Headlight Opaque/Foggy. Advice Is Appreciated.

[JeremyRamsey]

Hey everyone.

I hope I've posted this in the correct forum section. If not, please forgive me. I couldn't find the troubleshooting/problems section.

Anyways, I own a 98 Ford Ranger, of which the headlight (driver side) has gotten foggy. It's certainly not as transparent as the passenger side light. At first I wasn't sure why one was foggy and the other wasn't, but then I took a closer look at the foggy light and noticed a small crack on the outside casing. I believe this crack has allowed moisture to enter the light. I've heard of people restoring their headlights with special DIY kits, but I've decided to take the route of simply replacing the light with an aftermarket light from an online store. I found two sites that I particularly liked, but I'm unsure of whether or not they are legitimate businesses. Furthermore, I don't want to fall prey to a scam. Has anyone purchased from either of these sites and can verify that they are a legitimate business? The following parts match the OEM number of the one I need. Thanks in advance.

http://www.partsultimate.com/product/116362
or
http://www.go-part.com/9800-ford-ranger-headlight-assembly-left-driver-p-12858.html

 

[Heavyfire14]

look in the tech library under lighting... there is great info there

 

[adsm08]

Buff it out.

 

[RatDog8o8]

If moisture has entered the light housing, it can eventually ruin the reflective coating on the back part. I know this, cuz it happened to my FoxBody's headlights. It's not something that can be buffed out, like a cloudy lens. I ended up replacing them both.

 

[adsm08]

If moisture has entered the light housing, it can eventually ruin the reflective coating on the back part. I know this, cuz it happened to my FoxBody's headlights. It's not something that can be buffed out, like a cloudy lens. I ended up replacing them both.

Sure it can. Buff it until you buff a big hole and then go buy a new one.

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

If there's a big hole, the light can get out, duh. No replacement needed.

Jeez....

 

[adsm08]

That's why I'm converting mine back to candles. Much more efficient. Not as hard on the alternator.

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

Wind can become a problem however.

And don't get me started on rain...

 

[Heavyfire14]

thats why you get waterproof candles

 

[RatDog8o8]

thats why you get waterproof candles

Then someone will invent candleproof water......

 

[Heavyfire14]

Then someone will invent candleproof water......

ugh... damn communists

 

[straycat]

I never had that happen to any of my cars or trucks. I found a new product that I tried on my little sister's truck. It is from Turtle wax. It is a complete kit and it was around $8.00. It took about 20 min. and they look brand new again. My little sister was so happy when I did that for her. Shhe can see better at night again!! If the inside of the lens is cloudy then you need to replace the headlight. Mother's has a kit as well.
Some people have tried brake fluid on there headlights. It has been posted here before. Do a search on it. I would not do that as I don't want to get any on the body paint so you got to be careful of that. You can try it and see if it works.

 

[RatDog8o8]

At first I wasn't sure why one was foggy and the other wasn't, but then I took a closer look at the foggy light and noticed a small crack on the outside casing. I believe this crack has allowed moisture to enter the light.

If there's a crack and moisture has really entered the light housing, remove the housing and dry it out best you can. Then seal the crack up, and try that route. Seriously, if left "un-fixed", the moisture issue will dull the reflective coating so bad inside the light that it won't do the job anymore.

Yeah I know....said that already.......

All the other remedies - buffing, whatever - are targeting the exterior, the lens part.