Foggy Windshield

Hi all,

Some may remember that I bought a beautiful 550 a few months ago, and may also recall that while the car was essentially perfect, it need to get its belt service done, etc.

Upon receiving the car from service, I noticed that my front windshield is foggy and nothing I do gets it to clear up!

The only thing that seems to work was a really hard cleaning, because when I touched the glass, it did feel kind of greasy to me.

I don't know if it feels that way because of some product used to clean it, or if the fumes from within the mechanic's shop somehow greased up the glass, or if something else is causing this.

But even now, after cleaning and cleaning, while it is a lot better, its not perfect and not as it was before when I first got it.

Everyone I ask seems to tell me that it has to be just dirty glass, that most likely something greased them up and its just not completely clean yet.

But as i continue to clean, I thought to ask the forum at large and see if someone has any other insight.

Thinking really outside of the box I should mention that when it was serviced I needed to also rebuild my A/C, which was faulty and now works perfectly. I wonder if that could be somehow causing fumes to get in the car from the engine bay that are greasing up the glass?

To those more knowledgeable on how things work that may sound silly, but it doesn't hurt to bring it up

Any advice/thoughts are as always greatly appreciated

Anthony

 

The recirculate button??

 

Hi MogulBoy,

No, thats not it. I tried toggling that on and off... thats part of my issue... its just glass, this shouldn't happen. I leave the windows open and nothing, AC off and nothing, etc.

Thats also why I think it has to do with some kind of film on the glass, but again, Im not sure.

 

See this thread

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/456-550-575-sponsored-bradan/393172-foggy-550-windshield.html#post142692276

 

Thanks! Ill go through that and hope that helps

 

Much of that other thread was devoted to fogging of the windshield from moisture. The real problem is a film that builds on the interior windows called outgassing. It's caused by the car interior and fire retardant chemicals evaporating. Happens most notably when the cabin heats up, especially parked in the sun with windows up. One remedy is a 10% vinegar and water solution. I use Windex and elbow grease. Way back in the day, it was Bon Ami cake and newspapers. Hard to get a hold of those cleaning supplies these days.

 

Thanks! I will keep cleaning. I think the sun is an issue. It's been outside a little more than usual recently.


__________________________________________
Anthony Lazzaro
[email protected]

 

Exactly my experience. Simply avoid parking the car in the hot sun. This also avoids parts bubbling or getting sticky.

 

Yes -> www.ferrarichat.com/forum/456-550-575-sponsored-bradan/393172-foggy-550-windshield.html

-> http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/141983692-post6.html

 

I am not sure if this can cause a problem like yours or not, but the ventilations/AC system in a Maranello is a fully automatic systems were the AC is always on even if it does not need to cool the air (in order to dry the air). The air circulates and is changed out every 2nd minute even if the system is not set on recycling. If it has a major content of vapour/water in the air, it can be hard to get the fog away because it recirculates. When the system works normally there is a hose under the car where the condensation water from the air dryer is relieved. If this hose is clogged, the condensation water has no where to go and that MIGHT cause the system to build up moisture and the only way it can go out is through the air vents in form of vapour/fog...

The hose should be possible to check with a small air gun. Have you or anyone else tried this?

 

I agree with this. Some chemicals used on leather dash's by detailers are terrible at causing this. I'd clean the dash and the glass. Avoid parking in the sun and use a windshield cover with slightly open side windows any time parked outdoors.

 

Thanks great idea!

 

I have the same thing on my 550, have cleaned over and over, Ferrari dealer agrees that its from the all the sticky switches and chemicals from interior. its so frustrating and dangerous at night, I am thinking about changing the front windshield($$$$) but think it will just come back! anyone ever try that?

 

This sounds a bit unusual but I had the same problem with my Mondial. It was almost like a smoker's film on the glass. I keep a towel in the car just to wipe the windshield. It was especially bad driving into the sun in the mornings going to work.

It seemed to cover most of the windshield fairly evenly and not just at the defroster vents.

My 550 had a similar problem, but not as bad as the Mondial.

I don't know what caused it, but it was very noticeable and an aggravation.

I wonder if using some masking tape to cover up the defroster vents for a short time, just to see if it reduced the film/fog, might help isolate whether it was part of the ventilation system, or was coming from the interior plastic or upholstery.

Good luck,

Jerry

 

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) works well.

 

Acetone. Just remember that it will destroy plastic and leather. GTs Bruce

 

I DID................ but by having a 16 inch split down the right side of the windshield. It was brutal to get one put in plus about $6,000. And I thought well now I have a fog free windshield. NOT SO........... it comes right on up just like a swamp gas.

Must be UFO stuff.
John