HID headlight issue!

[pstambau]

CORRECTION to #2 above.... ALL lights were working properly without issues. The HALOGEN headlight is a DIRECT REPLACEMENT with only turning the harness 180 degrees. SUCH A RELIEF!!!!!

 

[pigsnzen]

I’m really happy you confirmed this. I seriously thought I was going crazy. I’ve been combing through the forums and everyone that has done this conversion swears there are no issues. This was missed by both MA and RI inspections for several years. But now since one garage flagged it , it will never pass again until it’s fixed, which is on me now. I wish I had a junk housing to take apart so I could see how it’s wired internally because GM does not publish diagrams of the lamp internals. There has to be some kind of circuit board of sorts inside because every single pin at the plug has continuity to the contacts on this center parking light, so it may take a little more than just jumping wires to make it happen. However, I have 22 days to fix it so you will have an update fairly soon on how to go about it in a safe permanent way.
Thanks again and I will be in touch soon.

Were you ever able to find a solution?

 

[Badkharma]

Here is the LH light I bought:

Amazon.com: DEPO RLB BK REGAL 11-14 HL ASY HALOGEN LH (336-1123L-AS): Automotive

Buy DEPO RLB BK REGAL 11-14 HL ASY HALOGEN LH (336-1123L-AS): Headlight Assemblies - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Here is the RH light I bought:

Amazon.com: RLB BK REGAL 11-14 HL ASY HALOGEN RH: Automotive

Buy RLB BK REGAL 11-14 HL ASY HALOGEN RH: Headlight Assemblies - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

This fit in my 2012 GS, which originally had HID headlight assemblies, and it was also straightforward to get the electrical connection mated. It was actually my son who did it - I told him others had said something had to go upside down, and he said he saw that was correct, and he took care of it.

The headlight assemblies I bought stated they were for Buick Regal 2011-2012. I don't know if later years, or non-GS models, might have come with different headlight assemblies, and might therefore have a different electrical connector.

This worked perfectly on a 2011 Buick Regal Turbo with the HID headlights, just had to reverse the connector, all lights work flawlessly, do not know how long it will last but working now and only about 400 bucks vs 3600 the dealer quoted. Thanks so much!

 

[Chris1le]

I've been having the same issues as everyone posting here. Had Drivers side HID headlamp assembly and both taillights replaced by GM. All still form condensation. The passenger side headlight now does it as well. One thing that I have found to reduce the condensation in headlights is to open the engine hood when I get home. Not a perfect solution by any means but it helps reduce the condensation in the headlights. Still must pull the taillights a couple of times during the winter and blow some warm air in them to get rid of the moisture. Crappy situation for an otherwise nice car.

 

[TonkaTonkaGrl]

My solution was to purchase a pair of replacement headlight assemblies for my 2012 GS, where those assemblies were NOT made by GM. I did not want to buy replacement parts for GM because clearly GM has demonstrated they don't know how to manufacture a version of this which does not leak. The 3rd party headlight assemblies also cost a lot less that the prices I have heard for GM-manufactured versions. The assemblies I bought did look slightly different from the originals in that they lacked the blue circular ring inside the assembly (about 1-2 inches in diameter?), but since I bought a pair and replaced both assemblies, that difference did not bother me.

I am having the same issue. 07 Lucerne v8. I figured I would pop out the entire housing, and maybe buff it out from the inside so I don't die driving at night. 🤣 oh man was I in for a treat. What in the actual is wrong with Buick? I have never ever hated one of my cars... until now. This big ol pump pig b is my first despised car. Less than 80k and nothing really wrong with it. But every single time I decide to do even the smallest maintenance job on this car it is a frigging nightmare. I detest the plastic clips.
But at least I actually know how to do my own work. I feel bad for everyone who can't. I am also going to file a polite complaint. I'm sincerely disappointed. First time I've had this issue with and American car... but they are all plastic and no steal now * sigh. I refuse to pay almost $300 for a headlight housing, so I'll sand and buff it out, then seal the light so it doesn't leak again.

 

[TonkaTonkaGrl]

I've been having the same issues as everyone posting here. Had Drivers side HID headlamp assembly and both taillights replaced by GM. All still form condensation. The passenger side headlight now does it as well. One thing that I have found to reduce the condensation in headlights is to open the engine hood when I get home. Not a perfect solution by any means but it helps reduce the condensation in the headlights. Still must pull the taillights a couple of times during the winter and blow some warm air in them to get rid of the moisture. Crappy situation for an otherwise nice car.

 

[TonkaTonkaGrl]

I've been having the same issues as everyone posting here. Had Drivers side HID headlamp assembly and both taillights replaced by GM. All still form condensation. The passenger side headlight now does it as well. One thing that I have found to reduce the condensation in headlights is to open the engine hood when I get home. Not a perfect solution by any means but it helps reduce the condensation in the headlights. Still must pull the taillights a couple of times during the winter and blow some warm air in them to get rid of the moisture. Crappy situation for an otherwise nice car.

Why not put a thin bead of clear silicone inside of the housing next time you have to take em out?
That's my poa... guess I'll let you know how it goes

 

[Cmac77]

I’ve filed a complaint and contacted GM. I’m prepared to bring a lawsuit against GM. I need to know how many people will join. Please let me know if there is a fix.

So , I'm late in this 2016 regal PREMIUM passenger side condensation

 

[Cmac77]

I’ve filed a complaint and contacted GM. I’m prepared to bring a lawsuit against GM. I need to know how many people will join. Please let me know if there is a fix.

How did you make out?

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

One and done post Miac77, typical lol.

 

[Cmac77]

Agreed. Good advice filing the formal complaint. Class action suit is warranted.

I'm in too!!!

 

[Cmac77]

Final Solution...
1) Stop pulling headlights apart and resealing. It is NOT a leaking issue. The HID headlights get pretty darn hot and the air needs to expand (vent). When it cools down it drawns outside air in . Do this every day and time after time the air coming in will condense, thus moisture will form (a lot after a few years). There is a circuit board inside the light assembly that is getting wet and causing the ballast to short out.
2) Best case is to remove the HID and go with Halogen. As you can see in the photos the main, brights, and turn signals all work. The amber position light does not. I am thinking the since we are not 12 across the light ass'y circuit I can splice one of the position light wires to the main headlight wire to correct (unless I can get the wiring prints). I am ex-GM so may try to pull a few favors and view schematic.
3) The Depo light assy (~$200) connects directly to existing harness.
4) Swap takes about 45-60 minutes and there are several YouTube videos to show the location of the facia and light ass'y screws.View attachment 37725

Why does one side have
condensation and the other doesn't.? I think the unit is defective, halogens & HID bot get condensation problems

 

[kensell]

Another Florida driver here with the condensation problem on my 2016 Regal. My driver's side went first. I first thought water was leaking in from the top somewhere. I had my car parked under a roof valley and an the hood was getting a nice waterfall every time it rained. I stopped parking under the roof but the problem persisted. A few months ago the passenger side started filling up with water, even with no rain for days on end.

After much research on this site, other Buick sites, other sources for different car makes having the same problem, I found two repair options. 1) Take everything apart and try and seal the headlights. 2) Install vents. I went with option 2. The vents I got were $9 a pair. They were a little challenging to install with the headlights in the car, but I managed. I was able to use the supplied nut to fasten the vent I installed on the top of the headlight housing. For the vent I installed on the side, there was no room inside to get the nut on, so I used silicone around the vent threads before screwing it in. It's a nice snug fit and already had a o-ring. With the added silicone, I'm confident it wont leak and won't come loose.

Will it work? Time will tell. It seemed to solve the problem for a few non-Buick folks having the same issue with their headlights. The attached picture shows where I put the vents on the driver's side. I installed them in the same place on the passenger side as well.

I'll try and remember to post a follow-up and not be a "one and done" poster.

 

[Sam14GS]

Another Florida driver here with the condensation problem on my 2016 Regal. My driver's side went first. I first thought water was leaking in from the top somewhere. I had my car parked under a roof valley and an the hood was getting a nice waterfall every time it rained. I stopped parking under the roof but the problem persisted. A few months ago the passenger side started filling up with water, even with no rain for days on end.

After much research on this site, other Buick sites, other sources for different car makes having the same problem, I found two repair options. 1) Take everything apart and try and seal the headlights. 2) Install vents. I went with option 2. The vents I got were $9 a pair. They were a little challenging to install with the headlights in the car, but I managed. I was able to use the supplied nut to fasten the vent I installed on the top of the headlight housing. For the vent I installed on the side, there was no room inside to get the nut on, so I used silicone around the vent threads before screwing it in. It's a nice snug fit and already had a o-ring. With the added silicone, I'm confident it wont leak and won't come loose.

Will it work? Time will tell. It seemed to solve the problem for a few non-Buick folks having the same issue with their headlights. The attached picture shows where I put the vents on the driver's side. I installed them in the same place on the passenger side as well.

I'll try and remember to post a follow-up and not be a "one and done" poster.

I installed those vents on the removable cap on top of the housing, didn't work for me.
I ended up removing both headlights and resealing the seam with silicone.

 

[kensell]

I installed those vents on the removable cap on top of the housing, didn't work for me.
I ended up removing both headlights and resealing the seam with silicone.

Thanks for sharing your results with these vents. After sealing the headlights, did you leave the vents in, or remove them and patch the holes where they were installed?

 

[Sam14GS]

Thanks for sharing your results with these vents. After sealing the headlights, did you leave the vents in, or remove them and patch the holes where they were installed?

I left them in. The only issue that I have is with the drivers side. Once in a while I get some slight condensation, so i put a large silica gel pack in that housing and that usually lasts about 4 to 5 months.

 

[kensell]

I left them in. The only issue that I have is with the drivers side. Once in a while I get some slight condensation, so i put a large silica gel pack in that housing and that usually lasts about 4 to 5 months.

Thanks.

 

[LesFarq]

Does everyone feel that there have been enough issues with the condensation/water getting inside our HID headlights for a recall? I do and I recommend everyone that has had this issue file a complaint here

File a Vehicle Safety Complaint | Safercar.gov | NHTSA

This a a huge safety concern that needs to be addressed and corrected by Buick/GM.
What are your thoughts?

I just registered my complaint with the NHTSA regarding condensation and water build up in the driver side HID headlight. The headlight still works (for now) but the DRL is out. Dealer quoted $2k to replace and parts not available until February. Of course I’m not paying that for a headlight. I dried out the headlight using a heat gun on the lense and a turkey baster to remove the water that had collected inside the capsule. Interesting result; as soon as I got everything dried out, the DRL came back on. However, as soon as we drove the car, the condensation returned and DRL went out again. I’m leaning towards a halogen replacement unit. Here is my silly question: Other than cosmetics, can I run one halogen and one HID? The passenger side light right now is ok. We are original owners of a 2014 Regal AWD Premium II with only 75k. The car is a beast in the snow and has otherwise been dependable.

 

[dadiddle]

I had this same issue on my 11 Cadillac CTS and now on my driver's side TourX. Very frustrating that they can't find a better manufacturer and supplier.

 

[kensell]

Update on my vent install. Sorry for the delay in responding, lots keeping me busy. The day after I installed the vents we got two straight days of rain. The car was parked outside, but not driven. Both headlights turned back into terrariums. With no heating and cooling of the headlights, I'm thinking my seals are leaking beyond what condensation would do. I'm not sure where the water's getting in. Now it's either try and take everything apart and seal the headlights or spend $600 on a pair of aftermarket lights. Frustrating to say the least.