Hey I have only had my rx-8 for not even a year but ever since i bought it, it has had moisture in the tail lights. Does anyone know how to fix this and better yet the easiest way to get the tail lights off?


Brandon
Blue 2005 rx-8

 

search........

its a much discussed topic with a couple of solutions already on the forum

 

I just fixed this problem a few weeks ago.

Go into your trunk and pop and unscrew all plastic fasteners, unscrew the tail lights, un hook the wires, pop out the bulbs. Take a blow dryer and on COOL dry out the lights. You might need to shake them lightly as well to get all of the water out. If you can leave them out in the sun for a while that would help too. Next I used a silicone spray and sprayed the entire gasket with it. I then took a silicone paste and put a liberal amount all around the gasket where it came in contact with the tail light. After that, put them back in and if done right you should be all set.

 

ty ill try that

 

If that doesn't work (which it should), try taking it to mazda. My dealer was cool enough to throw in one for free when i got an oil change.

 

i drilled a small SMALL hole on the outside of them on the corner where it meets the trunk. moisture hasnt returned in 2 months

 

Wow the dealers I went to about this problem first told me I needed new tail lights, when I showed the tsb they said if they broke the light they would charge me, then told me new gaskets were 170 each...I finally said screw it I will do it myself.

Be careful with drilling a whole in the light. If you live in Cali you don't have to worry about rain/snow/sleet etc. Also, taking it through a carwash or washing it yourself can get water back in it.

Do your research before you drill!

 

You have moisture in your tailights? Wow, I've never heard of that before. OMFG!!!!

 

Fixed for accuracy

 

new gaskets are around 40 bucks not 170 wtf

 

just remove the tail light, buy a GOOD gasket maker ($5 bucks) dry the housing, clean the old gasket of dirt and stuff, slap on some of the gasket maker let it dry and voila!.

dude honestly this is the easiest DIY you can do to your car beside teh oil change. all you need to spend is 5 bucks!!. oh and please dont drill in the tail light just follow this DIY and you will be ok

follow this DIY:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ter+tail+light

 

where do i buy the gasket maker or the silicone paste?

 

'Gasket maker' at most auto parts stores (Autozone and the like). Silicone sealant at most any hardware store.

The former is more for oil pans, etc. Best to use silicone sealant for the tailight.

Note: I've had the upgraded Mazda gaskets for three years now and no more moisture, so that would be my recommendation. And this even after their further remova/replacement when replacing my bumper last year.

 

I got moisture in my driver's side taillight first. I fixed that one with the revised and better gasket. It's been almost a year now and is still good.

The other taillight started having moisture in it about two months ago. I went cheap this time and got some Frost King foam weatherstrip at Home Depot for a few bucks. I cleaned the gasket thoroughly and reused it. I also lined the weatherstrip on the inside and outside edges of the housing. I then rolled up a bunch more weatherstrip and stuff it in there for extra "protection."

It's been three weeks now and the taillight is still moisture free after two or three major downpours.

I also considered drilling a hole, but I wanted to try out other methods first.

 

^ In this area of the country (as most, other than dry desert) if you drill a hole you're just letting in humid air which will ultimately condense. How is that a solution???

Improved Mazda gasket or silicone sealant.

 

Well, I didn't think drilling a hole was a real fix. That's why I didn't do it. I would only try it if what I did was gonna fail. Fortunately, my taillights seem to be good as new.

 

i used a thick piece of craft foam about 8 months ago and it still holds well.

 

Drill a small hole in it from the back, and wait a few days for it to dry out. If you can do without the car for a little while, take the taillight housing inside and let it dry out indoors. Then seal the hole with silicone bathroom caulk and reinstall it.