Tail light Condensation

[enigma-2]

If your concerned about having open holes (abet 1/16" dia), consider drilling larger holes, 1/4" for example,  in the back where they don't show, and covering with Gor Tex. The material prevents liquid water entry while allowing water vapor to pass. This could be accomplished with self-adhesive patches that are easy to apply. (The fix is to vent the interior water vapor to the atmosphere. It appears the existing vents are not functioning).

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WTRDKMP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_88PT3ZZ5MJRFTQVYQXZ7

 

 

[BigBerky]

Thank you 1004 and enigma,

 

I removed the part and found a gap in the seal immediately. Right in the area of the most condensation. Whatever adhesive they use to seal the clear lens to the black plastic back has an inconsistent bead. The bead gets real thin in a section and the 2 halves have separated. I’m thinking about resealing the entire joint all the way around with good RTV silicone. I’m sure this will help but I’m not 100% confident this will solve all condensation issues. We’ll see I guess. If not, I like the idea of a couple added goretex covered vents in the back. There is 2 back there already...why not 4 right? I’ll seal it first and reinstall. Maybe it will vent correctly.

I would send it back were I bought it, but it’s not new and I bought it a month ago. I saved $600 over buying a new part. It looks perfect but its not. My advice: BUY NEW PARTS 

I screwed myself but maybe I can fix this thing.

see pic of the gap

[enigma-2]

You may have found the real problem that has plagued dozens of complaints with the Edge. Moisture has to be getting in through a small crack somwhere (if it were larger, the moisture could also escape easily). Lights on raise the temps inside, when shut off, unit cools and creates a small partial vacuum drawing in the cool, moist evening air. I'd clear silicone the hell out of the entire joint.

Good find!!!

Edited April 7, 2021 by enigma-2

[BigBerky]

Update:

I dried out the condensation with a vacuum and space heater through the access plug in the back.

I then ran a thick bead of high quality rtv silicone all the way around where the two halves meet. Let it cure for a couple days. Tested the vent holes in the back with blow drier and they seem to be working. I reseated the access hole plug with some thick silicone grease. This product does not cure and it has a high washout value. The plug is sealed but still able to be removed. The part was reinstalled today and it looks good so far. The part is sealed except for the vent holes. This is the closest I can get to how this part was new. Let’s see if it vents function correctly per Fords design. 
 

I did notice a large gap on the top of the unit where the rubber gasket does not make contact with the rear gate under the back glass. See pic. I’ve looked at a few other edges and they all had the same gap. This would appear to be normal? Maybe help the venting process? There is the possibility of water getting behind the light bar through this gap. If the unit still has condensation issues I’m going to fill that gap with silicone to prevent water from running down behind the light bar and making contact with those vents.

We’ll see what happens in the rain and car wash.

Am I missing anything?

Thanks,

[1004ron]

Just checked, mine has that gap and don't have an issue in storms or the car wash.

[BigBerky]

Thanks 1004, 

I appreciate the quick feedback. Thanks for your input as well.

[BigBerky]

Update: 

Over a week with rainy weather and temp swings and the light bar is condensation free. Made it through a high pressure car wash as well. Maybe we have a fix here... fingers crossed.

 

[enigma-2]

 With so many people reporting this problem, looks like you may have single-handily found the answer that Ford hasn't been able to answer.

[wakabal]

2017 Edge just developed this issue. Ford denies claim on extended warranty and wants $1900 to fix. What a bunch of BS. Any help is appreciated.

[1004ron]

1 hour ago, wakabal said:

2017 Edge just developed this issue. Ford denies claim on extended warranty and wants $1900 to fix. What a bunch of BS. Any help is appreciated.

 

There's a few threads on this and the below one seems the most promising:

 

 

[AdrianC]

Hi guys,

I have this car for 5 years now and I have changed 4 tail (haion) lamps. 
is got ckraking and then fills with water. 
 

is somebody faced the some problem?

there is a solution?

[enigma-2]

This is how one fixed the problem; claims it took him two minutes.

 

 

[Will2U]

I have a 2022 model and I recently noticed that my taillights have holes drilled right in the middle of each unit on the outside.  The holes are about the size in enigma-2's video but they aren't hidden away like he did.  You don't notice them unless you look and they don't let water in (that I can tell).  I've never had condensation in my lights. 

[Mikedaddy 2018 Edge]

On 10/9/2017 at 2:10 PM, Mjbl1122 said:

We have the same issue excepting the condensation never goes away. We have been traveling all summer and when we were in Arizona we noticed condensation in both tail lights and the strip in between the tail lights. We are now back in Florida, 5 months later and took the car into the dealer as the condensation has gotten worse. The dealer ordered the parts but when they went to get warranty approval we were denied. We are told that Engineering said the condensation will clear up. Well it's been 5 months now, how long do we have to wait for the condensation to clear up. I think Ford needs to get new engineers. The condensation is causing real concern because the condensation is reducing the visability of the tail lights.

This is such BS…. My 2018 loaded Edge has this same problem, never goes away… sometimes it’s droplets other times it’s a fog moisture. This should be a FORD recall.

 

Mike Byrne

[Wubster100]

I wish I could have the 15-18 tail lights on my 2021.