Headlight condensation and ebay seller warning

[scd969]

So I bought these headlights in late December because I didn't want to mess with baking and painting the stock ones. They also showed having a 1 year warranty, which I assumed would cover any leaking or condensation issues.

Of course, within 2 weeks of putting them on, condensation developed on the passenger side. I called, emailed, and ebay messaged the seller about seeing if they were covered under the warranty but they do not respond. (The phone number leads to a call center where they say the just warehouse the products or something). Because I waited about 2 months to put them on, I have no recourse through Paypal or eBay, nor can I even change my feedback to negative. All I can do is warn you guys not buy from them, as they will not respond to any messages if something goes wrong with their product or honor their warranty.

You've been warned: :director: Don't buy from tuningimport!

 

[ZiaMan]

Would file a report with Paypal as I think you have up to 6 months to dispute (especially given the "warranty"). If that doesn't work, go through your credit card assuming you used that with Paypal instead of bank account.

 

[JimInTN]

I'm weary of all aftermarket headlights. I bought a set of tyc, I think, and I plan on putting additional sealant on them before I mount them.

 

[scd969]

Would file a report with Paypal as I think you have up to 6 months to dispute (especially given the "warranty"). If that doesn't work, go through your credit card assuming you used that with Paypal instead of bank account.

Did that. Lost the dispute because not replying to warranty requests doesn't fall under "item not described" claim under paypal. :redbrick:

Of course the seller responded to Paypal when they tried to put a hold on the funds.

 

[CAMELPRO]

Did they leave you feedback? If so, you can go to their feedback profile, scroll to the bottom and click on "reply to feedback received".

 

[scd969]

Did they leave you feedback? If so, you can go to their feedback profile, scroll to the bottom and click on "reply to feedback received".

Thanks- just left a response that way. Didn't know I could do that.

 

[scd969]

Any recommendations on how to fix this condensation issue? I've been looking at old posts and one option is to bake them at 200 for 20 minutes, pull them apart, and re-glue. Or maybe apply a sealant while they are installed.

Could it be something other than the seal? The condensation began to show up after my bumper was taken off and re-finished. This only occurred because a toyota tech at the dealership drive my truck in to a parked minivan when I took it in to get an alignment. I watched it happen in slow motion :shocked:

 

[CAMELPRO]

Thanks- just left a response that way. Didn't know I could do that.

Yes sir. It may not help much but at least you're able to let people know.

 

[mizak82]

Every pair of after market headlights I've used. I put extra gasket sealer around the housing/lens. Tend to solve this common issue.

 

[cajone5]

Can't see the eBay link but I have and am about to install eBay headlights... Maybe I'll add a sealer before installing.

 

[scd969]

Every pair of after market headlights I've used. I put extra gasket sealer around the housing/lens. Tend to solve this common issue.

So no baking?

Would I need to just take mine off then just apply around the lense where it meets the plastic housing?

 

[scd969]

Can't see the eBay link but I have and am about to install eBay headlights... Maybe I'll add a sealer before installing.

06 09 Toyota 4Runner SR5 SUV Black Housing Projector Head Lights Signal Lamp JDM | eBay

I think all the ebay ones are from the same place. I would just watch out for tuningimport since they misrepresent the warranty.

 

[snowboardwcu]

doesn't fall under "item not described" claim under paypal. :redbrick:

i have found time and time again that Paypal protections are worthless for the buyer. they seem to side with the seller most often for technicalities. Maybe because their fees are outrageous.

 

[mizak82]

So no baking?

Would I need to just take mine off then just apply around the lense where it meets the plastic housing?

they come sealed, but not always great.. They are cheap and mass produced from china im guessing.. anyways, I put waterproof gasket sealer (or marine whatever they call it.. blue bottle... ) on top of their sealer and in the cracks and what not that they miss.. spread it around... no baking, or separating the lens.. just give it time to dry...

now if you have condensation in there, then ya you need to get that out first.. idk what the best method is for that...

 

[av8ter]

Any recommendations on how to fix this condensation issue? I've been looking at old posts and one option is to bake them at 200 for 20 minutes, pull them apart, and re-glue. Or maybe apply a sealant while they are installed.

Could it be something other than the seal? The condensation began to show up after my bumper was taken off and re-finished. This only occurred because a toyota tech at the dealership drive my truck in to a parked minivan when I took it in to get an alignment. I watched it happen in slow motion :shocked:

Case closed. Headlight was damaged on your time, nothing to do with the seller and his cheap ebay headlights.

 

[av8ter]

Have the Toyota dealer cover one new OEM headlight if you buy othe opposite side(less than $200). Will be good to go for many years.

 

[scd969]

Case closed. Headlight was damaged on your time, nothing to do with the seller and his cheap ebay headlights.

I guess it's possible- but there is no sign of damage on the headlight. Regardless it still doesn't excuse the eBay seller from ignoring all communication. I'll hit up the dealer and see what they can do.

 

[scd969]

I know everyone is dying to hear what happened, but I was able to dry them out and fix them. I recommend that anyone buying aftermarket headlights seal them with silicone before installing them. I did something like this guy did and they have been just fine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cds8hWb_v2g

 

[sprocketus]

I know this thread is a little old, but I am having a lot of condensation build up in my '08 with stock headlights. What I have done so far, is to remove the bulbs, and use a blow dryer to dry out the inside (heat gun might be a little too hot for that plastic) and re-install the bulb with electrolytic grease on the seals. That helps to preserve the rubber seal, nothing to do with it electrically. Now if we had some warm days with low humidity in Illinois this time of year, it would work a little better, but so far so good.