VW Sharan 1.9TDI (1999) - Serious Roof Condensation Problem

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Sun 5 Dec 2010 18:43
VW Sharan 1.9TDI (1999) - Serious Roof Condensation Problem - vwsharan123

Hi guys,

I have got a very big problem with my vw sharan 1.9 tdi 1999 (same as a seat alhambhra?). About 6-8 weeks ago, we got a heavy downpour and when i set off in the mpv and moved off, a small amount of water (no more than a handful), dropping from the clock side.

I thought it was a sunroof seal leak, but since it was very minor, i left it. But the problem began to get worse, albeit only slightly. I decided to take off all the internal roof lining about 2 weeks ago and found lots of condensation formed at the top of the whole roof (front to back). I decided to dry it off, leave it and keep an eye on it. As you guys will be aware, we got severe winter in uk and the snow/ice have made the condensation problem even worse! The windows/windscreen are totally covered in moisture and i really don't know what to do or what it could be. I took it to a local garage and the guys seemed lost as to what the cause could be and charged me for nothing. I don't have enough income to take it to a specialist and i'm hoping that if someone on here can give me an idea/advice, then at least i can go to a better garage with some knowledge, otherwise they might rip me off.

Please could someone help me!

Thank You


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Sun 5 Dec 2010 20:06
VW Sharan 1.9TDI (1999) - Serious Roof Condensation Problem - Railroad.

Well the first place I'd look is the sunroof drains which are prone to becoming blocked. The sunroof seal is not designed to be 100% water tight, and it would be very difficult for it to be so. Underneath the glass roof is a channel, and in each of the four corners is a drain tube which is routed down the pillar to the sill. Make sure that these tubes are perfectly clear and that water can drain away adequately.....

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Sun 5 Dec 2010 20:59
VW Sharan 1.9TDI (1999) - Serious Roof Condensation Problem - fredthefifth

Blocked scuttle drain is another cause too. Look under the front carpets - are they wet. Also pipe to the rear washer jet can come apart at the join resulting in water leakage. Plenty of advice at fordgalaxy.org too. You will need to register.

FTF

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Sun 5 Dec 2010 22:42
VW Sharan 1.9TDI (1999) - Serious Roof Condensation Problem - Big John

Had a similar problem with my Skoda Superb with a faulty servo motor on the climate control causing it to be on permanent recirculation (no fresh air). Could also be a blocked pollen filter(also no fresh air).

Edited by Big John on 05/12/2010 at 22:44

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Mon 10 Jan 2011 11:15
VW Sharan 1.9TDI (1999) - Serious Roof Condensation Problem - vwsharan123

Well thanks very much to everyone for helping me. I very much appreciate it. After the advice, I checked the drains, made sure all pipes were tightly fitted on etc, but had no luck. After john's advice, I realised that since I bought the car (back in aug 2010!) I've had the recirculation air button on. I switched it off and left it for a couple of days. Guess what? This seems to have been the problem and so far, I've had no more water on the windscreen or any of the windows.

My only issue is that I put the roof lining back on before I knew this and the water that was on the roof is still there. I don't wanna take the whole thing off, so whats the quickest way of drying all that water?

Also I don't know much what this switch does or how it affects the water inside, all i know is that if you switch it on, it recirculates the air...can someone pls explain as to how this could have been the issue?

Once again many thanks!

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Tue 11 Jan 2011 21:36
VW Sharan 1.9TDI (1999) - Serious Roof Condensation Problem - Big John

I'm glad you've found the main problem, to help get rid of the rest of the moisture try using a small fan heater (carefully positioned!) in the car for a while. When the recirculation button is pressed or your pollen filter becomes blocked you effectively stop any fresh air entering the car thus stopping old stale/moist air leaving the car!. Any moisture in the car (after being parked overnight etc..) or any water vapour you breathe out will condense on any cold surface (glass, metal.....) thus causing the symptoms you described. Why does the button exist? It's useful to use for a while when following a badly polluting vehicle. It is also helps cool your car quicker when using air con on a very hot day, if you use recirculation you keep chilling previously chilled air rather than warm fresh air.

Edited by Big John on 11/01/2011 at 21:44

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