Hella Micro DE foglight problems

[quicksilvr]

I installed my Hella foglights about 16 months ago. I made sure to run some vacuum tubing from the drain hole in the grommet, because it seemed to be a known issue that too much moisture would get in through that hole.

I noticed one foglight wasn't working last week, took it apart to change the bulb....and it wasn't the bulb. This is what I found:

So, I checked the other side....and it looks brand new. ALso, the picture i posted is AFTER i cleaned it up. That's as good as it gets. All the metal is completely corroded to crap, and I can't get it to make a connection and turn on whatsoever.


Anyone have these Hella Micro DE's do this to you? Fwiw, I didn't see any obvious way that water was getting into the light. My drain tube was still zip tied in place (with the end in a nice dry spot), etc. I guess the good news is that I can buy the basic replacement light, since the 4runner specific hardware is still good.

 

[quicksilvr]

image | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[threadlessclimber]

Haven't installed my hella d's yet, but looking at the design and knowing that there have been problems like yours--I've put a wire tie around the rubber boot that is on the back of the housing--looking at your pictures I might put a little sealer on it also. My thoughts are that the water gets in there and not the drain.

 

[quicksilvr]

I'm going to zip tie the rubber boots for good measure, and also silicone the little holes where the wires pass through. I know they are small, but that is where I think the water got in on mine. Looks like I'm going to have to spend $50 on a new unit.


So I guess a word of caution to people going to use these: they are nice lights, good output, easy install.......but you have to go above and beyond with your install if you want them to last reliably.

 

[4x4mike]

Run the zip tie. I've had my stock Kyoto DE's and the aftermarket Hella DE's submerged and they are still going stock. While I've seen bad corrosion damage to these housings it might be isolated cases considering there are so many out there.