Defrost/Defog getting dangerous

[Rea604]

92 RS -
So I don't know if this is common in most mx-3's due to the design and shape of the car, or if my defroster just sucks... There is not one day where if itès cold outside, I don't have to wipe both my windows and my windsheild repeatedly as I drive with a cloth... I drive by and see other mx-3's fogged up too, but I can't continue to be wiping down my car every 3 minutes, I simply cannot see and it affects my driving! So I'm just wondering if this is a common problem for most of you, and if theres anything I can do about it

[PilotSmack89]

Used to have the same problem, but I did a couple of quick things that help.

1: Put a piece of cardboard between the bumper and the radiator. Car heats up faster (about 50% faster), as long as its less than 5C out, she's fine, normal temps.

2: Put some WD40 on a rag, wiped the inside of the front windshield. Disperses the water on the front windshield, so water vapour wont stick to it. I usually have to give it a quick wipe once a week, but i havent had any fogging problems ever since. Not too much, just a light shot of WD on the rag.

Hope this helps!

[Rea604]

THANK YOU!

[PilotSmack89]

No worries Rea!

[Milli]

I had this problem too. Before you go crazy with all the cardboard n wd 40 try this I guarantee it will work. Along with your defroster and heat turn the ac condensor on (push the ac button). This will dry up the air inside your car. Then hit the button with the car and the arrow that points straight to the back. If you have the condensor on and that "car arrow" button your windshiel will clear up quick.

[PilotSmack89]

Got no AC. Gotta fix the problem old school haha

[Rea604]

haha yea im definetly not lucky enough to have ac

[Savin]

What has worked for me in my mx was to just crack open the window and blast the heat on defrost.

[Mooneggs]

What has worked for me in my mx was to just crack open the window and blast the heat on defrost.

x2... this has worked for me and I have no AC as well

[Ryan]

To actually fix the problem, you could be having a few issues.

1 - The intake for the cabin air is beneath the wiper cowl. If snow is packed over there, sometimes chunks and flurries fall into the intake, hit the heater core, turn to vapor, and then promptly fog the windsheild.

2- If the heater core itself has a small leak, it will make vapour and fog the windsheild. Does it smell like coolant in your car?

[Rea604]

it doesn't snow here
and no it doesnt smell like coolant at all.. hmmmmm?

[fowljesse]

I fixed the problem in my car by putting a small bowl of dessicant (Damp-Rid brand) in my car. It sucks the moisture out of the air, so it can't condense on your windshield. I live in the land of moisture.

[BlackMazdaMx-3]

I have the same issue i find switching it from recerc to outside air halps quite a bit.

[Ryan]

I live in the land of cold! Here's a list of crap to try

#1 Blast it. full fan straight onto the windsheild works best and quickest. If the car is warm, it works best.
#2 Crack a window for a while
#3 be sure your heater core isn't leaking
#4 clean off your wiper cowl, and keep it that way. (snow)
#5 definitely have it on fresh air.
#6 A/C dries out the air. A/C and heat together (although counter-intuitive) works quite well.
#7 Let the entire car defrost by parking it and letting it run for 20 minutes with the fan on full, A/C, and heat w/ rear defog.

They key is air movement. Better yet if its dry or hot air.

[Dark_Rider2k3]

I too have had tons of success with the A/C on. Unfortunately mine does not currently work (need a new compressor + R134a swap), but that what i used for success.

Another good way of doing it was to crack the window as said before.. but recently no issues.. the air seems dry which is good