How to keep windshield from fogging up at night?

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 12:30 pm

I have a big problem after dark with the inside of my windshield fogging up. I have to keep the defroster on at all times when driving at night...it will literally fog up within about 10 seconds of turning it off.Anybody have any ideas?

Hot Vibe · Post by **Hot Vibe** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 8:13 pm

Do you have any heating or cooling issues with the car?I am not saying that this is the problem but you could have a coolant leak. I need to ask the obvious questions too. Try these tips. No saying your dumb but it may help. Clean the inside and outside of the windsheild. Since you live in Tennessee what is the humidity there? Are you using the air conditioning? If the air is on and is blowing on the windshield it will fog up very quickly. The last thing I would say is that you have a coolant leak. It would have a very sweet smell to it. It sounds as if you have the air blowing on the windshield and when night falls the sun is not keeping the windshield warm and the cold air becomes even colder to the windshield and condensation builds up. Like windows on a house.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 9:21 pm

I cleaned and that made it worse because now it fogs up along the streaks that are invisible during the day.The humidity can be pretty high or pretty low, it varies.The A/C is NOT on when it fogs up...it even fogs up when I have the windows cracked and the sunroof open.I noticed my A/C wasn't cold when I first got it, but since I started only using it on the "internal recycle" setting, it's a lot cooler. The A/C in my mom's Blazer is TOO cold, so I rather like mine, but that may be the problem. I haven't really noticed a sweet smell, but that's not to say there's not one...

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 10:03 pm

Do you use Armor All on the dash?

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 10:58 pm

Does ArmorAl have something to do with it? I use the wipes on the dash and my windshield fogs up. Of course I've always used ArmorALL on my dash on past cars and not had a problem.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 11:01 pm

You can get a film on the glass from the chemical off gassing, and that might increase window fogging. Smoking in the car will do the same thingI need to run the defroster, especially in the morning when the glass is cold and the humidity is way up. Use outside air (not recirc) and turn the temp up from fully cold some.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 11:14 pm

quote:Does ArmorAl have something to do with it? I use the wipes on the dash and my windshield fogs up.Yes, it can do this. I know when I first use Armor All on the dash (I use the wipes too) my windshield fogs up (actually gets a flim on it) for a few days.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 11:32 pm

That's a good thing to know. Thanks.(You'd think that an engineer could have correlated the two together, but hey, I'm electrical, not chemical )

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 12:28 am

And in case anyone was wondering (as I'm sure you all were waiting for this) there actually have been some prior discussions of Vibe window fogging problems in at least these three threads:Windshield Fogging more than other cars: Yes or No easily fogging up?Windshield Fogging & Frosting on the INSIDE ! Anyone else have this problem?Some have reported that fogging is increased when in "recirculate" mode.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 12:43 am

I've had this problem since I had the car. The first time I ever used Armor All, or anything on the dash for that matter, was 3 weeks ago.The thing with mine is, it seems to be worsened by NOT using the A/C. It's really strange. When I'm not using the A/C, I have recirc OFF.And I don't smoke in the car either. I don't smoke at all. Anywhere.Does anyone have any recommendations what I could do to get any potential Armor All residue OFF, since that seems to have made it a bit worse? Just water maybe?

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 1:18 am

quote:I have a big problem after dark with the inside of my windshield fogging up. I have to keep the defroster on at all times when driving at night...it will literally fog up within about 10 seconds of turning it off.Anybody have any ideas?don't breathe in the car

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 1:36 am

Yeah, well. That's not really an option. LOL

Hot Vibe · Post by **Hot Vibe** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 1:55 am

Get some glass cleaner and take off the excess of the armour all. What most people forget that once you put armour all on you are supposed to wipe the excess off when it dries. A different company used to make a clear version of vinyl/plastic/rubber protecter. I am not sure if they sell it anymore. When it was out I bought the whole store out after it helped me win a trophy at the car show. I still have about 4 bottles left. I even have a chemical for plastic bumpers like the two tone Vibes. Sorry to say I do not know what it is. It was a gift. It is clear and about the cosistancy of liquid soap. It goes on with a toothbrush and your two tone would shine like the dashboard, Lip gloss for cars I call it. I will check into the fogging and get back to you.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 2:13 am

I wasn't aware I was supposed to wipe off the excess. I suppose that's why it looked uneven at first and then it just sort of evaporated over the course of a week and now it looks great. Thanks for telling me that.

Hot Vibe · Post by **Hot Vibe** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 3:36 am

I looked for upcoming bulletins and warranty issues and I could not find anything. We even have a Labor code called CONDENSATION AIR DUCT. I pulled data back to the very first one built. No one has taken their Vibe in for that issue yet. It must be something but what?Too bad you do not live closer. I would look at it for you. Maybe even do a cardboard test. Tape carboard over the ducts and see which one is getting wet or the incorrect temperature is coming out. A dry hand does the job as well but the HVAC system works harder when you are driving. Get a friend to see if there is condensation coming out of the ducts by the windsheild. You could even take it to a car wash to increse the moisture and test the HVAC system while in their. That would easily show almost visibly if the HVAC system is not working properly. The AC/Condenser/Compressor takes moisture out of the air coming into the cabin. Maybe it is not working properly. I can list 10 more things but we can start with this.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 3:39 am

Alright...I am confused now. LOL So I need to turn the car on and hold my hand up at the air ducts between the dash and the windshield and see if moisture is coming out?

Hot Vibe · Post by **Hot Vibe** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 3:42 am

Get a friend to do it while you drive. The system works better/harder while at speed. IT may be a little or alot. If it is a little then the hand will become moist. If it is alot then putting a tissue in the duct will collect enough moisture like a runny nose. I am not sure of how bad your car fogs up. Just doing some diagnostics over forum. Both of us and help from others will make it right.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 3:44 am

Oh, I just thought of something...this might be connected to this...When I have the defroster on, VERY cold air blows out of the A/C vents in the dash. Like colder than the A/C. Might that signal a problem with the system?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 3:47 am

My advice would be to make sure the windshield is clean (windex, whatever) and use the defroster on a warm setting, recirc off. Warm up the windshield and you won't get condensation/fogging. Maybe it's not well publicized, but the AC compresor runs when you are in defrost mode. Supposed to reduce moisture content in the air, but can chill your windshield increasing fogging problems if set too cold.Lots of folks have had fogging issues, certainly hope we don't all have heating system leaks or failures.

Hot Vibe · Post by **Hot Vibe** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 3:49 am

Yes that is correct. On very hot days here I run the AC through the defrost ducts. It is nice to cool off the air around your head. Then cool air slowly flows down to the feet. The wife likes to leave it on that setting while driving it late in the day. I get in sometimes at night and it instantly fogs up. I let all of the windows down and turn the heat on slightly. It goes away then I can roll the windows up and turn the air back on hitting my legs and floor. This is what I first thought that you were doing.(AC on defrost).

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 3:50 am

Actually with it on cold and the vent on, I get warm air...it doens't matter if I use the vent or have the windows open, the windshield fogs up. Doesn't matter if it's hot outside or cool, either.The defroster, if on completely cold, will actually cause it to fog up worse. I have learned to turn it up a bit so it won't do that.Here is what happens...there is a fog over the windshield, and it looks nice and swirly now since I cleaned the windows. So I turn the def on. Five min later I have an even HEAVIER fog across the bottom from the defroster. I've fixed this by turning the defroster to about 1/4 of the way around the circle.But. This thing sucks gas on defrost. I'd really like to NOT have to ride with defrost on.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 3:53 am

Nope. There is not an ice rink within 5 hours of here.

ShotInTheDark · Post by **ShotInTheDark** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 4:39 am

rain x makes an anti fog product. Also scuba shops carry something for dive masks that works as well. The Rain-X brand is called appropriately Fox-X.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 5:59 am

Hockey isn't real big around these parts...heh. I'm originally from Ohio though, and I've been ice skating before.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 6:14 am

rainX makes a product called fogX, maybe that would work

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 6:51 am

Hmm...I'll go look for FogX at AutoZone here shortly. Thanks.

ShotInTheDark · Post by **ShotInTheDark** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 6:54 am

I'm almost positive they carry it. if not try advance auto or pep boys.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 6:57 am

I haven't found the Advance here, yet. LOL I know where it is at home...I found the Auto Zone though.

ShotInTheDark · Post by **ShotInTheDark** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 7:56 am

any luck at autozone?

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 8:26 am

Yep I got some and applied it, along with my re-Armor Alling of the rear doors (the right way this time!) and my weekly once-over with the car wash wipes. I'm going to test it out tonight...so we'll see how it does!

msmyer · Post by **msmyer** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 9:18 am

Well, if that doesn't work.....I had the SAME problem! I used windex with vinegar. http://www.windexglasscleaner.com/windex_vinegar.asp This WILL work! My buddy's new neon had the same problem and I told him to use is and it worked for him too! *faint voice* Buy it a Kroger! http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5848&page=3

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 10:08 am

Wowwwwww...RainX Anti-Fog is GOD. Thanks to all who suggested it. I am THOROUGHLY impressed.

ShotInTheDark · Post by **ShotInTheDark** » Sat Sep 27, 2003 9:23 am

bout time I had a welcome thought Hooray me!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sat Sep 27, 2003 9:26 am

Yes, hooray you...that stuff is awesome. Thanks I could see the places I missed around the edges, they fogged up within seconds of me turning the car on, as usual...but the rest of it was totally moistureless, even with street lights shining on it. Couldn't be happier.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 5:37 am

ah the drunken master has steered you into the right direction.now, if you can just catch a fly w/chopsticks...

msmyer · Post by **msmyer** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 7:23 am

quote:now, if you can just catch a fly w/chopsticks...Here practice ..... http://www.wickedintellect.com/flash/games/fly.swf

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Tue Sep 30, 2003 2:44 am

quote:Maybe it's not well publicized, but the AC compresor runs when you are in defrost mode. Supposed to reduce moisture content in the air, but can chill your windshield increasing fogging problems if set too cold.I was going to mention this. Ford does the same thing with their cars, as I discovered with my Mustang. The A/C compressor automatically turns on when you switch the dial to defrost. The compressor draws moisture out of the air inside the car so they rig it up so that it kicks on when in defrost mode. Unfortunately, what they don't tell you is that you also have to turn on the recirculate feature for this to work properly. If recirculate is not turned on, then outside air is constantly drawn in, along with more humidity and the system is not effective. It is also very important that the inside of the window be clean. Moisture needs dirt particles in order to form. If the window is clean, less moisture will develop there. If you are seeing streaks on the window as it fogs up after you cleaned it with window cleaner, it is not actually clean. You usually have to clean the windows twice to really clean them, first with the window cleaner and paper towel, then wipe with a dry section of the paper towel. Now this may sound strange, but it really works very well. I know this came up in the forums before (thanks to NovaResource) but use a sheet of crumpled up newspaper instead of cloths or paper towels to clean the windows with and they will turn out cleaner and streak much less. Good luck!

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Tue Sep 30, 2003 3:41 am

quote:Unfortunately, what they don't tell you is that you also have to turn on the recirculate feature for this to work properly. If recirculate is not turned on, then outside air is constantly drawn in, along with more humidity and the system is not effective.Actually, that is incorrect. Just the opposite. You should NOT use the recirc when the defrost is on. Read the owners manual (page 3-4 in the 2003 manual; 3-20 and 3-21 in the 2004 manual). This is why the Vibe has a special cable that shuts OFF the recirc when the selector is moved into the defrost mode.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Tue Sep 30, 2003 3:50 am

Hmm... well that's completely counterintuitive. How would it ever work if you keep drawing in humid air? The air in the cabin would never lose its' humidity. Strange....

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Tue Sep 30, 2003 3:55 am

The reason is on wet days or very cold days, your body heat and breath makes the interior air more humid than the outside air. Next rainy day, get in your Vibe alone and notice how the windows close to use fog up more quickly than the windows farther away from you.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Tue Sep 30, 2003 4:14 am

Yes, I'm aware of this and have experienced this before, but I am still not understanding how the compressor/condenser unit can function to dry out the air inside the car if it is drawing in more humidity from outside. In order to function as the manual states, you would have to assume that the outside air is less humid than the inside air (which will occur on low-humidity days). Human respiration will produce humidity that will fog the windows, I understand, but generally, (at least in the majority of my fog related problems) the fog is caused by the humidity in the atmosphere that day, not primarily from me. I have even had moisture condense on the outside of the windshield which I have to use my wipers to remove. So anyway, how does drawing in more moisture into an already humid environment dry up the air? That just doesn't make sense.I don't get it. Maybe I'm just "in a fog" on this one.