I had this same problem on my 2018 Ford Edge. I drilled the holes as he described. It worked amazing…2 days it was all dried out and clear. Thank you so much for this info!!
@@Az21- so, i did it a little later in the year than i wanted to. Theres a ton less water in there, still a little foggy, but better than it was. First time it hits 80 next i would imagine itll be gone.
Friday April 5th 2024, on my 2017 Ford Edge, I drilled two 1/8" holes on each side of the rear taillight that runs across the width of the lift hatch per the video, the tail light was very cloudy due to condensation. I'm happy to report that the tail light is 100% clear of condensation today April 12, 2024, it likely cleared a few days prior. Your video is very much appreciated, thank you, thank you!
This has been a Ford problem for years my 2017 Escort has this issue in all the rear lenses. It's over $900 dollars Canadian for replacing a breake turn and tail light assembly if water gets in and shorts out the LED its done no bulb assembly the unit is not serviceable
We have 2015 doing the same thing, so I'm trying your idea!!! Just drilled the holes on 5/19/23!! Will let you know how it worked for me in west central Ohio!
I used your video as a guide and my husband drilled the holes, it took a few days and it is now totally clear!!! Thanks for sharing!!Obviously a flaw in the design!
You welcome! Yea when they pressed the halves together it wasn’t done right and they split. The coolant pipes on the older Audi A8 have the same flaw. After a certain amount of miles there known for cracking and it cracks where the two halves were pressed together.
Nice!! What size drill bit did you use and do you ever see any dried up water spots inside the tailights in the bright sun or bright light after doing this? Also, Would going through touchless automatic car washes be a bad idea after doing something like this? Where I live in Missouri we have a one off very high end touchless car wash that uses the correct ph water and detergents. Therfore, that is pretty much how I wash my car every 3 weeks. Then I dry it off myself.
@@devanrogers3133 I used a 1/8th drill bit. I sold my edge soon after so I’m not sure about the water marks. Didn’t see any as long as I had it. Whatever water gets in will dry up or u can put clear silicone on the holes after
Good tip.....to stop any plastic swarf falling into the light, use silicone grease on the drill bit....and use masking tape to mark the hole position and help the drill bit not to slip...
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great suggestion. Our 2015 Edge had this problem for more than 2 years. We were putting off replacing the rear tail light bar because of the expense. We drilled the 4 holes 2 weeks ago and it's finally all clear just yesterday.
THANKS A lot!!!!! Problem fixed here in Miami with a lot of humidity and rain 🌧️ the light are clear again !!!! After a month no issues at all very happy 😃
Yes Sir, I did this to my 2018 Edge ( both sides ) and presto ! Dry in 2 days. Now get this, the ford dealer I brought this Edge from new, with extended coverage, wanted $1,800 bucks to replace this problem part.
Yea the cheapest I found a used one for was $600. The thing is even if I were to buy another one I would t be surprised if they would have the same defect
I don’t have the car anymore but like I told someone else, the hoes are small enough where no water really will get in there a little bit that might all evaporate as soon as the sun hits it but if you’re worried, you can always just put a little dab of clear silicone over the holes after it’s dry it up
What size drill did you use? I am planning on doing this, but will also get some rubber plugs to cover the holes once the condensation is gone. If it happens again, plugs are easy to remove. Let me know the drill size if you can, I do see someone used a 1/8. Thanks!
I’m about to do this. Does the condensation come back or will my light fill with water? How worried should I be about cracking the whole light? This upset me so much cause I try to take such good care of my vehicles. Just walking out and seeing the foggy tail light would put me in a bad mood
I guess it’s possible to crack it but if you go really fast and you don’t use a very big drillbit, they say if you go in reverse it’s better I didn’t keep my car for very long after I did this, but it didn’t get fogged up after for as long as I had it, and what you can do is put a little bit of clear silicone over the holes if you want after they dry up.
We just did this to my wife's 2016 Edge. She had water floating in the low corners and condensation across the entire lens. Drilled the exact holes per this video. We're in Florida so the drying out took awhile longer than a couple of days, more like a week or so. But now it's clear and no pooling water. Thanks for the video.
Has anyone experienced cracking from the holes that were drilled in really cold weather? I have 2016 edge with mad water in my rear light. I’m Leary about making the weep holes for when it gets really cold outside and causing severe cracking across my back taillight.
I have the same problem and looked possible fixes. This video came up 1st and figured I'd check it out for a 2 minutes fix. After the video, went out to my 2017 Ford Edge Titanium and drilled the 4 holes. Water is dripping out. Now, I wait. It's been perfect weather, warm, dry, and sunny, so I have the rear of my car facing the sun. Now the wait. Thanks for the tip!
Hi. Many thanks for your indications. I had same problem, I the drillings as you showed..... and it works. Thank yuo again and greetings from Valeggio sul Mincio - Italy.
What a great find! Thanks for sharing! I wish I had found this sooner. I had exact same problem on 2016 Edge SE. The part they quoted was over $1k (for center tail light). Unreal!! I had it replaced, but now the exact same thing is happening to the rear side lights. They want $800+ for that part.Goodness...
Ouch!! Yea the cheapest I found a used one for was $600. Yea who ever made the lights on those cars should be forced to issue a recall. I believe someone else had a issue with the side lights and drilled some holes in them.
Will this work on the outer lens in the rear, not the one on the tailgate itself, but the rear lens on the frame of the vehicle? Also, I assume this is the same for all makes and models, Toyota or Ford?
I’m not sure which light you’re talking about the frame sits under the car you don’t see it so I don’t know what light you’re exactly talking about but I mean the concept should work on pretty much any light because all you’re doing is making a little holes, so Air can get in there to dry it out
The tail Light I’m referring to is the tail light directly to the left of the one you drilled the hole in. The light attached to the car frame itself, not the hatch tail light - not the part that opens. The tail light right next to the one on the hatch. To the left that is attached to the vehicle frame on the back.
Ok so it’s technical to say “frame”. Let me explain better since we are talking technical here. The tail light attached to the body of the car, directly to the left of the left side tail light that is attached to the hatch that opens. You drilled a hole in the tail light attached to the hatch. The taillight in my case getting condensation is the tail light not attached to the hatch but the one attached to the body of the car that sits next to the hatch tail light when the hatch is closed. Sorry that I said frame instead of body. Also to be technical your vehicle is a unibody and doesn’t have a frame. Not sure if you’re being humorous or just aren’t sure here.
Excellent video. I’m here because I have the same issue and thought of doing just this, but I wanted to see if anyone else had or if it caused problems. Thankfully lots have and the feedback seems awesome. I’ll do the same tomorrow however I’ll angle my two top holes to try and prevent water flowing down the side from being able to go back into the hole. Any that does should just flow down and out the second hole regardless but I have the option and it can’t hurt. Thanks for an awesome tip.
Very frustrating: I have a 2015; replaced twice by the dealer under warranty. The condensation occurred again after 14 months, the replacement was denied by the dealer and Ford! The dealer offered to replace at a special price, $1,240, which I decided against. I had it recently replaced (with a new part from Ford, not an ebay part) by a local body shop for $950. This is clearly an issue that Ford (and any other makes) should address, based on how many videos and articles related to this are online.
This is great! Gonna do this to my 2016 Titanium. It also occurred to me that in the future, before running it through a car wash just put a couple pieces of tape over the holes, and remove them after drying the car.
I drilled these holes some months back and been through car wash few times. I've never covered the holes or had any problems with rain ect. great simple fix
I don’t have the car anymore I ended up selling it about six months after but the whole time I had it it was fine the holes are very small so the only way water would really get water in there is if your power washing and you’re purposely focusing on those holes. But even if water gets in there it would just evaporate within a couple days or you can do what other people do they put clear silicone over the holes after the lights dried up.
I use the one eighths drill bit and when you wash it if a little water does go in it willnevaporate over the next couple days or you can put a little bit of clear silicone once it dries up over the holes.
If water goes in it will evaporate again. But like I told someone else I can put a little clear silicon over the holes when it dries up if ur worries about anything getting in
U can use whatever. Obviously the bigger the holes the more chance I have of debris getting in there. I just used 1/8 cause that’s all was needed to dry it up and the holes are small enough to keep stuff out.
I took mine out and drilled one hole on each side through the black plastic at the bottom corners with a 1/8" bit. Also rubbed some silicone sealant along the seam at the top of the plastic where the clear and the black meet. It looked like you could maybe stick a sheet of paper into the crack. The water was still inside when I reinstalled, as there was no practical way to get it out. It has now been nice and dry for a year. Ford's online price for this part is around $1800-2000.
Of course it leaks. That’s why the holes are there so air can get in an cause the condensation to evaporate “leak” out. I only had it on the middle tail light. I didn’t try it on the other lights but i don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Your using the same concept just on a different light.
@@KYDUH as long as u drilled the holes small like I said in the video it’s hard for water to get in but if it does the bottom holes will let it drain out at the same time the air going through them will allow it to evaporate
@@KYDUH How did this work out for you. My wife’s tailgate assembly light is real bad so def gonna do this but the lights on each side are starting to show a little condensation too. Don’t want to try it on them until I know. Lol
How they holding up after washing the car? I've had success with silicon caulking around the edges after using a blow dryer to dry em out. Pretty weary about drilling holes which could create more condensation, leaks and electrical shorts.
The car held up great. I’ve washed it plenty of times and has been in rain plenty of times. The nice thing is that the holes are on the side of the light and backs up to the corner lights which makes it hard for water to get in plus the size of the holes helps with that but even if water would get in it would evaporate quickly. My taillight had a lot of condensation before the holes and with a few days it was gone. I’m sure there are different ways of fixing the problem and this was my way.
After I bought a heat gun and spent a lot of time (carefully bcuz of the high heat) I got it all dried and sealed it and I’ll be damn if it didn’t fog you again. So I finally found this video and literally drilled the 4 holes 2 on each side and and it cleared right up. I go to the car wash often and I haven’t had a single electrical problem and this was almost a year ago
@@April-no7ew I would guess the reason that doesn’t work is those lights have to be vacuum sealed so there is no way condensation can start to happen. Once seal is broken u can dry it up with a heat gun but it will come back because it’s not sealed up anymore that’s why I think the best way to keep it dry is the way I did it cause a lot of water can’t stay in there even if it gets in cause the bottom holes will let it drain out and whatever little water does will evaporate due to the air circulation now that the holes r there
Gonna try this tomorrow! Our’s is so bad that the water has started taking the chrome off around the reverse lights, so where the water sits it’s turning from chrome to black… but at least there won’t be water anymore. Thanks again for showing me that my idea is possible and works though 😄
The holes are very small and there on the side between the two lights so it would be hard for anything to get in between there. It’s been like two months now and I haven’t seen anything inside. If you are worried u could plug the holes with some rubber and just unplug them when the condensation comes back.
Did this on all three of the light assemblies, in 2 days, all clear. AWESOME! For those who are going to do this, might suggest using a tiny bit to give yourself a pilot hole, and then the larger bit for the final size. Also, doing that helps to reduce the shavings. To further help reduce the shavings that may drop inside the light, drill slowly and pull/remove the shavings as you go along.
I have a 2017 Edge Titanium and im having the same problem and based on your fix and all the comments it sounds like it works really well, and I will probably drill the holes tomorrow, my only concern is do you think freezing temperatures would hurt it?
Yea it works great. No I don’t see how freezing temps would hurt it. Also I’m sure if any of the people on here that did it would of had problems in the winter/freezing temps, they would of left another comment on here.
@@DD87336 that is very true. I'm going to give it a shot and use your plug idea you commented on another comment. Just to release the moisture and plug it again after. Thanks again for your reply
@@julesb32 I drilled the holes in the summer and it cleared it right up. Works amazing. And this will be my first winter with them there but I don't think it will be an issue because no moisture stays in the lamp assembly it dries up in the sun
@@dr.kurtjohnson1791 I think the problem with them is from behind the light so putting silicone all around I don’t think will help. I just said to put over the little holes after it dries out if ur worries about dirt getting in
I have a 2017 Ford edge my tail light not the back up light the brake light on the right side has moisture in it during two holes in that will that help that too can you let me know please appreciate it very much thank you
Yea I don’t see why it wouldn’t. I think it would work even better cause the light wraps around the corner of the car so the little hole that’s drilled there will suck in the air while your driving and shoot it out the back hole.
David I have a 2018 I just bought and that red light that goes across isn’t working. I’ve seen it working on an edge on RUclips. Is it a trim package thing on wether or not that light comes on. It is the red light that goes around your brake light and tail light and it goes across the lift gate.
I agree that it is a problem that should not exist but the solution is very logical. Military specs for any servicable electrical control box (box that may be opened for service) must have ventilation holes to deal with the enevitable condensation. Often with standards for a gortex filter to allow vapor transfer but keep out debris.
@@wilyum67 past behaviouir is one of the strongest predictors of future behaviour. David, myself and evonnetucker 3392 all had the same problem in their Edge. We each drilled the 2 or 3 1/8 inch holes in the light panel. each of us had a positive resolution. For me, for 2 years I had had constant condensation and water in this lamp. Within 8 days the heavy condensation slowly disapeared and has not come back. As well military specifications are usually based on strong science. All servicable electrical boxes have to have ventilation holes.
I had this same problem on my 2018 Ford Edge. I drilled the holes as he described. It worked amazing…2 days it was all dried out and clear.
Thank you so much for this info!!
Your welcome! Yea saves you $600 to $1000 for another light. My dried up within two days too.
Just did mine today, hoping for the same results , 🤞🏿
Had condensation in my rear light for a year. Tried this solution and it was gone within 6 days. Great video!
I had this idea when I got mine but I wasn't brave enough to try it.... Grabbing my drill and going outside right TF now. Thanks!
U welcome. It’s the cheapest Nd fastest way that I’ve found.
How'd it work
@@Az21- so, i did it a little later in the year than i wanted to. Theres a ton less water in there, still a little foggy, but better than it was. First time it hits 80 next i would imagine itll be gone.
And what to do a common action between Ford owners and put pressure on Ford to replace these lights even after the warranty in the convening action?
Friday April 5th 2024, on my 2017 Ford Edge, I drilled two 1/8" holes on each side of the rear taillight that runs across the width of the lift hatch per the video, the tail light was very cloudy due to condensation. I'm happy to report that the tail light is 100% clear of condensation today April 12, 2024, it likely cleared a few days prior. Your video is very much appreciated, thank you, thank you!
You welcome
This has been a Ford problem for years my 2017 Escort has this issue in all the rear lenses. It's over $900 dollars Canadian for replacing a breake turn and tail light assembly if water gets in and shorts out the LED its done no bulb assembly the unit is not serviceable
Same as with the back up light assembly. Its gone. Junk.
We have 2015 doing the same thing, so I'm trying your idea!!! Just drilled the holes on 5/19/23!! Will let you know how it worked for me in west central Ohio!
I used your video as a guide and my husband drilled the holes, it took a few days and it is now totally clear!!! Thanks for sharing!!Obviously a flaw in the design!
You welcome! Yea when they pressed the halves together it wasn’t done right and they split. The coolant pipes on the older Audi A8 have the same flaw. After a certain amount of miles there known for cracking and it cracks where the two halves were pressed together.
Nice!! What size drill bit did you use and do you ever see any dried up water spots inside the tailights in the bright sun or bright light after doing this? Also, Would going through touchless automatic car washes be a bad idea after doing something like this? Where I live in Missouri we have a one off very high end touchless car wash that uses the correct ph water and detergents. Therfore, that is pretty much how I wash my car every 3 weeks. Then I dry it off myself.
@@devanrogers3133 I used a 1/8th drill bit. I sold my edge soon after so I’m not sure about the water marks. Didn’t see any as long as I had it. Whatever water gets in will dry up or u can put clear silicone on the holes after
Good tip.....to stop any plastic swarf falling into the light, use silicone grease on the drill bit....and use masking tape to mark the hole position and help the drill bit not to slip...
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great suggestion.
Our 2015 Edge had this problem for more than 2 years. We were putting off replacing the rear tail light bar because of the expense. We drilled the 4 holes 2 weeks ago and it's finally all clear just yesterday.
THANKS A lot!!!!! Problem fixed here in Miami with a lot of humidity and rain 🌧️ the light are clear again !!!! After a month no issues at all very happy 😃
You welcome
Yes Sir, I did this to my 2018 Edge ( both sides ) and presto ! Dry in 2 days. Now get this, the ford dealer I brought this Edge from new, with extended coverage, wanted $1,800 bucks to replace this problem part.
Yea the cheapest I found a used one for was $600. The thing is even if I were to buy another one I would t be surprised if they would have the same defect
Hi dave !
It this repair still doing well ?
Any issue with rain or car washes ? Thank u
I don’t have the car anymore but like I told someone else, the hoes are small enough where no water really will get in there a little bit that might all evaporate as soon as the sun hits it but if you’re worried, you can always just put a little dab of clear silicone over the holes after it’s dry it up
I have the same problem , but right lamp have water too , i can drill there holes too ?
Yea
What size drill did you use? I am planning on doing this, but will also get some rubber plugs to cover the holes once the condensation is gone. If it happens again, plugs are easy to remove. Let me know the drill size if you can, I do see someone used a 1/8. Thanks!
Yes I used 1/8 and I suggested to a few people they can plug it after if they want
@@DD87336 Thank you!
I’m about to do this. Does the condensation come back or will my light fill with water? How worried should I be about cracking the whole light? This upset me so much cause I try to take such good care of my vehicles. Just walking out and seeing the foggy tail light would put me in a bad mood
I guess it’s possible to crack it but if you go really fast and you don’t use a very big drillbit, they say if you go in reverse it’s better I didn’t keep my car for very long after I did this, but it didn’t get fogged up after for as long as I had it, and what you can do is put a little bit of clear silicone over the holes if you want after they dry up.
@@DD87336 thanks for replying. I did it very slow, didn’t crack. Cleared up in a couple days. So far so good. Thank you for your video.
We just did this to my wife's 2016 Edge. She had water floating in the low corners and condensation across the entire lens. Drilled the exact holes per this video. We're in Florida so the drying out took awhile longer than a couple of days, more like a week or so. But now it's clear and no pooling water. Thanks for the video.
You welcome
I’m having the same problem with my 16 edge sport. Can I ask what size drill bit did you use?
1/8 in
Thank you. Just got back from the Ford dealer. 1600.00 plus tax to get a new one installed. I'll settle for the holes.
@@troyarmatti7167 yea their crazy!
Has anyone experienced cracking from the holes that were drilled in really cold weather? I have 2016 edge with mad water in my rear light. I’m Leary about making the weep holes for when it gets really cold outside and causing severe cracking across my back taillight.
Thanks I’ve got a 2018 both sides and the center jus started bad !
What kind of tools you used to make de little hole ???
DeWalt drill gun with a 1/8in drill bit
So is that long thing a tale light ? Mine isn’t working
Yea it’s part of it . Maybe the wires corroded or if it’s not led, maybe the bulbs went out
I have the same problem and looked possible fixes. This video came up 1st and figured I'd check it out for a 2 minutes fix. After the video, went out to my 2017 Ford Edge Titanium and drilled the 4 holes. Water is dripping out. Now, I wait. It's been perfect weather, warm, dry, and sunny, so I have the rear of my car facing the sun. Now the wait. Thanks for the tip!
Ur welcome!! If it’s dripping it might takes a few days.
Hi. Many thanks for your indications. I had same problem, I the drillings as you showed..... and it works. Thank yuo again and greetings from Valeggio sul Mincio - Italy.
You welcome! They have ford edges in Italy !!
Perfect
Thank u my friend
U welcome !
It worked! It took 3 days to dried out and clear.
Thank you so much!!
You welcome
What a great find! Thanks for sharing! I wish I had found this sooner.
I had exact same problem on 2016 Edge SE. The part they quoted was over $1k (for center tail light). Unreal!! I had it replaced, but now the exact same thing is happening to the rear side lights. They want $800+ for that part.Goodness...
Ouch!! Yea the cheapest I found a used one for was $600. Yea who ever made the lights on those cars should be forced to issue a recall. I believe someone else had a issue with the side lights and drilled some holes in them.
This worked.
I hooked up a shop vac with duct tape for an hour.
Clear now.... took through car wash...
No issues.
Thanks.
Switch to air blowing thrrough on vac.
Currently have my 2022 ford edge at the dealer trying to have them looks at these the fronts are as bad as the rear tail lights.
Will this work on the outer lens in the rear, not the one on the tailgate itself, but the rear lens on the frame of the vehicle? Also, I assume this is the same for all makes and models, Toyota or Ford?
Yeah, it doesn’t matter what the make or model is. You’re just making a little hole, so Air can get in there to dry it up.
I’m not sure which light you’re talking about the frame sits under the car you don’t see it so I don’t know what light you’re exactly talking about but I mean the concept should work on pretty much any light because all you’re doing is making a little holes, so Air can get in there to dry it out
The tail Light I’m referring to is the tail light directly to the left of the one you drilled the hole in. The light attached to the car frame itself, not the hatch tail light - not the part that opens. The tail light right next to the one on the hatch. To the left that is attached to the vehicle frame on the back.
Ok so it’s technical to say “frame”. Let me explain better since we are talking technical here.
The tail light attached to the body of the car, directly to the left of the left side tail light that is attached to the hatch that opens.
You drilled a hole in the tail light attached to the hatch.
The taillight in my case getting condensation is the tail light not attached to the hatch but the one attached to the body of the car that sits next to the hatch tail light when the hatch is closed.
Sorry that I said frame instead of body.
Also to be technical your vehicle is a unibody and doesn’t have a frame.
Not sure if you’re being humorous or just aren’t sure here.
I have two Ford Edge’s. The 2016 has this issue. I’m going to try your solution and I will let you know how it goes. Thank you!
Did it work for you?
@@markvanalstine455
It worked for me Mark. Followed David's directions. Used 1/8" drill bit as he recommended.
David, thanks for your fix. It worked as you said it would. Just followed your instructions.
Condensation and water droplets completely gone after 2 to 3 days. Great and inexpensive fix!
Still builds up moisture, gets dirty inside, and looks horrible. Fix doesn’t correct anything
Excellent video. I’m here because I have the same issue and thought of doing just this, but I wanted to see if anyone else had or if it caused problems. Thankfully lots have and the feedback seems awesome. I’ll do the same tomorrow however I’ll angle my two top holes to try and prevent water flowing down the side from being able to go back into the hole. Any that does should just flow down and out the second hole regardless but I have the option and it can’t hurt. Thanks for an awesome tip.
You welcome !!
Just made the 4 holes in my 2016 ford edge.
Hopefully this will work . Will up date you
It should. It did for me and the others on here
@@DD87336 worked a treat
Very frustrating:
I have a 2015; replaced twice by the dealer under warranty. The condensation occurred again after 14 months, the replacement was denied by the dealer and Ford! The dealer offered to replace at a special price, $1,240, which I decided against. I had it recently replaced (with a new part from Ford, not an ebay part) by a local body shop for $950.
This is clearly an issue that Ford (and any other makes) should address, based on how many videos and articles related to this are online.
They won’t unless there is a class action lawsuit or the government makes them
One of the best videos that helped me ... worked 100% money saved .... brilliant
Happy it helped!!
Hello. The question is, in winter there is no problem if I give the holes ?? Condensation appeared to me today.
@@beastmusic105 not sure but I don’t see how the winter could hurt the light by having those little holes there.
hello, and thanks for the problem solve vide, one question what size has the wholes to be ? 2 - 3 mm ?
I used 1/8th. They don’t have to be big.
This is great! Gonna do this to my 2016 Titanium. It also occurred to me that in the future, before running it through a car wash just put a couple pieces of tape over the holes, and remove them after drying the car.
U can. If water gets in it will evaporate easily though cause of the holes
I drilled these holes some months back and been through car wash few times. I've never covered the holes or had any problems with rain ect. great simple fix
Thanks. For this information. God Bless You. Successes.
U welcome !!
I have a 2016 Edge with this problem. What did you use to drill the holes??
A drill. Any type of drill that can hold a drill bit will work.
still holding up good? seems like the holes that are drilled will allow water to get in and mess up electronics.
I don’t have the car anymore I ended up selling it about six months after but the whole time I had it it was fine the holes are very small so the only way water would really get water in there is if your power washing and you’re purposely focusing on those holes. But even if water gets in there it would just evaporate within a couple days or you can do what other people do they put clear silicone over the holes after the lights dried up.
If you drill this holes when you wash the car, the pressure wather won't go inside???
I use the one eighths drill bit and when you wash it if a little water does go in it willnevaporate over the next couple days or you can put a little bit of clear silicone once it dries up over the holes.
Hey, what drill bit did you use? I'm going try this on my girl 2017 edge 🙏🏽
1/8 in. 2 holes on both sides. One as low as possible and the other towards the middle.
Thanx!👏🏽
@@Lazarus_81 ur welcome.
Which drill bit did you use to drill?
1/8th
I meant if a tip for the iron or plaxiglass or something else, I'd be sure
Sorry, I’m not understanding your question. I used a DeWalt 1/8 drillbit to make the holes.
Good idea, if use car wash service or maybe dust go in need to close the holes by what?
If water goes in it will evaporate again. But like I told someone else I can put a little clear silicon over the holes when it dries up if ur worries about anything getting in
Will a 9/64 bit work?
U can use whatever. Obviously the bigger the holes the more chance I have of debris getting in there. I just used 1/8 cause that’s all was needed to dry it up and the holes are small enough to keep stuff out.
I pray this works! I just did the same thing... I did three small holes only on the right side. Left side is dry...
I think it would still work it might just take longer because you don’t the air isn’t traveling from one side to the other and out
@@DD87336 OH! I just did the other side...
My 2018 Ford Edge Titanium has the same problem. Followed your repair solution and problem is gone. Thanks.
I did this great fix ,thanks worked perfect.
You welcome! Glad it helped!
I took mine out and drilled one hole on each side through the black plastic at the bottom corners with a 1/8" bit. Also rubbed some silicone sealant along the seam at the top of the plastic where the clear and the black meet. It looked like you could maybe stick a sheet of paper into the crack. The water was still inside when I reinstalled, as there was no practical way to get it out. It has now been nice and dry for a year. Ford's online price for this part is around $1800-2000.
Yea a used one is about $6-700!
So it doesn’t leak ? Mine is on the left tail light. Does this work for the left tail light ?
Of course it leaks. That’s why the holes are there so air can get in an cause the condensation to evaporate “leak” out. I only had it on the middle tail light. I didn’t try it on the other lights but i don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Your using the same concept just on a different light.
@@DD87336 i get that, i just making sure more water wasn’t going be able to leak inside now that I have drilled holes
@@KYDUH as long as u drilled the holes small like I said in the video it’s hard for water to get in but if it does the bottom holes will let it drain out at the same time the air going through them will allow it to evaporate
@@DD87336 I’m doing this today. Thanks for replying this is gonna save me a lot of money
@@KYDUH How did this work out for you. My wife’s tailgate assembly light is real bad so def gonna do this but the lights on each side are starting to show a little condensation too. Don’t want to try it on them until I know. Lol
Just seen this video as have the same problem. Are they still clear??
Thanks
Yes still clear. Also it still the fastest and cheapest way I’ve seen to fix the problem
How they holding up after washing the car? I've had success with silicon caulking around the edges after using a blow dryer to dry em out. Pretty weary about drilling holes which could create more condensation, leaks and electrical shorts.
The car held up great. I’ve washed it plenty of times and has been in rain plenty of times. The nice thing is that the holes are on the side of the light and backs up to the corner lights which makes it hard for water to get in plus the size of the holes helps with that but even if water would get in it would evaporate quickly. My taillight had a lot of condensation before the holes and with a few days it was gone. I’m sure there are different ways of fixing the problem and this was my way.
After I bought a heat gun and spent a lot of time (carefully bcuz of the high heat) I got it all dried and sealed it and I’ll be damn if it didn’t fog you again. So I finally found this video and literally drilled the 4 holes 2 on each side and and it cleared right up. I go to the car wash often and I haven’t had a single electrical problem and this was almost a year ago
@@April-no7ew I would guess the reason that doesn’t work is those lights have to be vacuum sealed so there is no way condensation can start to happen. Once seal is broken u can dry it up with a heat gun but it will come back because it’s not sealed up anymore that’s why I think the best way to keep it dry is the way I did it cause a lot of water can’t stay in there even if it gets in cause the bottom holes will let it drain out and whatever little water does will evaporate due to the air circulation now that the holes r there
Worked like a charm! Couldn't believe that amount of water that leaked out of bottom holes on both sides. Thanks!
Yea it’s crazy how much can get in there
I have done this on other cars' taillights and it always works. Keep the holes small and toward the bottom of the lens.
👍🏽👍🏽
I have the same issue with my Lincoln MKZ. Well, I have to try it
Gonna try this tomorrow! Our’s is so bad that the water has started taking the chrome off around the reverse lights, so where the water sits it’s turning from chrome to black… but at least there won’t be water anymore. Thanks again for showing me that my idea is possible and works though 😄
a practical process, does not dust enter through the drilled holes over time
The holes are very small and there on the side between the two lights so it would be hard for anything to get in between there. It’s been like two months now and I haven’t seen anything inside. If you are worried u could plug the holes with some rubber and just unplug them when the condensation comes back.
Thanks David. Trying it now.
Ur welcome !
I wonder if there are any issues with water getting in there after going through a car wash??
Yep correct price used ..new 1600 from the dealer, same thing with my 2015 edge was wondering were to drill thanks.
On the side of the tailgate light. I show it in the video. Open the tailgate and then right there on the side towards the bottom.
Thanks 😊
@@bdo9114 you welcome !
Has anyone had trouble with dust getting in their from driving on a gravel roads?
U can plug it with clear silicone after it dries out if ur worried about that
@@DD87336 thank you!
@@charlygurrl64 u welcome !
Thank you! We drilled the holes exactly how you instructed and then blew the remaining water out with an air compressor. Thank you VERY MUCH!
Your welcome !!
Did the “holes” affect passing state inspection?
@@vince2997 do you live in one of those states where you have to get your car inspected every year?
@@DD87336 yep
@@DD87336 I’m afraid they’ll make up some bs state law about the tail lights being technically “cracked” because of the hole…
Thanks for sharing, I'm going out now as well.
You welcome!
Did this on all three of the light assemblies, in 2 days, all clear. AWESOME! For those who are going to do this, might suggest using a tiny bit to give yourself a pilot hole, and then the larger bit for the final size. Also, doing that helps to reduce the shavings. To further help reduce the shavings that may drop inside the light, drill slowly and pull/remove the shavings as you go along.
May I ask on the outer tails, you just did 1x hole at the lowest corner? Or 2 again? Any updates, how has that held up?
thanks david good job 👍🏼
You welcome !
Hy
What drill do you use?
For wood or for concrete ?
Thanks!
Wood. 1/8th
@@DD87336 Thank's!!!
@@adytaben np!!
Thanks for a great tip to fix a Ford design error and the warning to be very careful to not crack the plastic when drilling the holes.
Thanks for the condensation hack!
Thanks brother!!!!
You welcome !
I have the same problem 😭
It reminds me of the older Explorer that had this plastic piece under the rear window that would crack in half.
I have a 2017 Edge Titanium and im having the same problem and based on your fix and all the comments it sounds like it works really well, and I will probably drill the holes tomorrow, my only concern is do you think freezing temperatures would hurt it?
Yea it works great. No I don’t see how freezing temps would hurt it. Also I’m sure if any of the people on here that did it would of had problems in the winter/freezing temps, they would of left another comment on here.
@@DD87336 that is very true. I'm going to give it a shot and use your plug idea you commented on another comment. Just to release the moisture and plug it again after. Thanks again for your reply
@@bass.man506 the plug idea wasn’t mine. Some one else said that for when he goes through cars washes.
Have you found any problems with the freezing temps? Thanks
@@julesb32 I drilled the holes in the summer and it cleared it right up. Works amazing. And this will be my first winter with them there but I don't think it will be an issue because no moisture stays in the lamp assembly it dries up in the sun
Hi, how is this going now? I have the same problem, so bad!
Still good no condensation at all!
@@DD87336 thankyou!helpful!!
@@anniesu4679 ur welcome!
Will a 9/64 bit work?
What about the dirt getting inside ?
I don’t see dirt getting inside but once it’s dried up u could always put alittle clear silicone over the holes if u want
@@DD87336 yeah I am going to silicone all around the window and the holes
@@dr.kurtjohnson1791 I think the problem with them is from behind the light so putting silicone all around I don’t think will help. I just said to put over the little holes after it dries out if ur worries about dirt getting in
@@DD87336 can always torch it worst case ;)
I have a 2017 Ford edge my tail light not the back up light the brake light on the right side has moisture in it during two holes in that will that help that too can you let me know please appreciate it very much thank you
Yea I don’t see why it wouldn’t. I think it would work even better cause the light wraps around the corner of the car so the little hole that’s drilled there will suck in the air while your driving and shoot it out the back hole.
Did you have any luck with this? I have condensation in the same taillight.
Ok.
How many mm is the diameter of the holes
Used a 1/8 drill bit
@@DD87336 Thank you, I hope I will try as soon as possible.
@@kasimerturk6047 np! it’s been 2 months for me and it’s still clear.
David I have a 2018 I just bought and that red light that goes across isn’t working. I’ve seen it working on an edge on RUclips. Is it a trim package thing on wether or not that light comes on. It is the red light that goes around your brake light and tail light and it goes across the lift gate.
Sorry I have no clue. Mine works. Maybe it’s a blown fuse.
The center lamp illuminates only on certain trim levels I believe.
@@randypoffo4325 yeah I think the titanium and the sport package.
Wow. That's the shittiest solution to a problem that shouldn't even exist!
@@cmw6966 did it work?
I agree that it is a problem that should not exist but the solution is very logical. Military specs for any servicable electrical control box (box that may be opened for service) must have ventilation holes to deal with the enevitable condensation. Often with standards for a gortex filter to allow vapor transfer but keep out debris.
So what valuable information can you offer since this one is supposedly the “shittiest solution”.
@@wilyum67 past behaviouir is one of the strongest predictors of future behaviour. David, myself and evonnetucker 3392 all had the same problem in their Edge. We each drilled the 2 or 3 1/8 inch holes in the light panel. each of us had a positive resolution. For me, for 2 years I had had constant condensation and water in this lamp. Within 8 days the heavy condensation slowly disapeared and has not come back. As well military specifications are usually based on strong science. All servicable electrical boxes have to have ventilation holes.