Headlight lens cloudy inside

[trevtherev]

2001 Passat TDI PD estate 1.9

The left headlight lens is not clear on the inner surface and is slowly getting worse. I've been checking the headlights pre-MOT and find the beam is not as defined as it should be (and suspect some of the light is too high) and I'm concerned this may lead to a fail.

I believe the car is fitted with gas discharge headlights. The right one (easier to get at) is not as clear as it should be but nothing like as bad as the left one.

Is there an easy fix?

[macquatic]

There's an article in the threads somewhere on how to clean the lenses. I've done a quick search but can't find it. If you have the time just search the forums.

[scotty33]

Are you saying the inside of the lens is cloudy, or the reflector? The outside of the lens degrades and can be flatted down and polished

[caldirun]

2001 Passat TDI PD estate 1.9

The left headlight lens is not clear on the inner surface and is slowly getting worse. I've been checking the headlights pre-MOT and find the beam is not as defined as it should be (and suspect some of the light is too high) and I'm concerned this may lead to a fail.

I believe the car is fitted with gas discharge headlights. The right one (easier to get at) is not as clear as it should be but nothing like as bad as the left one.

Is there an easy fix?

I have seen a post that reported using a stick and some glass cleaner on a wad at the end of the stick, mine are the same as yours (and everyone elses if they can be bothered to check) and I have considered doing this but it would be a tight squeeze to get in and cut hands are likely.
If you try post the results, please

[macquatic]

I've found the thread. Click the link below.
55 Plate Projector Lens Dirty

[trevtherev]

Are you saying the inside of the lens is cloudy, or the reflector? The outside of the lens degrades and can be flatted down and polished

It looks like the inside surface of the lens. I presumed (incorrectly it seems) that it was glass and that a wipe was all it needed. Since posting the question, I notice that it looks much better - almost clear. The only explanation I can think of is that it is due to condensation and disappears in freezing conditions. Is this likely? Condensation should be much easier to deal with than grime.

[trevtherev]

I have seen a post that reported using a stick and some glass cleaner on a wad at the end of the stick, mine are the same as yours (and everyone elses if they can be bothered to check) and I have considered doing this but it would be a tight squeeze to get in and cut hands are likely. If you try post the results, please

See my reply to Scotty33 - I'm currently thinking that if it might just be condensation, I might try inserting a small pack of silica gel and leaving it a few days. (I don't often use the car)

[caldirun]

See my reply to Scotty33 - I'm currently thinking that if it might just be condensation, I might try inserting a small pack of silica gel and leaving it a few days. (I don't often use the car)

If it was condensation it would very quickly evaporate when you turned your lights on (the lamps get very hot very quickly), nice and easy to test for, report back ASAP

[trevtherev]

If it was condensation it would very quickly evaporate when you turned your lights on (the lamps get very hot very quickly), nice and easy to test for, report back ASAP

A short journey with the lights on did not seem to affect the misting (or whatever it is).

[scotty33]

If it is just water, you need to take the lamp holder out then warm the headlight with a hairdryer. The water will evaporate but will also be ventilated away - this wont happen with the heat from the lamp alone, the trapped air in the enclosure will carry more water vapour when warm, but this condenses out again when the air cools

Then there is the question of how did the water get in in the first place?