Heavy condensation inside the car (windows, windshield)

[Lobsang Rampa]

Hey All,I have a 2006 Vibe, which mostly sits outdoor while I work. With winter (it's mild here, never below 36F), I started seeing heavy condensation on the inside of the windows and windshield. This is not the usual "fogging", but small water droplets that take forever to go away, even with the AC or heater turned on.I understand that this could be caused by moisture trapped inside the car, but a cursory look did not reveal a wet or damp spot. I noticed however, that given the shape of the car itself, it's common to get a few rain drops in the car as we get in during rainy days. I don't know, however, if that small amount of water would be sufficient to cause all this condensation.Is anybody else having similar problems? I'm afraid to take my car to the dealer just to hear some lame excuses about this being "normal" in cold weather.-- Lob

[prathman]

Is it possible the 'Recirc.' switch has been left on accidentally? Or possibly the mechanism isn't working right to bring in outside air. If the air ducts are set to recirculate the interior air it'll be picking up moisture from the people in the car as you drive. Then when you park and the air inside cools down that moisture will condense out on the coldest surfaces - mainly the windows.We have two '06 Vibes and neither has the condensation problem you describe. One of ours lives pretty close to you in San Ramon (East Bay) and the other lives in a colder climate just outside Milwaukee, WI.

[Lobsang Rampa]

I considered that too, but I think the recirculate is OK. The evidence being that I can "smell" the outside world when it's set to pull air from the outside. And I can fell the stronger air flow when I set it to recirculate.I really wonder if water is getting into the car somehow, and what the dealers would do if I ask them to check for something like this.-- Lob

[ToolGuy]

Besides thinking the recirc is OK, is the actual switch for recirc turned off?Also, have you replaced you cabin air filter at all? Beyond that, I would crack your windows at home in your garage if you have one over night, or put them all the way down and see if it goes away then.

[ehoff121]

When I bought my '05, it was used and had a similar issue. I found that some water had accumulated in the seam between the rear seats and the trunk. Took a towel to it by partially folding down the seats and no issues since. I would check all the storage compartments in the back as well...Do you have a moonroof? Maybe it's not closed all the way or was left open during a freak downpour?

[Sublimewind]

have you taken a look under the passenger floor mat, to see if there is any moisture?? I know quite a few people site the consate line from the AC being lose or off completely draining into the passenger footwell... Something to check, that seems like a LOT of water...

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »have you taken a look under the passenger floor mat, to see if there is any moisture?? I know quite a few people site the consate line from the AC being lose or off completely draining into the passenger footwell... Something to check, that seems like a LOT of water... This is true! Check it and if off or loose, use a plastic zip tie to fasten it back on the fitting. It is a tight fit but sometimes these hoses get kicked and can fall off. I did mine before anything could happen... (Black rubber hose and black fitting is what you are looking for and you really have to get on the floor and look for it) There is a post here on it here with pics once you scroll down.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=10977

[tribalman]

you can also check the rubber seals around the window. on mine the hatch window seal isn't the best and i think that is why mine is doing it.

[Lobsang Rampa]

Yes, the recirc is definitely working and it's set to off (meaning, take air from the outside). Your idea of checking the cabin filter is a good one. Now I have to find out where it is I'll also check the seals. Another idea is to get in the car and ask my wife to hose it for a few minutes, checking for leaks. I want to see if water is coming in through somewhere.-- Lob

[Lobsang Rampa]

Quote, originally posted by ehoff121 »When I bought my '05, it was used and had a similar issue. I found that some water had accumulated in the seam between the rear seats and the trunk. Took a towel to it by partially folding down the seats and no issues since. I would check all the storage compartments in the back as well...Do you have a moonroof? Maybe it's not closed all the way or was left open during a freak downpour? Hi,How did you get water in there? I checked the back compartment and it seems dry.Also, I have no moonroof to forget open during storms. Not that I would, of course -- Lob

[Lobsang Rampa]

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »have you taken a look under the passenger floor mat, to see if there is any moisture?? I know quite a few people site the consate line from the AC being lose or off completely draining into the passenger footwell... Something to check, that seems like a LOT of water... Thanks. One more idea. I'm collecting ideas on what to do. So far:1) Check the seals around the doors and windows (cursory look reveals nothing, I'll check in more detail in a few days)2) Check for water in the rear compartment3) Check for a leaky back window (I did, seems OK).4) Check for AC leaks on the passenger side.5) Replace cabin filter.-- Lob

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by Lobsang Rampa »Yes, the recirc is definitely working and it's set to off (meaning, take air from the outside). Your idea of checking the cabin filter is a good one. Now I have to find out where it is I'll also check the seals. Another idea is to get in the car and ask my wife to hose it for a few minutes, checking for leaks. I want to see if water is coming in through somewhere.-- LobSee this thread on how to get at the cabin filter. You must remove the glove box to get to this door by removing the phillips head screw on the right side of the glove box once you open it. Then pull the arm out of the way. Lastly, wiggle and lift up on the glove box to fully remove it.See this:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=982