How do you remove the front headlamp cover of a 2000 Toyota Celica to clean condensation that has formed inside the headlamp?

Answer 1

When I bought my used 2000 Celica from the dealer, I noticed a day later that one headlight had condensation. I brought it back and they said they had to replace the whole thing because there was a broken seal and it would keep building up condensation and ruin the light or fuse or something. I think once you open up a headlight you have to make sure you seal it right every time, but I'm not sure. I actually have to replace one again because it's cloudy and yellow-looking. I'm trying to find out if it's easy to replace the entire headlight. If you end up needing a new headlight, you can find good deals online. I just found one on doctorautoparts.com which seems to have good prices. Hope this helps a little. ==New Answer== I wish I had found this site earlier I could of saved you and maybe someone else a few dollars. I am well aware that evry dealer will automatically give this solution, however this is not rare occurence on the 7th Gen Celicas. The main cause is the large rubber seals that cover the High and low beam lamps. They either are dried out and cracked or not seated properly which is the case 90% of the time. Their is a solution. You will have to remove the headlight assemblies. Although this takes a bit of your time as the bumper has to be removed to remove the headlights. In order to answer the question without becoming to lengthy if you need instructions on remving the bumper please let me know and I will add to this later or email me and I will gladly help you out. Lets assume you you have removed the bumper.... Remove the headlight(s):
First disconnect all the connectors to the headlight(s). There are four; High Beam,Low Beam,Turn Signal and Parking.
Next remove the three bolts with a 10mm socket. There are three bolts. One at the front of the headlight(s), one at the rear and one on the side in the inner fender area. Carefully remove the headlight(s) by lifting up from the rear and foward.
Inspect the headlight for any cracks or split seams. These headlight(s) come apart in two sections upper and lower. Lets assume that you find a crack or split. Purchase a quality sealant and apply a bead around the entire area where the top meets the bottom. After this has dried/cured we'll need to get that moisture out. Some folks have placed the headlight(s)in a oven at very low temp for about 30 minutes or. Some even raise the temp to melt the adhesive then cool off, this is another way to reseal the headlight(s). However in my opinion I highly suggest you DO NOT DO THIS.
Just a matter of "what can go wrong will" and you will not only be buying new headlight(s), you will proably be forking over some cash for a new oven.
You will need a hair dryer. Turn the hair dryer on med to high and direct the hot air inside the headlight(s). I reccommend about 10 minutes. This will remove all condensation or moisture.
Reinstall the headlight(s) in reverse from above.
Reconnect all connectors and reseat the two rubber boots on the high and low beam connectors. They are marked "Top" with an arrow. Make sure they are on correct and tight.
Check to make sure all your light are operating correctly. Then reinstall bumper. I just about guarantee that if your too your time and followed this fix you will not have any more problems.
Inspect those rubber seals from time to time to make they didn't get bumped of, even if they are even a bit loose water will get in. If they are dried out or cracked replace them! I also apply a bit of silicone to mine every few months.
Hope this helped . Any questions please hit me up..info@southeastcelicas.net
Semper Fi...Gunny www.southeastcelicas.net