Water Leak in Tail Lamp Assembly (Replace Vent Hose and Dry Out Lamp)

Some customers may comment on a water leak or heavy condensation in either the left or right tail lamp assemblies.

Moisture is being drawn into the tail lamp through the black vent hose located on the backside of the assembly (1).

Remove the tail lamp assembly from the vehicle and replace the original black vent hose (2) with a new design vent hose (3) using the following procedure. The new cream colored vent hose (3) contains a membrane material which allows for proper ventilation of the tail lamp while keeping water and moisture out. This new cream colored vent hose (3) is also shorter than the original black vent hose (2).

Service Procedure

1. Remove tail lamp from vehicle.
2. Remove (unplug) both tail lamp sockets/bulbs from the lamp assembly.
3. Remove the original vent hose from the tail lamp assembly.
4. Remove any water from the lamp by shaking the lamp while holding it lens side up.

Important: It is not necessary to replace the lamp in the next step. Apply compressed air into the lamp until all traces of water or moisture are gone. Failing to remove all traces of water from the lamp may cause a light fogging condition to occur.

5. Apply compressed air into the assembly as necessary to remove any remaining water or moisture.
6. After all moisture has been removed from the lamp, install new vent hose P/N 12335520.
7. Install both tail lamp sockets/bulbs into the assembly.
8. Install the tail lamp assembly on the vehicle.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: