windows fogging at idle in rain - with A/C ON

[AtlantaDan]

Just as the title states - when sitting at a light with the A/C on, windows up, and its raining, the windows will fog up like mad. Even hitting the defroster doesn't work as well as one would think. Once I get moving, they clear out - but it still pisses me off, and it is dangerous at night.

Anyone have the same issue?

[HoneyBadger]

Originally Posted by AtlantaDan

Just as the title states - when sitting at a light with the A/C on, windows up, and its raining, the windows will fog up like mad. Even hitting the defroster doesn't work as well as one would think. Once I get moving, they clear out - but it still pisses me off, and it is dangerous at night.

Anyone have the same issue?

When was the last time you cleaned the inside of your windows? Dust tends to hold a lot of moisture creating the fog build up quicker than with clean windows.

[silenthill]

I'm convinced it's something to do with the automatic climate control. My car does this from time to time, too. The a/c is shutting off for some reason. There's a thread on here about humid air bursts from the a/c...it's the same problem.

[AtlantaDan]

Originally Posted by HoneyBadger

When was the last time you cleaned the inside of your windows? Dust tends to hold a lot of moisture creating the fog build up quicker than with clean windows.

Um, while I appreciate your taking the time to reply....

Originally Posted by silenthill

I'm convinced it's something to do with the automatic climate control. My car does this from time to time, too. The a/c is shutting off for some reason. There's a thread on here about humid air bursts from the a/c...it's the same problem.

Yeah, I searched a bit before I posted here and noticed the 'humid smell' questions too. I also suspect it has something to do with emissions. It would make some oddball 'greenwash' sense to have the compressor kick-off at idle to conserve fuel, but at the expense of safety? It's pretty stupid if you ask me....

[1slofofo]

Try using only the defroster, defroster won't clear as fast when the a/c was just going.

[thejordan]

it's probably switching from vent to recirculation, when you turn on the defrost, a/c kicks on and may kick on the recirc. i think vent is what you want.

[BetaDnB]

I have the same problem and have all along.

Originally Posted by adamdv5

Try using only the defroster, defroster won't clear as fast when the a/c was just going.

Actually that's not true. A/C blows dry air to help remove humidity. Most vehicles now actually route the defrost air through the air conditioner and that's not even new.

[silenthill]

Originally Posted by BetaDnB

I have the same problem and have all along.



Actually that's not true. A/C blows dry air to help remove humidity. Most vehicles now actually route the defrost air through the air conditioner and that's not even new.

Oh, there goes my auto climate control theory!

I complained once to my dealer, and of course, "could not duplicate" was the response. It seems like, on my car, this occurs when the car isn't under much load--i.e. idling at a traffic light or I've had the a/c cut off while cruising at 65. Have you noticed any patterns?

[c5karl]

Make sure you have the recirc button turned off. In any car, this can cause fogged windows when the weather is damp.

From the owner's manual:

Note: Prolonged use of recirculated air may cause windows to fog up.

...

Note: To reduce humidity build-up inside your vehicle, do not drive with ... recirculated air always switched on.

[IngotFoFo]

I have issues with my drivers window fogging up way to easily, and staying fogged up.
Usually it happens when it is rainy out but thats not the only time.
I never use recirculated air, and it usually happens when the defrosters are on. I usually have to open the window which only slightly helps and makes me cold in the process. Sometimes turning off the defrosters helps, sometimes it doesnt.
Ive never seen a vehicle fog up like this one.