ITB03051J

Classification:
Reference:
Date:
EL03-031j
ITB03-051j
February 26, 2016
HEADLAMP FOGGING
This bulletin has been amended in the APPLIED VEHICLES.
Please discard all previous versions.
APPLIED VEHICLES: 2011-2016 Infiniti – All models
SERVICE INFORMATION
Occasionally customers may notice water vapor or fog in the headlamps.
The following information, illustrations, and flow chart are provided to help you in determining if an incident
for water/condensation in the headlamps is normal or not.
Infiniti’s new vehicle limited warranty does not cover physically damaged (cracked or broken)
headlamps.
All current headlamp assemblies are vented to the atmosphere (not sealed).

This is necessary to allow for expansion and contraction of air from temperature "variations" (warmer or
colder) without damage to the headlamp.

Moisture in the air sometimes "travels" into and out of the headlamp assembly through these vents.

Certain environmental conditions may cause moisture to condense.

The fogging/cloudiness should disappear over time when the headlamp is in a dry environment.
Infiniti Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have
the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to
a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Infiniti dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the headlamp assemblies based on environmental conditions or
sudden temperature changes (such as in a car wash, or parked on a cold, sunny day). This is normal. See
Figure 1.
Head lamp
Grille
"Cloudy"
condensation (fog)
Lens area
TP030533
Figure 1: Example of normal condensation, ok
NOTE: This condensation can appear anywhere on the outer lens, typically at its coldest location.
Head lamp
Grille
Water droplets
or pools
Lens area
TP030534
Figure 2: Condition may not be normal
If the moisture trickles, drips, or pools, it may not be considered normal and the headlamp assembly may have
a water leak path. See Figure 2 for an example.
If large drops of water collect inside the lens, refer to the flow chart on page 3 to find the next step to take.
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ITB03-051j
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Should a customer note water in a headlamp assembly, please use the following flow chart to determine if the
condition is normal or requires lamp replacement.
Visual inspection: Does the
headlamp show any puddles, runs
on lens, or large (larger than 3 mm
diameter) droplets of water?
YES
NOTE: If there is any physical
damage (cracked or broken),
replace the assembly. Physical
damage is not covered by
warranty.
YES
Replace headlamp assembly.
NO
NO
Within the headlamp that has
condensation, is there a “filament”
type headlamp (non-LED)?
Is there an accumulation of
water puddled in the bottom of
the headlamp which is 10 mm
or more in depth?
When applicable: Replace only
headlamp housing. Reuse any bulbs,
sockets, harness, ballasts, etc. as
available in service catalog.
NO
LED-only headlamp assemblies, when
turned ON, will not generate enough
heat to dissipate normal condensation.
YES
Pull vehicle into service bay. Turn on
the filament-type headlamps. Monitor
the condensation in the lamps for 10
to 20 minutes.
Is condensation area
on lens clearing?
NO
 Refer to the Electronic Service
Manual for headlamp housing
replacement.
YES
DO NOT replace
headlamp assembly.
Inform the customer the following:
 Refer to the Warranty FRT Manual
for claims coding
when applicable.
NOTE: Not all headlamp
assembly replacements are
covered under warranty.
 All headlamps allow some
moisture (water vapor) inside
through vents which prevent
physical damage due to pressure
buildup when headlamps are
turned on.
 Warranty part return of the
assembly will be requested.
 Certain weather conditions will
cause water vapor to become
visible on lens.
 Any parts found physically
damaged (cracked or
broken) will be charged
back to the dealer.
 Condensation will clear on its own
as the environmental conditions
change.
 Any parts determined as
“no defect found” may be
charged back to the dealer.
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ITB03-051j