Cayman 718 rear lights - condensation

[AlanShirt1]

I own a 2022 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the rear light units on both sides periodically mist up, often with obvious water droplets, though no water swilling around as such.
Anyone else with a 718 with the same problem, and have you managed to rectify it? If so how?
I’ve raised it twice with local OPC who say they have to see the actual car when the problem manifests itself, photos won’t do. Further the OPC has advised if they clear within a hour there is no cause for concern. Can that be correct? Being able to prove they haven’t cleared within ann hour isn’t easy and it’s not convenient to head to a dealership every time they mist up.
The local OPC have checked the units, which aren’t sealed, and acknowledge they mist up but Porsche GB/Stuttgart have told them to grade them on a scale of 1-4 and only the worst at level 4 will be considered for replacement under warranty.
Personally I find it disappointing to say the least that Porsche don’t consider this a matter concern, even if only for cosmetic reasons on a car of this value. I’m told no damage is actually occurring inside the unit, but can that be so?

 

[Twinfan]

It's completely normal. The lights front and rear are vented so moisture laden air does enter the units, but then any condensation soon clears. I've had Caymans for the last 8 years both of which live(d) outside and it often happened. It's never been an issue and they've always cleared plus there's never been any puddles of water.

If you Google around you'll see it's been discussed a lot since the 981/991 generation cars came out and the answer is always the same - a light misting is fine, if you have pools of water you probably have an issue

 

[AngieS]

It’s a problem (accepted design revision) seen on many new cars. Frustrating really as it never used to be a problem on glass/sealed units unless damaged. Moisture is only ever going to attract something that will lead to at least staining under right conditions. Pic is of 2024 Cayenne!!
My wife’s got GTS rear lights and they show up condensation worse than my standard ones as hers are the clear type. When moisture present, I agree it’s a rubbish ‘look’ for such vehicles. Incidentally, the Cayenne had been driven for a couple of hours when I noticed the front lamps….that’s what made me take picture.

 

[alan718]

Hi

This is a problem which PORSCHE seem unable to fix properly. Unlike my Mercedes which had similar issues with the headlights. That was also a "known issue" but Merc had a fix - after it was applied I had no further condensation issues in the headlights irrespective of the weather.

One of the images below my Cayman when it suffered very badly with this issue. Note the condensation turning into large droplets and running down the inside of the lens. I took the car to my local OPC, got the service manager outside so he could view the problem and photograph it. It was immediately accepted as a warranty case. This was on the nearside (image wrongly labelled).

New rear light duly installed (later part number) on the nearside. Result - condensation significantly reduced but not eliminated. See the image for the offside light. Note that this was photographed following a 2 hour drive so strictly speaking I should take it back!!

I am not a happy Porsche owner. 3 (sucessful) warranty claims in 5 months is just plain ridiculous.

 

[Twinfan]

Great pics and the second one is exactly what I'd say was normal - a light misting which clears over time.

The first was definitely in need of a claim so I'm glad to hear you got sorted.

No car is perfect, so I'd say 3 claims paid out in 5 months, while an inconvenience of course, is good in that things are being fixed?

 

[JohnCRS]

As Twinfan says, misting is normal, but water droplets are a claim.

There are reports of some having success by drilling an additional ventilation hole at the back (they are not sealed units). However I have not seen this for myself.

Washing my 981 on a warm day guarantees some fogging.

 

[AlanShirt1]

Thanks for the comments. A lot has been discussed previously which I hadn’t realised.
I am very unhappy to have no choice but accept ‘it’s normal’ as Porsche clearly have no intention of addressing the problem as it’s been going on so long. Just for context I’ve had a Cayman since 2013 and never had this problem before.

 

[Scrounger]

Your OPC has a guide when it comes to scaling the condensation issue. Rating from no issue to change under warranty. As to see the document and agree where yours sit in the scaling.

I'll see if I can find a copy.

Dan

 

[Peter_Bull]

This may be of interest to you:

 

[AlanShirt1]

Thanks for the copy of the technical document. Looking at this I need to challenge my OPC’s rating (they’ve rated it as 2 maybe 3). Photo shows a recent incidence. It does clear eventually. On this occasion it took two days.

 

[alan718]

Thanks for the copy of the technical document. Looking at this I need to challenge my OPC’s rating (they’ve rated it as 2 maybe 3). Photo shows a recent incidence. It does clear eventually. On this occasion it took two days.

Thats pretty bad - I'd say its maybe even qulaify as a 4.

I note this is the offside light. Is the carpet in the rear trunk on the drivers side wet by any chance?

 

[AlanShirt1]

No wetness/dampness in the trunk at all. The OPC stated on the recent service feedback this was also the case when they checked ie no wetness.

 

[JohnCRS]

Checking the net - there is a suggestion that it affects the smoked lenses more than the standard ones. Can't think why unless there is some sort of 'greenhouse' effect. When I get a moment I will take a rear light out and have a look to see where the unit is vented. Somewhere under the bottom edge I believe.

 

[alan718]

Checking the net - there is a suggestion that it affects the smoked lenses more than the standard ones. Can't think why unless there is some sort of 'greenhouse' effect. When I get a moment I will take a rear light out and have a look to see where the unit is vented. Somewhere under the bottom edge I believe.

You are corrrect - vents are at the bottom.

 

[Neil Chadwick]

Just to throw in a related point , I also experience fogging in the sports chrono clock on my 22 GTS 4.0. Anyone else?

 

[Scrounger]

It’s coming up as quite common on the 718 forum. No fix apart from waiting for it to clear.

 

[Cobydog]

Just to throw in a related point , I also experience fogging in the sports chrono clock on my 22 GTS 4.0. Anyone else?

Yep - I get that on mine as well. I can't see that doing the clock much good in the long term.......