2008 SRX headlight replacement

[kevm14]

Yeah that thought crossed my mind. The SRX has been through this car wash before, and more than once. It was in the upper 30s so maybe the cold did something (like maybe that marginal seal near the broken tab just didn't seal in the cold).

I didn't really expect the ballast drying to fix it, and when I tested it, I didn't feel like swapping the bulb. I did read one guy on the Cadillac forum had success drying his ballast out but again that was a bit of a moon shot. Maybe it actually has a moisture sensor, since high voltage is involved with striking the lamp. I think it runs at 85V which isn't too bad but the strike is a lot more I think. In fact on the sticker, it says "1000V" so...

Either way, if there is still a leak, I'd rather find out on the old ballast than swap parts before really fixing it. And it may just run as it is currently configured for years to come. That would be nice.

[kevm14]

The headlight is still working. There is still some condensation inside toward the bottom. I should have put it in the oven or something to really make sure it started dry upon reassembly. I don't think I evaporated all the moisture with the hair dryer. Maybe in the warmer months that will help. I could park it out in the sun for a day or something.

Ooh, I think it is due for inspection this month. Or is it March? I should check. And I should probably go get the sticker so I am not under the gun if water gets in there again.

EDIT: It is March. No car washes until March? If it warms up a little I could do it myself and save money anyway.

[kevm14]

Still working. Even as the car is covered in salt. Really need to wash or at least rinse it. This weekend will be warm so I should make it a priority to do that. The warm garage helps dry out the car but it is still covered - and one puddle and everything is wet again anyway.

[kevm14]

The headlight is still working. There is still some condensation inside toward the bottom. I should have put it in the oven or something to really make sure it started dry upon reassembly. I don't think I evaporated all the moisture with the hair dryer. Maybe in the warmer months that will help. I could park it out in the sun for a day or something.

Ooh, I think it is due for inspection this month. Or is it March? I should check. And I should probably go get the sticker so I am not under the gun if water gets in there again.

EDIT: It is March. No car washes until March? If it warms up a little I could do it myself and save money anyway.

Waiting for inspection now. Should be fine. Not only is the headlight still working but the condensation seems to have disappeared. I think this car could do with a set of tires next fall though...

[kevm14]

Jamie brought the SRX through the car wash today she told me. Headlight looks dry and still works.