TigerZA

Hi guys, my tail light has a leak somewhere and its filled up with water is there a way to fix that or do i have to buy a whole new one?

dmc27

Welcome to the club.


Here's a freebie ----> link to TSB files on rosenthal mazda.


There is a ton of info on here for just about any problem you might have with your 8. Use the search and then if you have more questions a thread might be in order.



Happy Rotoring!!

TigerZA

thanks

dmc27

NP.

DarthRX8

free fix at the stealership. I have had both left and right replaced in the last two months!

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Many of us have had tailights replaced under warranty due to condensation. I've got one I need to get replaced right now.

The other side that I already had replaced a couple years ago has had no further problems tho'. Better gaskets now.

TSB as dmc27 indicated.

dmc27

^ wow, that's a lazy dealership! the one I used replaced both even though only one was a fish tank.

sucker!

taylortrans

i have no warranty.. so i did the drill it fix. three hole drains and no condensation. awsome fix if you dont give a rats a....... works thats all i can say

TigerZA

speed holes right? lol

Socket7

Don't drill holes in your tail lights. the Tail lights leak because the gasket sealing them in the back breaks down and fails. Removing the tail light, letting it dry, then replacing the gasket will re-seal the tail light and prevent it from fogging up / fishbowling anymore.

It's also covered under your warranty too.

The problem with drilling holes in your tail lights is that water will still get into it, and that will cause the metal reflectors to corrode eventually. Since your tail lights are exposed to the elements, you will also still have the possibility of them fogging up, though they will clear when the weather drys out again. Oh yeah, all that water passing through your tail light will leave dirt on the inside too, and that will be a real pain to clean out.

Fix the gasket. Don't drill holes in the tail light.

Ryoma-kun

My stealership drilled holes in my tail light -,- They are still just as bad... ;/

Techsan

My warranty had just expired when this happened to one of my tail lights. Luckily, the service mgr at my dealership is a great guy and was able to hook me up with what he called a "good gesture" repair....for FREE.

That was a year ago, and now my other light is doing the same thing. I know they probably won't hook me up with another one, but maybe they can hook me up with the new gasket.

Anyone know how much one of those things cost?

Techsan

You're kidding, right? The TSB doesn't say anything about drilling holes.

Icemark

Not only that, but because the tail lights are not sealed units, the moist air from outside can leak into the trunk when you drill holes, leading to condensation issues in the trunk.

And of course when you drive anywhere dusty, the dust can get sucked right into the light.


If you drill holes, you might as well just replace the light as well as the gasket, instead of just the gasket.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Other members (including a former dealer insider) have indicatd that due to these tailight condensation issues Mazda is actually extending this specific component's warranty. Doesn't hurt to ask!

Ryoma-kun

Well this was before I read about this issue on the forum. I complained to the dealer about the moisture in my tail head light. They told me it was normal for most cars because of temperature differences in air blablabla. Then they suggested that they could 'fix' it by drilling small holes at the bottom-end of the tail light. I asked if they're sure that will actually help and they replied that they've had positive experiences with it and that in most cases it would solve the problem.

dmc27

The TSB is at the top of the list on Tommy's site b/c it has been updated. Anyone out of warranty should at least read it to see why.

Check w/Tommy at Finish Line for the gaskets, the site is alread linked in my 1st post, but I'll add his email when I find it.

dmc27

Found on the site with a little help.


tail lamp gasket link

make sure you pick the correct side!

Techsan

I just got back from the dealership and since I'm out of warranty, no luck. The guy there thought that the cause of leak was that the seal was too good. He said all it takes is just a little water to seem in through the gasket, and the seal is so great that the water/condensation will stay in there. He said he didn't think the gasket was the problem. I guess he didn't read the TSB.

I didn't pay the $50 for the gasket, but I'm considering drilling a couple very small holes.

taylortrans

hey holes working for someone who is broke i'll wait to buy new lights..

dmc27

Wow. So it's his opinion that the laws of physics don't apply to your tail lights?


The whole point of the seal is to, ya'know, seal the seam so nothing can get in. Do your 8 a favor and don't ever, under any circumstances, let that idiot touch it.

audest_024

I have this problem with my 8, bought 2 gaskets L&R for $44.50 ea at the stealership. im putting these inn this weekend. hopefully that takes the condensation out. anyone know how I can dry out my tail lights to take condensation out ?? some dude told me put them in the oven, but not so sure about that.'

dozer

iTrader: (3)

take one of the bulbs out , and stuff a napkin or rag in there....

White_Shadows

Hayward was supposed to fix mine.....after driving there four different times to hear four different reasons why they couldn't do it that day.....Imma just buy a new one.....

nuke0907

iTrader: (2)

just dont use direct heat or you will get water spots.