Classification:

Reference:

EL03-030j

Date:

NTB03-074j

February 26, 2016

HEADLAMP FOGGING
This bulletin has been amended in the APPLIED VEHICLES.
Please discard all previous versions.

APPLIED VEHICLES: 2011-2016 Nissan – All models

SERVICE INFORMATION

Occasionally customers may notice water vapor or fog in the headlamps.
The following information, illustrations, and flow chart are provided to help you in
determining if an incident for water/condensation in the headlamps is normal or not.
Nissan’s new vehicle limited warranty does not cover physically damaged (cracked
or broken) headlamps.

All current headlamp assemblies are vented to the atmosphere (not sealed).


This is necessary to allow for expansion and contraction of air from temperature
"variations" (warmer or colder) without damage to the headlamp.



Moisture in the air sometimes "travels" into and out of the headlamp assembly
through these vents.



Certain environmental conditions may cause moisture to condense.



The fogging/cloudiness should disappear over time when the headlamp is in a dry
environment.

Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the headlamp assemblies based on
environmental conditions or sudden temperature changes (such as in a car wash, or
parked on a cold, sunny day). This is normal. See Figure 1.

Head lamp
Grille

"Cloudy"
condensation (fog)
Lens area

TP030533

Figure 1: Example of normal condensation, ok

NOTE: This condensation can appear anywhere on the outer lens, typically at its coldest
location.

Head lamp
Grille

Water droplets
or pools

Lens area

TP030534

Figure 2: Condition may not be normal

If the moisture trickles, drips, or pools, it may not be considered normal and the headlamp
assembly may have a water leak path. See Figure 2 for an example.
If large drops of water collect inside the lens, refer to the flow chart on page 3 to find the
next step.

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NTB03-074j

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Should a customer note water in a headlamp assembly, please use the following flow chart
to determine if the condition is normal or requires lamp replacement.
Visual inspection: Does the
headlamp show any puddles,
runs on lens, or large (larger
than 3 mm diameter) droplets
of water?

YES

NOTE: If there is any physical
damage (cracked or broken),
replace the assembly. Physical
damage is not covered by
warranty.

YES
Replace headlamp assembly.

NO

When applicable: Replace only
headlamp housing. Reuse any
bulbs, sockets, harness, ballasts,
etc. as available in service catalog.

NO

Within the headlamp that has
condensation, is there a “filament”
type headlamp (non-LED)?

Is there an accumulation of
water puddled in the bottom of
the headlamp which is 10 mm
or more in depth?

NO

LED-only headlamp assemblies,
when turned ON, will not generate
enough heat to dissipate normal
condensation.

YES

Pull vehicle into service bay. Turn
on the filament-type headlamps.
Monitor the condensation in the
lamps for 10 to 20 minutes.

Is condensation area
on lens clearing?

NO

 Refer to the Electronic Service
Manual for headlamp housing
replacement.

YES

 Refer to the Warranty FRT
Manual for claims coding
when applicable.

DO NOT replace
headlamp assembly.
Inform the customer the following:


NOTE: Not all headlamp
assembly replacements are
covered under warranty.

All headlamps allow some
moisture (water vapor) inside
through vents which prevent
physical damage due to
pressure buildup when
headlamps are turned on.



Certain weather conditions will
cause water vapor to become
visible on lens.



Condensation will clear on its
own as the environmental
conditions change.

 Warranty part return of the
assembly will be requested.
 Any parts found physically
damaged (cracked or
broken) will be charged
back to the dealer.
 Any parts determined as
“no defect found” may be
charged back to the dealer.

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NTB03-074j