Rear lights condensating on MG4 SE

[Kithmo]

Since I started reading about these cracks I've avoided pushing the hatch down by the top.

 

[Ian Key]

Since I started reading about these cracks I've avoided pushing the hatch down by the top.

I have always avoided pushing down on the lightbar as I never considered it sturdy enough for that. If it hasn't shut properly I push down near the bottom where it curves out slightly. Also I don't slam the tailgate

 

[JT793]

Careful when you wash it so as not to spray water at the vent holes

Or to crack that wretched plastic cover over the lights as I think I did... I have a vague recollection of losing control of a long handled washing brush My MG 4 Trophy now has its very own water feature...

 

[davz]

Or to crack that wretched plastic cover over the lights as I think I did... I have a vague recollection of losing control of a long handled washing brush My MG 4 Trophy now has its very own water feature...

Why are you using a brush to wash your car with, do you like swirl marks in the paint?

 

[JT793]

I need the long - handled brush so that I can reach the middle of the roof

 

[davz]

Better to stand on a portable step than scratch the roof

 

[tsedge]

Oh... so it is a rear light bar? I thought it was a condensation generator so you always have water...?!

 

[Ian Key]

Oh... so it is a rear light bar? I thought it was a condensation generator so you always have water...?!

This post and the one about ball rolling and windscreens makes me think you've either been on the happy juice this afternoon or been out too long in then sun

Mind you a condensation generator might not be such a bad idea given the small size of the washer fluid bottle.

 

[tsedge]

This post and the one about ball rolling and windscreens makes me think you've either been on the happy juice this afternoon or been out too long in then sun

Mind you a condensation generator might not be such a bad idea given the small size of the washer fluid bottle.

It's the sun, hardly drink ever these days!

 

[monzy]

Can someone tell about water getting into the back lights on my MG4 trophy. MG telling me that’s condensation, so that’s what we get when we need new double glazing at home?

Just been back to MG dealership. All fixed, just put hairdryer on it, what professionals! Good job I have 7 years warranty. Let’s hope it's not raining tomorrow!

Just put a hairdryer on it, just like my MG dealership will do, and say it’s just condensation! What a car. £31,500 and now just £22,000 in 6 months, what a car! What do we do? Stick or twist, and if the prices go up at the pumps we win - just look at the news, we all know what's going to happen. The only thing I have got going for my car is I have solar panels.

 

[tsedge]

Can someone tell about water getting into the back lights on my MG4 trophy. MG telling me that’s condensation, so that’s what we get when we need new double glazing at home?

If you read this thread in full, you'll find a whole conversation about it: in essence all cars are prone to condensation and the MG4 rear lights suffer particularly. There is no known permanent fix.

Just put a hairdryer on it, just like my MG dealership will do, and say it’s just condensation! What a car. £31,500 and now just £22,000 in 6 months, what a car! What do we do? Stick or twist, and if the prices go up at the pumps we win - just look at the news, we all know what's going to happen. The only thing I have got going for my car is I have solar panels.

Not sure where you are getting your figures from but all new cars depreciate as soon as they are driven off the forecourt: 20-25% in first year is normal and 50-60% in first 3 years.

Remember though you can't compare the price you paid with the price a dealer will offer you today, the best prices are on the second hand private market as dealers pay 20% VAT on any car they sell and they'll also need to cover their overheads and make a profit, or why bother buying your car.

 

[CarbonEV]

Washed my brand new XPOWER and noticed immediately that, as you look from the back, the left passenger side unit let in some water so small bubbles/condensation was present.

This was only on this left most cluster, the others were bone dry.

This morning due to overnight 1-3c temps, both sides have "frosted" up, deep white/condensation/steam.

Is this normal to be expected when washing / colder temps for the rear clusters?

 

[Ian Key]

Yes. As reported elsewhere the led lights don't produce any heat to dry out the air inside the light casings so you'll get condensation. There are vent holes so they will dry out over time.

 

[Rolfe]

I've merged this post into the existing thread about this issue, to keep the information and advice all in the same place.

 

[CarbonEV]

Yes. As reported elsewhere the led lights don't produce any heat to dry out the air inside the light casings so you'll get condensation. There are vent holes so they will dry out over time.

So this is normal?

 

[tsedge]

Yes, it is normal.

The best improvised solution I can think of would be the smallest travel hairdryer (12V) installed in the boot for a quick drying session before you set off.

Essentially:

• Lights are typically not sealed, because then they'd need to be filled with inert gas and have seals that could perish and changing a bulb would be a specialist job - all adding expense.
• Lights have to vented with small holes to therefore allow condensation to disappear.
• Cars traditionally had filament bulbs which give off a lot of drying heat, LEDs give off very little heat.
• The MG4 has very big rear lights, huge condensation traps.
• The ventilation for the MG4 rear lights is poor.

Sunlight will remove it, but if you are unlucky like me then your drive is always shaded.

In theory someone could open the lights from the rear and through the bootlid provide some kind of ducted ventilation, but it isn't a job I am going to ever attempt.

 

[CarbonEV]

Yes, it is normal.

The best improvised solution I can think of would be the smallest travel hairdryer (12V) installed in the boot for a quick drying session before you set off.

Essentially:

• Lights are typically not sealed, because then they'd need to be filled with inert gas and have seals that could perish and changing a bulb would be a specialist job - all adding expense.
• Lights have to vented with small holes to therefore allow condensation to disappear.
• Cars traditionally had filament bulbs which give off a lot of drying heat, LEDs give off very little heat.
• The MG4 has very big rear lights, huge condensation traps.
• The ventilation for the MG4 rear lights is poor.

Sunlight will remove it, but if you are unlucky like me then your drive is always shaded.

In theory someone could open the lights from the rear and through the bootlid provide some kind of ducted ventilation, but it isn't a job I am going to ever attempt.

Thank you for the information.

If it is normal, then I have no problem with it,

Just never used to this in any of my previous cars.

I appreciate the info

 

[Lillemy]

Have had this loan car for a couple of days and it seems it does not go away. Cannot see any vents/holes but it's something on the side that perhaps can be taken off`? dont want to break anything so if anyone knows how to remove the side plastic cover it would be nice to know...View attachment 17821

My MG 4 is going back to the dealer on 27th November to have this issue looked at. Same colour as well

My MG 4 is going back to the dealer on 27th November to have this issue looked at. Same colour as well

New part ordered. They drilled holes for the water to get out for now.

They also updated infotainment and bms to try to fix some of my other complaints.

 

[olliewebb]

Had mine two weeks and I've just noticed on the passenger side.

Car is mega swirly too I've noticed. Supplying dealer washes eh? Wish they'd not bother!

 

[Martinonline]

Mine had leftover condensation after I cleared the first this morning. I don't worry about it as it disappears.