REAR COMBINATION LIGHTS
MULTI-MODEL - CONDENSATION / FOG IN FRONT AND REAR COMBINATION LAMPS
BULLETIN NOTE
• This bulletin supersedes the previous bulletins 09-046/12 issued on 12/21/12, 09-057/10 issued on 12/23/10,
09-016/09 issued on 11/19/09, 03/20/09 and 03/26/09, and 09-007/08 issued on 02/11/08. The APPLICABLE
MODEL(S)/VINS and DESCRIPTION have been revised.
• Changes are noted below beside the change bar in Red.
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2011-2014 Mazda2
2003-2015 Mazda6
2007-2012 Mazda CX-7
2004-2014 Mazda3
2006-2014 Mazda MX-5
2007-2014 Mazda CX-9
2006-2014 Mazda5
2013-2015 Mazda CX-5
2004-2011 Mazda RX-8
DESCRIPTION
Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front or rear combination lights. The recent new
models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom to be more noticeable, however, it does
not affect the performance of the light. This condensation/fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there
is a fairly large temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the light housing. It is normal for
very small water drops to appear in certain locations on the light units where the air is stagnant (condensation),
making the lens look whitish (fog). This happens mostly in the corners and narrow spaces, and will typically
clear during warmer ambient temperatures, or when the lights have been on for some time.
Explain to the customer that this is a natural phenomenon and not a quality defect. DO NOT attempt repairs as
this is considered normal, and is NOT covered under Warranty. Replacing the light unit will not correct this
symptom.
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CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.
Bulletin No: 09-007/14
Last Issued: 01/24/2014
© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
DETERMINATION/TESTING
NOTE:
•
•
•
The location where the bulbs are fitted has a high air volume with good air circulation, therefore, if a
large or heavy amount of condensation appears here, the light unit should be replaced. A small
amount of condensation here is considered normal and should clear after the lights have been on
for some time and the light unit should not be replaced. Refer to the following pictures for examples.
If the outside conditions are unfavorable (cold and damp), even fog (dew concentration) as shown
in the following pictures will take some time to clear up. Therefore, be careful in making a decision.
A picture will be required with every claim for Warranty. If a light unit is found with no problem, and
no picture is sent in, the claim may be later debited. You can also perform the following test to determine if the light unit should be replaced.
In certain situations, it is normal for a light on one side to have condensation/fog and the other side
not to. This would be due to differences in conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) between the left
and right sides. For example, one side may be exposed to direct sunlight and the other side may be
in the shade.
1. In sunny weather or inside a warm garage, remove a bulb/socket and add cold/cool (not hot) air with a hair
dryer for approximately 5-10 minutes.
• If the condensation/fog clears, it is normal, and the light unit should not be replaced.
• If the condensation/fog does not clear, it is abnormal (water entry is suspected), and the light unit should
be replaced.
Water entry is where rain water comes into the inner light and stays as waterdrops on the inside of the
lens. The possible causes of "water entry" because of a part issue are:
- Poor sealing joint between the lens and housing.
- Missing or poor sealing of gasket. (NOTE: If the light unit was previously repaired and any seals are
missing, this is not covered under Warranty. Contact your DSM in this situation before replacing the
light.)
- Cracked lens and/or housing.
- Poor installation of respiration tube at ventilation hole.
NOTE: Causes of water entry from owner/operator treatment of vehicle (that should be avoided and are
not covered under Warranty) are:
- The light and the surrounding area receive too much water in high-pressure washing.
- The lens cracks from using a special cleaning agent with solvent.
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Bulletin No: 09-007/14
Last Issued: 01/24/2014
© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Examples of Light Units With Condensation/Fog That Should NOT Be Replaced
Condensation/fogging along the edges and in the corners is considered normal.
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Bulletin No: 09-007/14
Last Issued: 01/24/2014
© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Page 4 of 8
Bulletin No: 09-007/14
Last Issued: 01/24/2014
© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Some condensation/fogging on the lens is considered normal.
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Bulletin No: 09-007/14
Last Issued: 01/24/2014
© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Page 6 of 8
Bulletin No: 09-007/14
Last Issued: 01/24/2014
© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Examples of Light Units With Condensation/Fog That Should Be Replaced
Heavy/large amount of condensation on the lens is not normal.
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Bulletin No: 09-007/14
Last Issued: 01/24/2014
© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
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