First, Happy Holidays to everyone.

I've had an issue with the windows fogging in my 2000 TL for a few years now. Whenever it gets cold, I struggle to keep the windows clear.

When I first start the car, with the climate control set on auto, the bottom of the windshield initially fogs for several seconds then clears. Once the engine gets warm enough and the heat starts, all of the windows will begin to fog. I switch to the defroster, but it could take 10 minutes before it finally clears the windshield and eventually the front door windows. This condition occurs regardless of the weather (wet, sunny, doesn't matter). If it is cold and wet outside, or if there are mutiple people in the car adding moisture, I have to keep the defroster on full time. I now also keep the A/C on which helps a little, but the condition persists. All windows will fog up.

I've cleaned the windows, etc. to no avail. There is no tell-tell smell of water being trapped in the evaporator or a leak in the system.

Has anyone experienced this and found a solution?

Thanks,
Steve

 

You should use the "defroster" and not the "auto" option during the winter months. You shouldn't be experiencing much, if any, problems with window fogging if you use the defroster setting exclusively. I have the same year TL and I never have problems with the windows fogging up. The only other thing I can think of is that maybe your cabin filter is plugged up and not allowing proper airflow for your climate control to function properly. Do you also have problems keeping the car cool during the summer? If so, this may be your problem and you'll have to replace the cabin filter. Good luck.

 

Doesn't the A/C have to be on for the defogger to work? The front defogger needs it but not the rear defroster if I remember correctly.

 

When you select 'defrost' the compressor should automatically engage.

 

no the defrost will still work with out the ac on you can disable the ac while the defogger is on. maybe you should try the anti fog stuff like rain x or somthing cause even though it may get better with the ac on it may be 100 times better with a product that you actually apply to the windows.

 

Does your A/C work? It sounds like it's not working.

I have the same car, when I hit front defroster the A/C comes up and the window clears up in seconds (on the side). If you have water on the outside use your wipper blades.

 

yeah mine clears completely under a minute..

 

Make sure the Recirculate button is OFF.

 

what he said, also i notice if i have it on auto it doesnt unfogg, unless u press the button to the right of the recirculate button, the one with the windshield looking like this \_/, that will blow it out the vents closest to the windows and unfogg it asap, then u can put it back on auto if u like

 

get ur AC checked out - it doesnt sound like its strong enough. get it recharged. then u should be fine. how cold is the coldest AC'ed air in ur car right now? you shoud be able to get 45 degree air out of it. i had to get mine recharged 2 years ago.