Condensation in car

6921 Views 17 Replies 11 Participants Last post by drewcwsj, Nov 24, 2009

SJP63

Discussion Starter · Nov 19, 2006

Now the autumn is here, i'm getting quite a lot of condentation on the inside of the front and rear screens in the morning. My last Coupe did that too, but none of my previous BMW's etc.

How about yours??

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

Troesma

· #2 · Nov 19, 2006

Also in the UK (London) and no internal condensation (save the usual frost everywhere on the outside...) Had heater-A/C actuator just replaced.

Nothing I would not get rid of (now) in the usual way.

SJP63

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 20, 2006

Thanks....I can only assume that there is water in the car somewhere.....

Troesma said:
Also in the UK (London) and no internal condensation (save the usual frost everywhere on the outside...) Had heater-A/C actuator just replaced.

Nothing I would not get rid of (now) in the usual way.

MVP

· #4 · Nov 20, 2006

SJP63 said:
Thanks....I can only assume that there is water in the car somewhere.....

On my Spyder the A/C would leak heavy water on the passenger side of the car, passengers would often note that water was dripping onto their feet, that may be a possibility?

SJP63

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 20, 2006

Yes I saw water drop there recently.....did you get it fixed?

MVP said:
On my Spyder the A/C would leak heavy water on the passenger side of the car, passengers would often note that water was dripping onto their feet, that may be a possibility?

barbuckle

· #6 · Nov 20, 2006 (Edited)

There is a common problem with the air-con drain pipe getting blocked, causing water condensed by the a/c to build inside the system until it reaches overflow - which is usually first seen into the passenger footwell (for right hand drives at any rate).

If you don't treat it quickly you may have water on both sides under carpeting (takes time to dry it allout!)

Keep your eye on car when parking-up to see if the system is still ejecting water from the pipe underneath the middle of the vehicle (not so easy if ground is already wet!)

Perhaps a larger drain would have helped!

MVP

· #7 · Nov 20, 2006

SJP63 said:
Yes I saw water drop there recently.....did you get it fixed?

Not immediately, told the dealer to take care of it when I sent it back for consignment, wasn't going to make a trip to the dealer for it, figured I'd wait until the next service.

SJP63

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 20, 2006

thanks guys.....im building up a list for a dealer visit

water in car
both headlight washer covers fallen off
interior light switch
clutch squeel.........

but it still drives and its great....I had more trouble with my M3's than my Maserati's

Jalpa_Mike

· #9 · Nov 20, 2006 (Edited)

Dripping water in the passenger side of the cockpit was a very common occurrence in Alfa 164's (1991-1995). The biggest culprit was a condensation drain pipe that routed the water from the evaporator, out the bottom of the car (this is why on cars with A/C, you'll always notice a puddle of water under your car). Anyhow, this little drain pipe was notorious for becoming clogged. Since the water couldn't drain, it would overflow the evaporator box and dribble into the passenger side footwell.

All you had to do was push a wire (coat hanger) up through this little drain hose to clear out any debris. Water would then flow out like the mighty Mississippi!

A quick look at the Maserati parts manual shows the cars do have a rubber drain tube. My guess is that if you crawl under the car and look for it, it will be clogged with leaves, debris, etc....

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barbuckle

· #10 · Nov 21, 2006

Also note, however, that it has probably already soaked your pollen filter (bit of foam in air intake for a/c!)
This will also have to be sorted (dealer replaces them but perhaps simply drying it out is fine) - otherwise dampness will persist.

marcho

· #11 · Oct 11, 2009

Can anyone tell me where to find this unit on the car

Hi, I seem to have a similar problem. I've tried to locate the tube and the unit but can anyone give me a clue where to look!

any photos would be a great help.

Thanks

Marcho

mwelliott

· #12 · Oct 13, 2009

Condensation - check the windscreen

I had this and after months of the dealer checking the AC drain (and always saying they had fixed the problem!) They after 18 months of bavk & forward they discovered a tiny leak in seal around windscreen - water was then dripping through the dash and onto floor. New windscreen solved the prob. Also had a big leak in my boot which destroyed my handbook etc - that was a worn/damaged rubber seal (they had to shut someone in the boot to find it).

QP Sport

· #13 · Oct 13, 2009

Is he still there?

mwelliott said:
... after 18 months of back & forward they discovered a tiny leak in seal around windscreen - water was then dripping through the dash and onto floor. New windscreen solved the prob. Also had a big leak in my boot... (they had to shut someone in the boot to find it).

I wonder if they put the tech who missed the leak into the trunk. If so, maybe you should check to see if they let him out! :laugh:

marcho

· #14 · Oct 31, 2009

Well this is all very interesting BUT. Can anyone actually answer my original question and tell me where I can locate the A/C drain tube and this filter which may be soaked?

My damp only appears in hot weather when the A/c is working so I'm pretty sure it's this but I don't know where to look to unblock the tube. any pictures or manual pages would help and would be great.

drewcwsj

· #15 · Nov 22, 2009

I am getting consistent condensation on my windscreen right in front of the driver. I also get a slight smell like antifreeze. Thinking I may have a heater core leak. It is getting cold here in TX so I don't think it has anything to do with the A/C.

Andrew224

· #16 · Nov 22, 2009

I've been getting that same condensation on my widshield in front of the driver's side. I've checked and my interior is dry. I don't smell anything off in my car though. Next time I have it jacked up, I'll get down under the car and see if I can't find that drain tube to see if it's clogged. I'll post my findings on here when I get around to it.

kramsay1234

· #17 · Nov 22, 2009

I have condensation on my windshield across the whole bottom when I get in and its cold outside. Last night was 40 degrees. But it disappears completely in about 5 seconds if I turn on the front defost. I will check the drain tube next time when the car is in the air.

drewcwsj

· #18 · Nov 24, 2009

Mine is something more than condensation. It is more like an oily coating. I'm thinking antifreeze sticking to the glass. Must be a slow leak somewhere.

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