Hey guys I just want some input here about my headlamp issue. I have found many of our lights seem to have this issue being they aren't sealed. I have quite a bit of condensation in both my lights and it drives me nuts. It seems like in the last couple weeks it has gotten worse and I asked the dealer to replace both lamps while its still under warranty. They were very hesitant about it basically said they would make a decision when I go in for my service appointment tomorrow. I dropped the issue at that point but have to go back in tomorrow for an unrelated issue and I want them to replace them both. I view it as a safety issue and they never clear up. I had to use my high beams last night down a dark road and I swear they were terrible until some of the condensation vaporized. Based upon the picture do you think I have a legitimate claim? Its not just some small condensation, they are holding water pretty well.
About the only advice I have anymore on the subject is to mark them inconspicuously so if they do say they have replaced them you won't have any doubts. I just don't have any real evidence yet that replacements are acting any differently.
Thanks for the response! I already marked them both and yeah thats the problem is I don't even know if a new set would fix the problem permanently or not.
I had that issue on my '11 on the left side. As soon as I told him, my former service writer told me they would not replace them. I said that they've been that way for 2 months and won't clear up. When I picked up the car they had replaced it.
I still went to a different writer in the same shop after that.
But the point is that GM is working hard to not replace any of the units, saying instead to tell the customer to just defog them through normal use. I can take a little fog on 'em, but the image above looks about like mine did and I wasn't gonna take No for an answer. Thankfully it didn't need any escalation.
__________________
'11 LTZ, born Aug 2010, Fairfax, KS
V6/A6, Red Jewel Tintcoat / Cocoa-Cashmere, Sunroof
Cool Mods: Drop-in K&N air filter; 20% tint, DRLs on turn signals,
Painted grilles, 1-wipe washer, WeatherTech mats, CHMSL Pulser
That looks as bad as my old 97 Cougar headlights. You would think they would know how to make headlights that don't do that by now. I hope our Malibu doesn't start that crap.
I had that issue on my '11 on the left side. As soon as I told him, my former service writer told me they would not replace them. I said that they've been that way for 2 months and won't clear up. When I picked up the car they had replaced it.
I still went to a different writer in the same shop after that.
But the point is that GM is working hard to not replace any of the units, saying instead to tell the customer to just defog them through normal use. I can take a little fog on 'em, but the image above looks about like mine did and I wasn't gonna take No for an answer. Thankfully it didn't need any escalation.
So since you had that housing replaced, what can you tell us about condensation in the replacement unit?
Well went in today and they did not replace my headlamps because the car is just out of the 3/36. When I bought the car the dealer offered a 90day/3000 mile full warranty against any mechanical issues or issues of safety. I argued over and over that it was a safety issue and if they were going to replace a door speaker for me...why not headlamps? Headlamps are a much bigger issue than a door speaker...oh wait I forgot they cost an arm and a leg a piece plus the install meaning the dealer didn't want anything to do with it if GM wasn't paying. They claimed the headlights are a maintenance item and therefore weren't covered. I mean I know the headlights themselves are a maintenance item but they were giving me the run around saying the lamps were as well. All in all im pretty dissapointed and because of this and other fights I have had with that dealer I will try and get ahold of the dealer owner himself and voice my complaints. If that doesn't work I already have my eyes on ebay lol.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Condensation in Headlamps
2011 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
Mods: Drop-in K&N air filter; 20% tint, DRLs on turn signals,
2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 1SA
Re: Condensation in Headlamps
Linear Mode
