Menu toggle

Cayman 718 rear lights - condensation

Yep, I had a front indicator lens replaced late last year as it filled up pretty badly with water droplets. Misting is perfectly normal but this was clearly worse. My claim was initially rejected earlier in the year, so you may have to wait until it gets worse before it's accepted?
 
Twinfan said:
Yep, I had a front indicator lens replaced late last year as it filled up pretty badly with water droplets. Misting is perfectly normal but this was clearly worse. My claim was initially rejected earlier in the year, so you may have to wait until it gets worse before it's accepted?
Click to expand...
Was it done under the extended Porsche warranty or the normal 3 year one?
 
Nice one Dan, much appreciated, they say it is not L4. I am off to Spain in 10 days for a road trip so I will see how it goes then and chase up on my return.
 
Arcam-Storm said:
Thanks, that was my thought as well. But it is like the proverbial "Pulling Hen's Teeth" to get a claim accepted, there is a technical bulletin (Ti9415) which covers this problem that was first issued in 2016, apparently they have 4 stages of condensation/water in light units and only stage 4 qualifies for replacement. I have sent another picture over this morning and I am currently waiting for an answer on if it is claimable.

I had one of the front marker lights replaced under warranty as that had large water droplets in it so I can't understand why this claim is any different. I have never had any warranty claim issues on a host of other vehicles in the past but this is leaving a bad taste.
Click to expand...
I had condensation in front and rear lights of my cayman. Dealer said it is condensation and the lights are vented and it clears after about an hour, so not able to claim on extended warrant they have said
 
A mist of condensation is totally normal front, rear and side. Both my Caymans had/have it regularly and it's not an issue.

Water droplets, pools, puddles etc like in the above pics are not normal though! :)
 
I disagree. Never had any issues with my previous Cayman which I owned for 4 years from new, and my current car which I've had for 6 years from new has just had the single issue on the nearside front indicator. Both cars live(d) outside in all weathers and the units have held up well so I don't think there's a major issue with them.

YMMV of course.
 
Update:

The only offer I ended up with via the dealer was a goodwill gesture of £550 towards a new light unit, leaving me to folk out £400 on a car that is not yet 12 months old so I have taken out the N/S/R light unit to try and get it 100% dry inside before refitting it and see if that makes any difference.

I have attached a load of pictures which I hope will prove useful to other folk who want to see the light unit from all angles, I believe the blue cap labeled "denko nitto" (circled in green) is the venting system, the other "vents" do not have a cap and end in blind holes, I would like to remove the blue cap but with a little tug/twist the thing does not move and I do not want to mark/break it for obvious reasons.

There is an odd left handed screw (circled in blue) which looks like a cable entry point but it is not that, anyone any ideas on its function?

The wiring harness looks to be poorly fitted as well (circled in red) with a clip not fitted correctly and one of the cables rubbing on the sharp edge, I will sort both of those issues out.

20260731_154054.jpg20260731_154058.jpg20260731_154103.jpg20260731_154113.jpg20260731_154135.jpg20260731_154233.jpg20260731_154242.jpg20260731_154409.jpg20260731_155412.jpg20260731_155422.jpg
 
Motorhead said:
I suppose you could try contacting Valeo UK customer services on 01527 838 300 or vsa.uk-customercare.mailbox@valeo.com for advice.

Jeff
Click to expand...
Nothing to loose by trying that Jeff, thanks for the suggestion, BTW my local dealer told me Hella made the rear lamp units, I would imagine that Porsche would have two supply chains "just in case". The wiring loom was made in the Ukraine and I was surprised it was fitted in such a fashion with a cable rubbing that way and a clip in the wrong place that is of no use.
 
Last edited:
Here is a quote from the reply that Valeo technical send me today, they are referring to the "blue cap":
  • "This is a breathing vent designed to let air flow while blocking water and dust. If it is blocked, torn, or unseated, moisture will trap inside.
  • Light misting that clears quickly is normal, but heavy, persistent moisture indicates a venting or sealing issue."
 
If it was a 987 series car it may have had a different light setup. I think the misting could be a 981/718 thing.

I've not owned a 987 so I'm unable to comment on those cars.
 
Touch wood I’ve not had this issue on my 987.2 with PDLS Dave, but the car’s garaged which may have some bearing on the matter.🤔

Valeo tech’s response to A-S’s message suggests that the breathing vent may not be doing its job if moisture presence is persistent, but getting a dealer/Porsche UK to return the units to Valeo for inspection is highly unlikely.

Jeff
 
It may be worth sending your service advisor a copy of the email that Valeo have sent you. This may back up a warranty claim.

Dan
 
Scrounger said:
It may be worth sending your service advisor a copy of the email that Valeo have sent you. This may back up a warranty claim.

Dan
Click to expand...
I considered doing that but as Porsche have already given a goodwill gesture the dealer have washed their hands of it now, I will have a chat with Porsche CS and give them Valeo's opinion.

As the other side works correctly and the N/S does not you would think that is enough to demonstrate a fault.
 
Never had a problem with lights misting when I had my 987 Cayman (2007 model) and it lived outside
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Back
Top