Leaky Driver Side Headlight Assembly

My new used 2008 Prius driver's side headlight assembly had moisture in it that showed up as water droplets. Of course the HID bulb malfunctioned by flickering and dying out.

I noticed that the problems occurred when there was a slight water film condensed near the base of the bulb.

What to do? I noticed that the black plastic backing on the headlight assembly had several black plastic snaps that held the back to the clear plastic lens. There was a gap between the back and the lens!

Looking at the passenger-side assembly there was no such gap.

Without removing the assembly I injected GE Silicone 2 sealant into the gap. I let it dry for 12 hours.

Problem solved for five bucks. The lamps have vaporized all the condensation. I suspect, based on other posts, the "driver-side headlight leak" is a common problem that may have come from a construction/design flaw. The pastic enclosure shells don't exactly match. Water that gets near the gaps ends up in the assembly and causes the HID bulb to fail intermittently.

I love my little black Prius fuel miser!