Car Steams Up Unexpectedly

[slick16482]

I have a 2005 boxster 2.7. It runs fine and does not overheat. THe problem started a few weeks ago. The car suddenly steamed up the glass. It could not be cleared by the blowers. There was a strong smell of steam in the car. THe engine was running fine. The only thing I noticed was the fan was not running when I got out of the car. I read about defective water resevoir caps so I bought a new one but nothing changed.

I do not have any leaks and cleaned the drain bungs in the front but the steam seems to come from the rear as the rear windscreen goes first.

Please help??

[logray]

Is it a ton of steam or just a little? Does it smell or taste sweet? That could be a sign it is anti freeze and there is a leak in the engine bay or heater core that needs to be repaired quickly (very harmful to your health to keep driving it).

If it's not anti freeze and not exceesive, I've had the same issue in my carrera. Not excessive steam, but certainly enough moisture in the air to seriously fog up the glass. If there is no smell and it is just water vapour, then perhaps trying turning on your air conditioning to dry out the air, even if used with your heater.

[wvicary]

Be sure the front cowl drains are clear and the cabin filter is in good condition.

[slick16482]

Thanks for the replys.

I have cleared the drains in the front bulkhead area. The smell is just like an overboiled kettle and the air feels damp. No sweet smell. Im not loosing fluid but I think it may be the water expamsion takn leaking when the pressure builds up.

Any ideas how to replace? Im fairly handy with a toolkit!

[logray]

Here's a DIY:

http://pedrosgarage.com/Site_3/Replace_Coolant_Reservoir.html

You should have the system pressure tested though, it's cheap and easy and will confirm whether or not you need to replace the tank.

[wvicary]

Thanks for the replys.

I have cleared the drains in the front bulkhead area. The smell is just like an overboiled kettle and the air feels damp. No sweet smell. Im not loosing fluid but I think it may be the water expamsion takn leaking when the pressure builds up.

Any ideas how to replace? Im fairly handy with a toolkit!

If it's the tank then it will smell it and you will have coolant loss. You have cleared the front cowl drain but have you cleared the climate control air box drain?

[slick16482]

Hi. I don't know about the climate control box. Where is it located? Thanks

[logray]

I think he means the cabin filter?

[slick16482]

I have already changed the pollen filter in the bulkhead. One thing I have noticed is the fan behind the vent by the drivers door does not seem to be coming on. Could this cause the problem with misting?

[wvicary]

Of course the windows will mist if the climate control fan isn't functioning. There is also a drain for climate control box- it's the box that holds all the blend doors/heater core/evaporator core - so make sure the drain is clear and hasn't come adrift allowing water to drain into the passenger compartment area.