I should begin by saying my car is an 05 Superb Elegance. About two weeks ago whilst investigating another problem (now solved) and without my realising I inadvertently dislodged the spring clip securing the smaller of the two access compartments of my offside headlamp (xenon). I noticed a few days later that there was condensation in the headlamp and only then spotted that the compartment was open. The spring clip needless to say had disappeared. I attempted a bodged repair with gaffer tape to try and keep the compartment closed until I could get a new clip (didn't work!), but since then the xenon worked intermittently but hasn't worked at all now for a couple of days. This afternoon I managed to dry out the headlamp whilst still in situ using a hair dryer on the cool setting - worked a treat (took about half an hour). Having bought a new spring clip (£5.30!) I have now hopefully achieved a condensation free unit. The xenon however still doesn't work, but the sidelight/fog lamp/main beam do. Any ideas or am I likely to be looking at a very costly repair? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I'm not an expert but if it were my car I would try swapping the bulbs over to see if the fault follows. If that doesn't work then you could try switching the ballast units. Assuming the wiring is dry and all connections are good then I would imagine the fault is most likely to be with one of these two components.

Remember to disconnect the battery before messing on with Xenon's as they run at very high voltage.

I'm not an expert but if it were my car I would try swapping the bulbs over to see if the fault follows. If that doesn't work then you could try switching the ballast units. Assuming the wiring is dry and all connections are good then I would imagine the fault is most likely to be with one of these two components.

Remember to disconnect the battery before messing on with Xenon's as they run at very high voltage.

Good news is that since yesterday the headlight has started to work again, so hopefully it was just the condensation that was causing the problem. I have noticed just a small amount remaining in the unit,but will keep an eye on it. Thanks for the help.

Edited 30 October, 201015 yr by Knowsley