Lighting - Headlamp Lens Fogging
No.: TSB-03-54-001DATE: January, 2003
MODEL: See Below
SUBJECT:
CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR HEADLAMP FOGGING
PURPOSE
This bulletin contains cleaning procedures to remove fogging from the inside surface of the headlamp lens on certain affected vehicles.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Symptom
Customers may report the occurrence of a visible fogging or hazing of the inside surface of the headlamp lens.
Cause
The fogging condition is caused by vaporized plasticizers emitted from the rubber parts of the headlamp assembly which are deposited onto the inside lens surface.
Remedy
To correct this condition, remove the headlamp housing assembly, clean the inside surface of the lens with isopropyl alcohol, then reinstall the headlamp assembly using a new bulb socket cover and rear vent tube.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
2000-03 Eclipse
2001-03 Eclipse Spyder
PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the wiring harness connector, then remove the rubber bulb sealing cover and the rear vent tube. Do not remove the small front vent tube.
CAUTION
Do not remove the small front vent tube. It contains a Gore-Tex(R) filter which is easily damaged.
2. Unhook the spring securing the bulb, then remove the headlamp bulb from the socket.
CAUTION
Do not touch the glass bulb surface. Oils from the skin creates hot-spots, which can reduce bulb life.
3. Referring to the service manual, remove the headlamp lens/housing assembly from the vehicle.
4. Pour about 4 ounces of alcohol into the headlamp housing through the bulb socket hole.
NOTE:
In areas with high humidity weather conditions, use less alcohol and allow more time for drying.
5. With the lens facing downward, agitate the headlamp housing so the alcohol repeatedly contacts the fogged lens surface. Continue to agitate the housing for about 1 minute, making sure the alcohol swirls around over the entire inner lens surface.
6. Turn the housing over, and then, with the bulb socket hole facing downward, pour the alcohol out of the headlamp housing. Shake the housing to remove the remaining alcohol.
7. To dry the housing completely, prop the headlamp housing against a vertical surface so it is in the position shown in the illustration. Allow about 1 hour for complete drying of the inside of the housing.
NOTE:
In areas with high humidity weather conditions, allow more time for drying and use less alcohol.
CAUTION
The position of the headlamp during drying is crucial. Heavy spotting can occur inside the lens if any alcohol is allowed to pool up and dry on any visible surface inside the lens.
8. After the inside of the lens is completely dry, reinstall the headlamp bulb. Use a new bulb socket cover.
9. Install a new rear vent tube.
10. Install the headlamp assembly into the vehicle and reconnect the wiring harness/socket. Check the headlamp for proper operation.
PARTS INFORMATION
Use the genuine Mitsubishi Parts shown.
Also required for this operation is a 100% solution of Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
WARRANTY INFORMATION
When submitting a claim, enter "NPN" at $1.00, quantity (1) to be reimbursed for the alcohol required for this repair.