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I noticed sometimes there is some condensation inside all my lights (see the attached pictures). Talked to Kia and they told me a bit of moisture inside is not a big deal. Only if there is a lot of water and it looks like a little fish tank they will replace the lights. Anybody with a similar problem?
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Kia Rio HB 2006, EX Convenience,
automatic.
My passenger headlight fogged up like that everytime I washed it on my 04 Rio.. Kia replaced it no problem.. I would hassel them and make them replace them because after the warrenty runs out you will have a puddle in there.. Plus the moisture will lead to premature failure of the bulbs inside, cause corrosion issues and then Kia will blame those problem on the moisture in the light and call in negligence so they won't warrenty it.. I would push and push and push.. They'll do it..
Dan
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2004 Kia Rio - Garrett GT2560R - $1100
8.9:1 forged pistons - $500
20 pounds of boost - flick of switch
Blowing the doors off of almost everything it pulls up beside.
PRICELESS
I would push this issue too. You have less miles on yours than mine...I've had mine through a touchless carwash 5 times already...and your winter weather is similar to Chicago's; but my lights are sealed up good...they do NOT do that! Get into the dealer and have them replace them IMHO.
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Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses
Jake: Hit it
Some moisture in your headlights and taillights at this time of year is not that uncommon but it should go away with some better weather. If the condensation is persistant through the summer months, definantly have the dealer replace them at that time. Your headlamps and combo lenses are vented but if too much condenstion gets in or if you have puddles in the bottom of your lamps, you will never get all of that water and moisture out and your dealer should take care of you. If not, let me know.
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2004 Kia Rio - Garrett GT2560R - $1100
8.9:1 forged pistons - $500
20 pounds of boost - flick of switch
Blowing the doors off of almost everything it pulls up beside.
PRICELESS
I am in BC. I noticed they used some black soft sealant. It looks to me the sealant hardens in time. I hope the problem will go away in a few months, otherwise I will talk to the dealer again.
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Kia Rio HB 2006, EX Convenience,
automatic.
I noticed this same problem the day after I got my rio5. Mine is only there in the early morning, so I'm not too conserned. Here in Texas, moisture in the lens can cause a failed vehicle safty inspection, so I'm keeping a close eye on mine. A couple of tricks I learned in the VW Vanagon community, for fixing the moisture problem...
1)Remove the light assemblies. Rinse the lenses out with rubbing alcohol, and let them dry with the hole facing up.
2)If the problem persist(not tried yet)Take and place a small desiccant pouch in the lens housing. You can find these in many new product packages, or order new ones. Desiccants
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I have used method #1 on my Vanagon lights, but I have NOT tried Method #2 yet. If anyone sees a potential for damage in either of these ideas, please speak up. Try them at your own risk, and let us know how it works out.
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Shane
'06 Kia Rio5
'86 VW Westfalia Vanagon GL
'72 VW Super Beetle w/ 2234cc
AAC
(Not responsible for people thinking I'm smart)
Keep hammering on your dealer to get those lights replaced. I had a headlight on my 2004.5 Spectra replaced due to this same problem this past summer.
At the time the water droplets inside were the worst, I made my service appointment. The dealer couldn't get me in for at least a week and a half (this WAS a minor issue, keep in mind), and of course the water was gone by the time I took it in.
I had taken photos like yours when the condensation was at it's worst JUST so I'd have some photographic evidence should I need it.
The funny thing is, my dealership took me at my word, and wrote me for a new headlight assembly ($298 for the part alone!). I wanted to test them to see how much flack they'd give me, and they didn't! I did offer up and give them some color laser printed copies of my photos so KIA wouldn't hassle them. They were glad to have them when I offered them up. But.... the nice thing is, they didn't REQUIRE them for proof to approve the repair.
So.... that's how ONE KIA dealer handled a similar problem in the Detroit Michigan area. From all of my online surfing, I'm seeing what appears to be a pattern of shoddy dealer and KIA corporate support up there in Canada when problems occur.
You know, I see the same pattern of shoddy service in Kia Canada. I wonder if Kia HQ in Korea just doesn't get enough visibility in Canada compared to the amount of bitching coming outta the USA. Old "squeeky wheel" syndrome?
<_<
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<span style=\'color:red\'>You fight dirt all your life, and when you die they bury you in it....</span>.
i subscribe to a satellite hockey service and end up watching a lot of games broadcast out of canada (HNIC)... i'm seeing a LOT of ads for kia on local canadian tv and haven't seen one yet where i live. funny, you think with a series of ad campaigns there (one ad says kia is the "fastest growing car company in the world"), that they would try to back it up with the customers they already have.
sorry to hijack. i don't have any moisture in my light fixtures, and it's alternating cold/warmer temps in the high plains. keeping my fingers crossed !
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