13Maximasv

My car has some moisture trapped in the drivers side tail lamp bottom right hand corner anyone else had this issue ?

2013, 2800 miles

13Maximasv

My text seems to have been placed between the two photos and may be hard to see so I posted it again below


My car has some moisture trapped in the drivers side tail lamp bottom right hand corner anyone else had this issue ?

2013, 2800 miles


Seems the moisture goes away after about an hour ( after washing). I hope they warranty it as it will only get worse being the car is 5 months old

rader023

I have had 4 replaced, 2 on each side. Probably wont do any good. They just aren't good at equalizing temp very fast. It usually happens to me on a cold sunny day.

13Maximasv

Does it get worse ? As long as it goes away in an hour like it did this time and water doesn't get inside blowing the bulbs ( and thus having to drop the bumper to replace) I may be ok with it.

It was high 70's and sunny when I washed the car

rader023

Thank makes sense, hot inside the light, cold water on the outside. Mine goes away usually in a day if it is not cold and sunny the next day. If it's above 70 it only happens when i was with cold water.

13Maximasv

So do you think it's even worth replacing ( under warranty) ?

If it goes away I'm fine with it, more worried about it actually getting water inside and knocking out bulbs constantly

Thanks

rader023

Thats up to you. I am giving up. They made a small chip in my bumper last time taking one off. If it starts to become a common occurance than i would.

Jig9798

This is a known issue. There is a TSB out for moisture in the light housing.

Take it (the car and the photos) to the dealer and they will troubleshoot it.

There is a wide inconsistency between what is normal and not between dealers, so if you're not satisfied with what's being done at one place take it to another.

Wg2k7

I've had it in all 4 lights as well as mirror blinkers, the mirror is the only one I've bothered to have replaced because it actually burst the blinker light, others I've ignored because they go away within the day. '12 max with 13k

13Maximasv

I found the TSB. The car is under warranty for another 31 months so I'll wait and see what happens.

Thanks for all the replies



Subject: SB Nissan; Exterior Lamp Fogging
Summary of NTB03074:
SERVICE INFORMATION Occasionally customers may notice water vapor or fog in the exterior lamps. This is generally NOT due to a defect. The information, illustrations, and flow chart within this bulletin are provided to help you in determining if an incident for water/condensation in the lamps is normal or not. See this bulletin for further detail.

rader023

I have seen the illustrations, basically if the water covers enough area or beads they replace, but I don't think it will change anything. The side view mirrors are a different story, they should never have moisture in them.

13Maximasv

Do the pictures I posted have enough area for replacement ?


It was actually worse as I waited until I dried the car to take pictures

Thanks

Jig9798

This isn't quite true. I had moisture in my side marker light housing. These are also ventilated. It's covered under the same TSB described above. The illustrations are only an example of the rear housing assembly, but it applies to "all current exterior lamp assemblies."

Ultimately, my entire side view mirror was replaced, including the cover, under warranty.

Jig9798

In my opinion, yes, your tail light assembly should be replaced.

The final page of the TSB outlines the 'Service Procedure' for the technicians to follow. In the flow chart, it asks ... "is there an accumulation of water puddled in the bottom of the lamp which is 10 mm or more in diameter?" if yes ... replace lamp assembly.

13Maximasv

I didn't see a drop of water, just the fog

rader023

Okay thanks. They just showed me the illustration when they were checking. Thats crazy that the mirrors are ventilated because I could never get either one to dry out. Anyone else have them dry out by themselves?

Jig9798

Sorry, I was looking quickly at your pics. It looked like pooling water droplets, which is not normal. If it's simply fog/condensation, Nissan will unlikely cover that.

But you don't know until you ask.


No prob. I usually make it a habit of having the dealer print out the entire TSB for me whenever I have an issue. I also watched them replace the entire side view mirror assembly. Those guys make it look so easy.

The service managers at three independent Nissan dealers told me that moisture accumulation is most common in the taillight assembly but that it does occur in the side marker lights.

13Maximasv

If it's just going to come back regardless of weather I replace it or not I'll just wait and see if it gets worse

rader023

Not that any of us should have to do this, but a hairdryer to the plastic should move the water around to dry it out faster, be careful though, don't wanna melt a taillight that is under warranty

jerZmax856

Had the car for about a week, brand new - 2013 - drove off the lot with about 8 miles on it. Condensation is definitely pooling into droplets - about two inches wide & high in a triangular pattern (definitely more than 10mm).

My $30k Honda didn't have condensation in the lights, nor did my $500.00 '87 Oldsmobile.

Still love the car though - however - given the design is now five years old - one would think all the little things would be ironed out.

jerZmax856

Also saw it in mirror signal...... Again, despite puddles and other non related issues, all these things are "normal" lol

MEINEKEMAX

My mirror signals have condensation as well that's why I'm gonna tint them . I won't see it any longer. Dealer changed em out once and it did the same within a month

CrIMs0n MaX 92

i had the same issue, i called the dealership and they said their were built with some kind of breather hole and air get in there sometimes and it causes it to moisture inside, i took it out and had a closer look at it and it seemed legit, but in my opinion its stupid

Tommy6905

Is this just newer maximas with the darker lights? I have a 10 with the red lights and never had an issue with this

Jig9798

No. All 7th Gen's.

Jig9798

No. This is potentially problematic for all 7th Gen's.

edit: Sorry ... someone doesn't know how to use their iPhone.

Tommy6905

Ok thanks, just noticed people here with this problem had 12s, 13s

Boslax6123

Ugh I had the same issue and was soo surprised to find it. First off I live in LA, it rains like once a year, so I'm assuming any moisture is leftover from car washes and is settling somewhere, not good. Also, this is the first time I've noticed this and it only appeared when driving to a high elevation, was in a mountain range. Anyways, I took pics to show the dealer after I have them look at a few smaller other items.

'12 S tinted tails. Water appeared in rear left tail