[kmargraffjr]

Ok, so I just picked up a 2005 Ford Escape this week and I got a great deal, but there is water inside of the passenger side headlamp. Is there a way to fix this on my own?

My 3 options are 1.) if possible fix the problem myself 2.) buy a new stock headlamp and 3.) Upgrade to HID

Any help on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

UPDATE: I was able to disassemble my front end, dry out the headlight, reseal with silicon and put it all back together

 

[Breensy]

hey there.

firstly upgrading to HID only changes bulb and you will still have the moisture problem.

next option, fixing it yourself wouldnt be to hard of a process. just remove the headlight then open it up and let it dry out and then re-seal it using more sealant this time.

buying a new headlamp assembly works also, they arent to bad in price if you were to look on ebay. dealership would be steep however.

 

[kmargraffjr]

firstly upgrading to HID only changes bulb and you will still have the moisture problem.

well i was thinking of doing a total headlamp upgrade, not just the bulb but a total assembly/wire kit

 

[CrashNburn]

drill some small holes in the bottom of the housing. then the moisture will drain out.

 

[Squishy]

You can fix it yourself by removing the headlight assembly, then without the bulbs in, leave it in the sunlight for a day to dry out. Then clean the seams with alcohol and go around all the seams with silicone sealant, black is usually the least visible.

 

[kmargraffjr]

You can fix it yourself by removing the headlight assembly, then without the bulbs in, leave it in the sunlight for a day to dry out. Then clean the seams with alcohol and go around all the seams with silicone sealant, black is usually the least visible.

ok, i'm gonna give that a try but i'm having trouble figuring out how to take off my front bumper (apparently i need to so i can get the headlight housing out)

last question (to anyone/everyone) what all is in a HID kit since I can't find a total HID assembly upgrade... it uses the existing headlight housing so what is the big difference?

 

[Squishy]

Have you read this? viewtopic.php?f=28&t=1734

An HID "kit" only includes the bulbs and ballast, maybe some wiring. The main difference is that the stock reflectors aren't meant to handle the increased light output, and may throw out unacceptable glare depending on your specific reflector and the colour temperature (higher temperatures are more offensive). You may be able to get away with it, or you may have to go back to stock, depending on your specific assembly. Some reflectors have less flaws and are better able to handle a kit - there are a few pictures here that aren't too bad in terms of glare.

I think Weezy did a projector retrofit where he used projector lamps mounted inside the stock housing.

 

[Contol]

The best way to remove the old sealant is to use a heat gun and start wiping it off once it become soft. Then use something like gumout https://10carbest.com/how-to-reseal-headlight (or alcohol) to wipe the rest of it off. Make sure to follow it up with alcohol (if gumout was used) so it's nice and clean for the new sealant.

Some have used clear silicone, or an auto parts store should carry this type of auto sealant.