Sealant around headlights

[PKN]

I was having a problem with the car telling me to check my brights after I used them. I removed the headlights and replaced them and that problem cleared up only to be replaced by a turn signal that worked intermittently (yes I know they are only supposed to be on 50% of the time). I removed the offending headlight unit a couple of times and I think it is now OK but during the process, a soft black sealant like caulking came away from some places around the glass. Can anyone tell me if I need to replace this and is there an alternative to sealant? This stuff is not visible when the headlight unit is in place.

PKN

[therock88]

I was having a problem with the car telling me to check my brights after I used them. I removed the headlights and replaced them and that problem cleared up only to be replaced by a turn signal that worked intermittently (yes I know they are only supposed to be on 50% of the time). I removed the offending headlight unit a couple of times and I think it is now OK but during the process, a soft black sealant like caulking came away from some places around the glass. Can anyone tell me if I need to replace this and is there an alternative to sealant? This stuff is not visible when the headlight unit is in place.

PKN

HI...

I think you are fine not replacing. Those Cayenne headlight units are a bit crazy. I have had all sorts of fun with mine. And the weird black substance you are referring to. Other than looks, unless you really mangled it, you should be OK. I also do not think it is easy (or at least not that I can tell) to service that separately?? I would not worry if I were you...

I think you are talking about #11 in the diagram I attached. The cost is about $52.00 each side if you decide to replace.

Good Luck!

DC

Edited April 10, 2011 by therock88

[wvicary]

I was having a problem with the car telling me to check my brights after I used them. I removed the headlights and replaced them and that problem cleared up only to be replaced by a turn signal that worked intermittently (yes I know they are only supposed to be on 50% of the time). I removed the offending headlight unit a couple of times and I think it is now OK but during the process, a soft black sealant like caulking came away from some places around the glass. Can anyone tell me if I need to replace this and is there an alternative to sealant? This stuff is not visible when the headlight unit is in place.

PKN

I don't have any " soft black sealant like caulking " on my headlights. I have worked on a few Cayennes and never seen anything like you're referring to. Could it be something aftermarket?

[KhmerPepperS]

Are you still having problems with your turn signal? Mine were working intermittently and I found that if you remove the bulb socket, there are 2 metal tabs on the outside of the socket that don't make full contact with its corresponding tab in the headlight. I used a flathead screwdriver and pryed the metal tabs up a little bit so that they will make good contact when the socket is properly seated. I also have some black caulky type substance on my headlights. Some flaked off but I havent noticed any moisture or water inside the housing and it's been raining a lot here in Central Pennsylvania. I wouldnt worry about it unless water or moisture is present.

[bigbuzuki]

I would replace the seals as they are there for a reason.

They do deteriorate over time and become mushy.

New seals will proviide protection against water penetration and they also facilitate a snug fit for the light assembly preventing it from jittering.

[PKN]

Thanks to all. The seal is intact for the most part. Its just one section that seems to have deteriorated and turned very soft. I will repair it with soft mastic.

The problem with intermittent turn indicator lasted a few cycles of removing and replacing the headlight but I finally fixed it by the application of lube around the rubber seal on the headlight connector to assist the seating - spit did the job nicely ! Problem solved

PKN

[fullbirdmusic]

I had the same problem and had the seals replaced. The shop also discovered the tracks were defective that the headlights slide in on. I don't know what was wrong, just know they replaced that.

When the seals weren't there, the light unit was sliding out of the plug in the back causing the lightbuld faults.

[SIBS]

The headlight sealant (or "gasket" as the technician referred to it) has just been flagged as a replacement item during my first major service. The car is in the Middle East and I think the heat has contributed to some deterioration but to the naked eye it looks absolutley fine.

In my case I am going to wait until there is some movement in the headlight assembly or equally I get a warning light before I replace, as I think in my case that this is a 'nice to have' replacement as opposed to critical.

Will let you know if I get any problems from not replacing

all the best

[mudman2]

I would not wait, the gunge and sand your going to allow back there can only cause problems