Fog / Mist / stuff on inside windshield
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
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From: Chicago (Palos Park)
2023 CLA 250, 2021 GLC43, 2003 CLK320
Fog / Mist / stuff on inside windshield
Hi guys, I think I read something a while ago on this issue but can't find anything with search.
I have this strange problem on my 03 where with time the windshield accumulates some stuff on the inside. It looks like there is some fog or grease covering the whole inside of the windshield and independent of temperature / climate control settings. Once it shows up, the only way to get it off is to use a rag and some force to wipe it off. As it is a bit greasy consistency it take some effort to clean off. Its very visible when driving in the direction of the sun and drives me nuts
I drive east in the AM and west in the PM.
I think it might be related to the AC mold issue and I do have the crappy smell when I turn on the AC. Any input would be greatly appreciated and help to keep my sanity or at least slow down the descent in to madness
I have this strange problem on my 03 where with time the windshield accumulates some stuff on the inside. It looks like there is some fog or grease covering the whole inside of the windshield and independent of temperature / climate control settings. Once it shows up, the only way to get it off is to use a rag and some force to wipe it off. As it is a bit greasy consistency it take some effort to clean off. Its very visible when driving in the direction of the sun and drives me nuts
I drive east in the AM and west in the PM.I think it might be related to the AC mold issue and I do have the crappy smell when I turn on the AC. Any input would be greatly appreciated and help to keep my sanity or at least slow down the descent in to madness
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 8
From: Chicago (Palos Park)
2023 CLA 250, 2021 GLC43, 2003 CLK320
So far I have two possible explanations:
The vinyl used on vehicle dashboards contain plasticizers. UV and heat radiation will also cause the plasticizers to dry out, resulting in a chemical film that when combined with road oils, dirt and grease introduced via by the vehicles a/c system results in a stubborn haze or fog that forms a cohesive bond with the interior glass surfaces.
OR
Anti-freeze from a leaking heater core
The ethylene glycol in anti-freeze is a desiccant, so when it gets muggy out (such as when it's raining), it likes to soak up the vapor--hence the fog.
Both are very bad for your health. I don't have any anti-freeze smell in the car but it could be a small leak. I did have the radiator/trans issue and the radiator was replaced 12 months ago but I think I had the same fog issue before that.
The vinyl used on vehicle dashboards contain plasticizers. UV and heat radiation will also cause the plasticizers to dry out, resulting in a chemical film that when combined with road oils, dirt and grease introduced via by the vehicles a/c system results in a stubborn haze or fog that forms a cohesive bond with the interior glass surfaces.
OR
Anti-freeze from a leaking heater core
The ethylene glycol in anti-freeze is a desiccant, so when it gets muggy out (such as when it's raining), it likes to soak up the vapor--hence the fog.
Both are very bad for your health. I don't have any anti-freeze smell in the car but it could be a small leak. I did have the radiator/trans issue and the radiator was replaced 12 months ago but I think I had the same fog issue before that.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Jerzy
04 CLK 320 > CLK32K
That smell must suck! I remember a thread about something like this but the problem was on the outside. https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...there-fix.html
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,031
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From: Chicago (Palos Park)
2023 CLA 250, 2021 GLC43, 2003 CLK320
this is more like some grease substance... some residue... milky/hazy, swirls/streaks when you clean it
but there is not associated antifreezy odor that I can tell..
but there is not associated antifreezy odor that I can tell..
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Joined: Feb 2010
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CLK350
This reminds me, I need to clean it off.
anti, antifreeze, clean, fog, fogged, freeze, front, inside, mist, misting, problems, sun, visibility, windshield, windshields
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