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Steam from defrost vents?

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Old 03-23-2011, 11:42 PM
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Default Steam from defrost vents?

I'm stumped. I've been having an issue fighting condensation on the inside of my windshield lately, and I thought maybe it had something to do with my weather seals, though I wasn't sure, as all attempts to defrost never worked. I was driving the other day, when what I thought was smoke coming from my side vents caught my eye. Upon further inspection, it appears to be steam, as condensation is building up and forming water droplets along the defrost vents on the dash by the doors (those that defrost the driver's/passenger's windows). This makes sense as to why my windshield looks like the inside of a greenhouse, unfortunately.

I've recently replaced my water pump, thermostat, radiator, valve cover gasket, and a few rubber grommets on the top of the valve cover just a few weeks ago. Doesn't surprise me though, that once you fix one thing, something else rears it's ugly head. Any insight you guys might have as far as a starting point for finding a remedy would be a great help. Thanks.
Old 03-23-2011, 11:57 PM
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sounds like your heater core is going, and your getting coolant into your cabin.
Old 03-24-2011, 12:01 AM
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You're probably right. I haven't serviced it yet, lol.
Old 03-24-2011, 01:30 AM
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Do you smell antifreeze? If not I would check for a leaking windshield. I just had mine replaced and it wasn't sealed on the edges causing a condensation problem.
Old 03-24-2011, 05:37 AM
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Look for coolant on the passenger side floor. It sounds to me like the heater core is shot.
Old 03-24-2011, 07:54 PM
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Unfortunately, I do smell coolant coming from the vents. This sucks, as the heater core's buried isn't it? How difficult to change is it? I was quoted $1100 from a dealership, and that's crazy!

I found these instructions. Just wondering if that's all there is to it?

http://www.ehow.com/how_5332477_remo...ater-core.html

Thanks everyone.

Last edited by Red Sled 01; 03-24-2011 at 08:14 PM.
Old 02-11-2013, 08:26 PM
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Default Steam from Defrost Vents

Originally Posted by Red Sled 01
Doesn't surprise me though, that once you fix one thing, something else rears it's ugly head. Any insight you guys might have as far as a starting point for finding a remedy would be a great help. Thanks.
I Totally agree!

I'm going on the second bout with mine (Second year in a row). Just replace the Radiator and thermostat (Due to an "Overheating" problem and what happens... Steam coming from the vents!
That is why I nicknamed mine "The Mystery Machine"!
Because, you never know what's going to pop up next!

Old 02-11-2013, 08:30 PM
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good job bumping up a two year old thread

Last edited by x91evo; 02-11-2013 at 11:13 PM.
Old 02-11-2013, 08:53 PM
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Haha, yes this one's been buried for a while. In case it matters, it was my heater core. My father-in-law said upon completing the repair, "I NEVER want to help you do that ever again." Lol...
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