23-BD-002H

GROUP
BODY
Technical Service Bulletin
SUBJECT:
DATE
NUMBER
23-BD-002H
MODEL(S)
JANUARY, 2023
ALL
INFORMATION FOR LAMP CONDENSATION
This TSB supersedes 20-BD-014H by adding more information and examples for lamp
condensation and updating the service information to diagnose and repair this condition.
Description: This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated
moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB
illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.
Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by
turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
Applicable Vehicles: All
Warranty Information:
The incident parts are subject to callback through the normal Warranty Technical Center (WTC) parts
return process.
STUI Pictures Required
When submitting a warranty claim, please ensure photos are captured as shown in the
examples on page 3, with the headlamp installed and the fender and hood partially visible.
Circulate To: General Manager, Service Manager, Parts Manager, Warranty Manager, Service
Advisors, Technicians, Body Shop Manager, Fleet Repair
INFORMATION FOR LAMP CONDENSATION
SUBJECT:
in
A. Causes of Lamp Condensation
1.
Natural Condensation
2.
Condensation from Engine Startup
The amount and location of condensation will vary based on environmental factors and vehicle usage
conditions (lamp usage, driving time and/or distance, etc.).
Condensation may occur on only one side of the vehicle if it is parked in a certain position that
exposes one side to direct sunlight while the other side is in shade.
A similar example of the natural occurrence of condensation is windshield fogging. During cold
temperatures, the warm air inside the cabin may condense on the windshield if it has enough
moisture. This occurs because the warm air is cooled down past its dew point as it flows over the cold
windshield surface.
The dew point is the temperature at which the air is unable to “hold” any more water vapor. The water
vapor in the air will begin to condense into liquid droplets (dew) if the air is cooled down past its dew
point.
TSB #: 22-BD-002H
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INFORMATION FOR LAMP CONDENSATION
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B. Lamp Condensation Identification
i
Information
Condensation from the accumulated moisture is a normal occurrence. Lamp assembly
replacement is NOT necessary to resolve this condition.
1.
Normal Condensation
Condensation occurring inside the lamp
assembly after rain or a car wash cycle is
considered a natural occurrence.
Condensation can also occur after the
vehicle is parked outside during cold
temperatures. This condition occurs when
water vapor inside the lamp assembly is
exposed to temperature variations.
This condensation is NORMAL and
replacement is NOT REQUIRED.
i Information
See page 4 for the service procedure
to remove normal condensation.
Normal condensation in the headlamp
2.
Water Leak
If water is collecting at the bottom of the
lamp assembly, water streaks are
present, or the condensation remains
after the lamps have been on for 30
minutes or more, there may be a water
leak in the assembly. The leak may be
caused by a poor seal between the lamp
housing and lens, cracks in the lamp
assembly, or poor fitment.
The condition should be diagnosed and
repaired as necessary.
Water collecting inside the lamp assembly
TSB #: 22-BD-002H
Page 3 of 5
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INFORMATION FOR LAMP CONDENSATION
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in
C. Condensation Repair Flowchart
Lamp condensation is
present
Refer to B. Lamp
Condensation
Identification (page 3)
to determine if the
condensation is normal
or a water leak
Water leak
Normal condensation
Remove the lamp
assembly and inspect
for external damage and
aftermarket
modifications
Perform the procedure
in D. Lamp Assembly
Drying Guidelines
(page 5)
Damage/modification
present
Condensation
still present
No damage/modification
No condensation
remaining
Replace the desiccant
or moisture absorbent
pack inside the lamp
assembly and repeat the
drying procedure
Determine if the
damage/modification
was caused by an
external influence
Condensation
still present
No condensation
remaining
No external influence
External
influence
Repair not covered
under warranty
Submit STUI pictures
Replace the affected
lamp assembly
TSB #: 22-BD-002H
Condition has been
resolved. Repair is
complete.
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INFORMATION FOR LAMP CONDENSATION
D. Lamp Assembly Drying Guidelines
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ensure that the vehicle is parked in a well-ventilated area and that the dust cap(s) have been
removed prior to drying the lamp assembly.
Certain lamp assemblies may have two dust caps. Remove both dust caps if applicable.
To avoid battery discharge, the engine must be running while the lamps are on.
Allow the vehicle to idle for 30 minutes with the engine running and lamps turned on for the
condensation and moisture to evaporate.
Reinstall the dust cap(s) after drying the lamp assembly.
If condensation still remains, replace the lamp dessicant or moisture absorbent pack, if equipped,
and repeat the lamp assembly drying procedure again.
Example location of the dust cap
i
Information
Normal warranty applies for any lamp assembly with condensation. If a lamp desiccant
or moisture absorbent pack is replaced, file the warranty claim with the part number for
the desiccant or moisture absorbent pack, not the lamp assembly.
TSB #: 22-BD-002H
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