Had my headlights replaced today.
- Thread starter Sells
- Start date
UtahSooner
New member
I haven't been tracking this as I've read all the posts on this issue, but I'm curious how many of you with SR5's or Limited's are having this issue. I know there are a few TE owners that have the problem.
Just wondering if it could be unique to the smoked headlights on the TE or if the "standard" headlights are affected too.
Also, I'm a little perplexed as to why the tops of the tail lights aren't doing the same thing -- I'm assuming that they're sourced from the same manufacturer but don't know for sure. If it was a UV or car wash/wax issue then I'd expect to see the same film present on the top of the tail lights since they'll generally see the same UV/environmental exposure. Moreover, I'm only seeing the film on the very top of the headlight, not on the part of the plastic where the turn signal sticks out (the part that is parallel to the top of the light should have the same film build-up if the issue is environmental.
You know, when I stopped by to show the sales manager the issue 2 days ago (after he'd called to follow-up), he mentioned that they're seeing a wierd issue with new Avalon's where the rear window is "hazing up" over time -- to the point that it's very hard to see out of the rear (i.e. boarderline severly dangerous). He said the film cleans off with a little effort but it will reappear after a few weeks. They've had their master techs looking at it and apparently there is some type of venting in the rear window area of the Avalon and if they cover up the vents (with a towel for instance), the problem stops! Best they've been able to determine is that there is something in the venting system (i.e. plastic) that is breaking down and giving off fumes that are fogging up the window. That's just their guess though since Toyota hasn't confirmed that there is an issue in the first place (they've had multiple Avalon's on the lot that have started showing signs of the problem and several customers complain).
I wonder if there is something in the engine/hood area that is giving off some fumes when it gets hot and it escapes the hood when parked, causing the film to appear and grow outwards from the hood over time. This would explain why the film only appears on the top of the plastic closest to the hood...
This would actually be fairly easy to test this hypothesis if someone has access to a "bad" headlight that's been replaced. It would require you to take a sledge to the plastic and break it up in to at least 2 pieces, ideally one from the top of the light (already has the film on it) and the other from the front of the light (clear of any film). Take the 2 pieces and stick them (securely) someplace under the hood -- as close as possible to the actual headlights would be best so the pieces wouldn't experience too much engine heat. Here they'd be protected from any environmental variables and only subject to any fumes coming from under the hood. I'd expect that over time the piece of headlight that started off clear will get the same film build-up and the other piece that already had the film on it will get worse.
Any takers for this little experiment???
Just wondering if it could be unique to the smoked headlights on the TE or if the "standard" headlights are affected too.
Also, I'm a little perplexed as to why the tops of the tail lights aren't doing the same thing -- I'm assuming that they're sourced from the same manufacturer but don't know for sure. If it was a UV or car wash/wax issue then I'd expect to see the same film present on the top of the tail lights since they'll generally see the same UV/environmental exposure. Moreover, I'm only seeing the film on the very top of the headlight, not on the part of the plastic where the turn signal sticks out (the part that is parallel to the top of the light should have the same film build-up if the issue is environmental.
You know, when I stopped by to show the sales manager the issue 2 days ago (after he'd called to follow-up), he mentioned that they're seeing a wierd issue with new Avalon's where the rear window is "hazing up" over time -- to the point that it's very hard to see out of the rear (i.e. boarderline severly dangerous). He said the film cleans off with a little effort but it will reappear after a few weeks. They've had their master techs looking at it and apparently there is some type of venting in the rear window area of the Avalon and if they cover up the vents (with a towel for instance), the problem stops! Best they've been able to determine is that there is something in the venting system (i.e. plastic) that is breaking down and giving off fumes that are fogging up the window. That's just their guess though since Toyota hasn't confirmed that there is an issue in the first place (they've had multiple Avalon's on the lot that have started showing signs of the problem and several customers complain).
I wonder if there is something in the engine/hood area that is giving off some fumes when it gets hot and it escapes the hood when parked, causing the film to appear and grow outwards from the hood over time. This would explain why the film only appears on the top of the plastic closest to the hood...
This would actually be fairly easy to test this hypothesis if someone has access to a "bad" headlight that's been replaced. It would require you to take a sledge to the plastic and break it up in to at least 2 pieces, ideally one from the top of the light (already has the film on it) and the other from the front of the light (clear of any film). Take the 2 pieces and stick them (securely) someplace under the hood -- as close as possible to the actual headlights would be best so the pieces wouldn't experience too much engine heat. Here they'd be protected from any environmental variables and only subject to any fumes coming from under the hood. I'd expect that over time the piece of headlight that started off clear will get the same film build-up and the other piece that already had the film on it will get worse.
Any takers for this little experiment???
Socco
New member
Look harder....http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/70979-potential-headlight-defect.html
Mine are getting replaced tomorrow under warranty. The dealership I bought it from said "Lets keep an eye on it, and see what happens." Alright I think to myself, Chuck you Farley, I'll go somewhere else then. So my wife caught an Aerostar with the front bumper of our Trail recently. I took it to the closest Toyota dealership/body shop. I handed them the claim for the bumper and said "While your at it, those headlights are under warranty too." No whining or feet stomping required.
dubveeT4R
New member
Called Toyota today, and related the problem, thanks. More people should do this so a TSB is created, and Toyota will come up with a non-defective headlamp replacement. I'd rather get them replaced only once..
azn-sensation
New member
So after being VERY persistent and several trips to the dealer for other things, while I brought the truck in for the 15k service, the service adviser had mentioned that the headlights would be replaced under warranty :banana: I did try and talk them into ordering the TE instead but they had to go off of my vin. Anyways....I'll keep you all posted into what happens.
WFO_Racer
New member
Back from the dead.
Dropped off my TE at the dealer for new headlights. The SM said these are the updated ones. Will ask to see what makes them different from what was on it now.
Told him I will be back in 2013 for a new pair before the warranty expires if this does not resolve for good.
Dropped off my TE at the dealer for new headlights. The SM said these are the updated ones. Will ask to see what makes them different from what was on it now.
Told him I will be back in 2013 for a new pair before the warranty expires if this does not resolve for good.
Socco
New member
Your dealer is a douche. For what you paid for that truck, you shouldn't be satisfied with crappy headlights.
