Technical Punto MK1 Heat Controls - Windows Fog Up

[derekos82]

Have tried and tried different ways but whatever way I try in this cold weather, my windows fog up while driving. Was quite dangerous last night as lights of oncoming cars hitting my fogged up windows gave me very little vision

basically does anyone know what way to set the heating controls in cold weather to give yourself a bit of heat and keep the windows clear

the only way i found to clear the windows of this "fog" is to set to the coldest setting and blast the windscreen to setting 4 on the dial. this obviously isnt nice for driving as you freeze

 

[Brendan W]

First make sure the air intake selector is working and set on outside air not recirc. Set the fan on full and see if there is a change when you move the selector. Secondly warmed air dries the windscreen faster than cold unless it's saturated with water/coolant.The heater matrix could be leaking - have you got a slow coolant loss. Check for dampness below the heater and coolant smell.Check the drains in the wiper scuttle are free - water lying in there can find it's way into the cabin. Keep the inside of the windscreen clean. Over time a film of grime builds up which causes more condensation than normal , esp if there is a smoker in the car.Finally if there is water leaking in somewhere or wet gear in the car or spare wheel well or blocked drains in the bottom of a door it will cause a lot of condensation.

 

[derekos82]

cheers breandan excellent info will check all

btw I have rapid coolant loss, and my garage did a check for me (free of charge, so pinch of salt perhaps) and said there is no obvious signs of leakage

 

[Brendan W]

Put the heater matrix on the top of the list. There should be a smell unless you have been topping up with water and diluted the coolant away - common state of affairs. Feel around the carpet under there.

 

[derekos82]

yeah there was a burny type smell last night as i was driving, didnt last too long but there is defo a smell

 

[s and b]

i was going to suggest you check your heater matrix as these mk1 puntos all seem to succumb to leakage eventually but it seems you have realised this
can you go to a scrappies and have a mess with a car in there to see if you can remove the matrix to replace it without taking the dash out
ive cut bulkheads open before now on cars to save a days labour

 

[derekos82]

total novice here mate, need to read up what a heater matrix is, most of brendans email is way over my head, so need to read up

appreciate advice though, keep it coming

 

[puntosales]

heater matrix is a little radiator found under the centre of the dash ....

when you turn the heater control from cold to warm ... a FLAP turns the fan controlled air through the matrix ( mini radiator ) which after running five minutes has warm water in it and the air passes through and comes out warm .... thus warm air ..


the lads are saying that yours is leaking ... which puts a foggy mist in the car and makes windows worst ..... but this matrix is by passed when on cold ... the flaps send air different way ...

its made worst that anti freeze is in the water which is very slimmy .... and will not dry with warm air ...... foggy misty windows

these are a pig to change ... most of the dash has to be removed on the mark 1

go to the car spares shop and buy a water hole fixer called

K- seal ................... by kalimex £10.00

this mixes with anti freeze and well will fix your leak if its on the matrix .... and the hole is not to big ...................

then the matrix can stay and new one not needed .... and is a permanent fix ....

and you will have certificate for fixing punto mk1 matrixs .......

good luck matey

 

[puntosales]

i have cut bulk heads to ... saves 8 hours work and then tac and sikoflex the flap cut

if the matrix is not fixed with K seal

 

[derekos82]

cheers

do i need to drain the radiator or anything with this stuff?

 

[derekos82]

i have cut bulk heads to ... saves 8 hours work and then tac and sikoflex the flap cut

if the matrix is not fixed with K seal

might as well be speaking japanese, i dont have a clue what that sentence means lol

cheers though

 

[derekos82]

heater matrix is a little radiator found under the centre of the dash ....

when you turn the heater control from cold to warm ... a FLAP turns the fan controlled air through the matrix ( mini radiator ) which after running five minutes has warm water in it and the air passes through and comes out warm .... thus warm air ..


the lads are saying that yours is leaking ... which puts a foggy mist in the car and makes windows worst ..... but this matrix is by passed when on cold ... the flaps send air different way ...

its made worst that anti freeze is in the water which is very slimmy .... and will not dry with warm air ...... foggy misty windows

these are a pig to change ... most of the dash has to be removed on the mark 1

go to the car spares shop and buy a water hole fixer called

K- seal ................... by kalimex £10.00

this mixes with anti freeze and well will fix your leak if its on the matrix .... and the hole is not to big ...................

then the matrix can stay and new one not needed .... and is a permanent fix ....

and you will have certificate for fixing punto mk1 matrixs .......

good luck matey

do i just bang this stuff in as is? do i need the coolant level to dramatically drop? mix with coolant already in there? the description on ebay says mix with 1/2 litres of water before adding, and then some threads say that people just bung it in there. whats best?

cheers

 

[s and b]

im not a believer in magic potions but would suggest you get the engine warm radiator top off then slowly poor it in neat so the water pump will circulate it
once all added or whatever amount it recommends replace the radiator cap and take for an immediate drive so the potion can get to the hole {s}

 

[derekos82]

yeah i know what you mean, the car is old, this is what happens
but nothing to lose really £8 on ebay, worth a shot

I'll pop it in so where I normally put coolant and do maybe 30miles or so, as I read some radleak stuff before and it recommends you do 30miles

cheers

i'll report back on findings as it will be pretty obvious given this cold weather as I will want my heating on, was so dodge this morning again not being able to see cyclists!!

 

[fingers99]

I have no faith in magic potions either.

A damp car will tend to mist up windows, so you might also check for any subtle water leaks. My P100 has a hole in the roof(!) where some chump malfitted a radio antenna and it steams up like buggery.

It's on a long list................

 

[derekos82]

already sealed that, same deal with the antenna

mechanic had a look last week and said there is no obvious leaks
so maybe the magic potion might work

 

[DaveMcT]

Try Barrs leaks or Radweld (£5 a bottle) but not the large £15 bottles that are supposed to fix head gaskets - that stuff can clog the engine solid.

 

[derekos82]

i've ordered the k-seal

any experience with that WhiteSei? or thoughts on adding it, gonna do what previous poster said, add while engine is on and then take for a drive

any more advice?

 

[derekos82]

well no more problems, added the K seal but I think it was this little fella which was effective in reducing my problem

http://www.diy.com/nav/build/motori...mpid=4&tmad=c&ecamp=cse_go?CAWELAID=809736622