Unwanted Condensation Inside the Cabin

[sunnah]

2017 SR5 base 24K

I have noticed this in the past but I did not think anything of it until now. We are in the cold/winter months in Virginia but it has not snowed yet. I windshield has a lot of condensation on it and it is dripping down the windshield and a little bit of it is actually dropping on my dash. It may or may not be connected but I notice first a lot of fog so I ran my rear and form defogger on the highest setting and it did not work at all on the front and the rear got just a bit from the top. I do have tint on the rear window. So I thought perhaps my rear defogger lines were damaged and I need to replace the entire window. I also thought my HVAC motor was not working properly and need replacing. The condensation that formed about 4 days ago is still there and there are more streaks of water dropping down my windshield. Please advise. Thanks.

 

[GG5thGen]

It sounds like your HVAC system is not drying the inside air properly.

 

[lewdog998]

does the inside have a "sweet" odor...unlikely on a newish 4r, but the heater core could have a small leak. A sweet smell is the smell of coolant.

 

[sunnah]

It sounds like your HVAC system is not drying the inside air properly.

If that is the case how do I test and replace if required?

 

[sunnah]

does the inside have a "sweet" odor...unlikely on a newish 4r, but the heater core could have a small leak. A sweet smell is the smell of coolant.

I do not smell anything sweet. Can I test?

 

[Bmnorm2]

Make sure the AC is on, even if you are heating. It will provide dry air that will pick up the moisture.

 

[Ezlife45]

I do not smell anything sweet. Can I test?

Watch your overflow tank under the hood. If it doesn't change level, no coolant leak.

 

[BimmerChop]

First I would make sure you don't have any unwanted water leaking into the cabin... Something like clogged sunroof drains could lead to excess moisture. Or if you have ever swapped out the roof rails? I would look there.

Also, if you have ever knocked your shark fin antenna, I would look at that too. Doesn't take much... Even going through an automated car wash can damage the seal on those enough to let water through.

 

[ArthurKotb]

I agree with BimmerChop. It sounds to me like you have a water leak somewhere. Have you checked under the floor mats for wet areas? If you have a leak around your windshield or even the wiper motor shafts it could be causing your problem. In the summer that will dry but winter is cold so it just stays there.

I had an old '91 Camry until a couple years ago, did exactly what you're talking about. All the windows fogged up. The heater had to stay on high and the driver's window would be cracked just to keep up. I never did find out where it was coming from.

 

[rigtec]

2017 SR5 base 24K

I have noticed this in the past but I did not think anything of it until now. We are in the cold/winter months in Virginia but it has not snowed yet. I windshield has a lot of condensation on it and it is dripping down the windshield and a little bit of it is actually dropping on my dash. It may or may not be connected but I notice first a lot of fog so I ran my rear and form defogger on the highest setting and it did not work at all on the front and the rear got just a bit from the top. I do have tint on the rear window. So I thought perhaps my rear defogger lines were damaged and I need to replace the entire window. I also thought my HVAC motor was not working properly and need replacing. The condensation that formed about 4 days ago is still there and there are more streaks of water dropping down my windshield. Please advise. Thanks.

Hi sunnah...,

In addition to the advice that there may be a moisture leak in the cabin, have you checked the "Front Windshield Seal?"... there have been issues with that in the past(?)! You can start by drying the moisture near the dash and glass with a towel. Then, using a garden hose, spray the entire outside of the windshield"...generously!"

Look for evidence of water droplets on or near the dash area. I would also do the same to the sunroof if the windshield checks out fine! As far as your HVAC System... you can start by getting the engine warmed-up to normal. Turn the front windshield defroster on FULL-FAN w/Temperature on HIGH.

It should feel Hot; NOT luke warm! Also check the air's direction to be sure it's blowing up at the glass on both-sides (D and P), and the fog is dissipating as needed! Next, I would touch the carpet near all of the door sills and check the door drains; you can see them under the doors... use a small Phillips-head screw driver to make sure the holes are Unrestricted!

Best to you Mate! rig Cheers

 

[mrblah]

Deodorant

 

[lewdog998]

I do not smell anything sweet. Can I test?

No you cannot test condensation.....by its nature it would be pure water that evaporates and condenses, leaving the chemical component behind...at tleast that is my guess, not a chemist.

you could test actual pooling liquid or an active drip.

you can also taste it. just a dab...dont swallow it. (i know i know...)

 

[ArthurKotb]

On Car Talk they would always tell you that it left a residue behind after it dried out. It's usually pretty difficult to clean the inside of the windshield because of that. It tends to smear.

 

[Buz06]

double check the recirculate switch, the feature should shut off automatically when defrost is selected.