Hello,
I've been having the following problem for quite a while now, and would appreciate any help.
When I have the A/C on in the car, it works well and blows nice and cold. But when I turn it off all the windows in the car steam up. The non A/C air also smells a bit damp / musty.
I have recently bought a A/C 'cleaner' which is supposed to kill bacteria in the system, but I am reluctant to use it before sorting out the condensation problem.
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Do you mean literally when you turn it off or when you do not use it?
If the former, probably blocked drain from evaporator or bulkhead drains choked with leaves.
If the latter maybe you have a water leak causing wet carpets.
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I wasna fu but just had plenty.
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It only happens if I've just used it and turned it off.
I am not too sure how AC works, but from what you have written I assume it produces water which is normally drained from somewhere?
Does anyone know where it drains from on a Mk3 Golf?
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There should be a drain outlet on the firewall.
I have noticed that most VAG cars seem prone to misting when the A/C is turned off - I suspect it must be the evap design that is prone to holding water or the drainage is not that well designed.
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Most (all?) cars do this to some extent, depending on various factors, including the weather. Perhaps the Golf is particularly prone to it, but I notice the OP says the a/c blows 'nice and cold' - if the a/c is turned off, after a period of blowing cold, then the likelyhood is that the windows will mist up.
Our Jazz is pretty bad in this respect, and my C Class does it too. In the Merc, the interior smells like a sauna for a few mins after the a/c is turned off.
I try to remember to turn the a/c off a couple of miles from home (to dry it out) but I don't always remember and then the a/c has to be used to clear the car the next morning.
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Yup its commented in several VW fora (UK and Germany) that most recent VW aircons seem to hold some water. Turn off the aircon and it blows damp for 20 seconds or so. Very common on cars based on the latest golf platform (touran, golf, jetta etc)
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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The three fords and one vw that i have owned in the last eight years have all suffered from condensation when aircon is installed.My brothers civic and sisters pug also condensate quickly if the fan is left off or the windows are not opened slightly so your not alone.Seems to be the norm.The aircon cleaner is not that expensive so if i were you i would just give it a spray,it can only help?
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Aircon dries out the air and it also cools the windows. When you turn it off warm moisture in the air condenses on the cold windows.
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Another thing i get condensation in my focus estate fairly rapidly no matter if my aircon has been on or off.Doesnt bother me though i just open the window a couple on inches.
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Many vehicles-with or without air-con suffer from condensation if only used for short drives.
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Thanks for the replies. I had a look for the drain in the bulkhead, but couldn't find anything. I'll get it checked and cleaned at my next service which is due.
One final point. My air con treatment is made by a company called Forte. It has no instructions on how to use it - anyone else used this product?
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Cant help you with the stuff you have but i use einszett Klima-Cleaner.
It costs about eight pound and you just stick the supplied pipe on the nozzle stick it through your air vent and press away.
Does that sound like the sought of stuff you have?
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It is an aerosol. But there is no tube. I've googled it and it looks like you turn your A/C on and put it on recirculate, shut windows, press the aerosol which will not shut off until its empty. You put it in the fron t footwell and wait outside until its done. Sounds very easy!
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A clogged pollen filter tends to increase condensation, best to change it every 20K or so, when was it last changed. The aerosols won't cure the condensation they'll just make it smell better.
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As an update.
I changed the pollen filter - it was very very dirty. In and around the filter were lots of leaves and very wet mud. About 4 hand fulls worth. Leaves and muck had blocked the drainage hole behind the bulk head. I am guessing this is what was causing the smell and some of the condensation.
I used the A/C treatment after cleaning all the muck out, and I am pleased to report that the damp smell has all but gone and the condensation is a lot less now.
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