My car has been in the local dealer again - they've been looking into the misting up problems that have plagued the car since I bought it 2 yrs + ago and also some issues with the starting (warranty expires in less than two months). This is the first of two visits as they didn't have enough hours available to do a 'full check' this side of the New Year (& I phone three weeks ago to book it in !)

I have once again asked them to try and pinpoint why the car chronically mists up at times. I can find no obvious signs of water ingress - but suggested it could still have something to do with the washers (as sometimes the problem occurs after using them) - they broke the rear wiper motor the last time they tried to look at this !) I will consider getting rid of the car if we can't find a solution. This shouldn't happen with a 'new' car. I've highlighted all the known issues as suggested by others on here. Sometimes you've to sit for 10-15mins for the windows to clear.

So far - all they've suggested is that it may have something to do with 'vents?' & have highlighted that some may need to be order - I asked the receptionist for clarification of what this means...but will need to ask to speak to someone else when I pick it up (it'll go back in next month!)

As regards the starting - it has never failed to start (touch wood) but it seems to take forever to 'catch'...they have replaced the oil temp sensor (which I have the feeling was done before?!?) - anyway, I wouldn't have thought that was relevant???

They are also to look for the reason why something (a belt?) squeals when moving off at times (particularly when under load - i.e a hillstart) - this is in addition to the bad vib at the same time.

Any thoughts/opinions would be appreciated.

Could be the air recirc damper not working correctly, if its sticking shut the car will have steam up quite quickly. When the washers activate the recirc is activated to prevent washer fluid smells from entering the cabin, could be sticking closed maybe.

Have you had a good hunt around the car for any damp carpets and such like? Any moisture in the car will steam the windows up big time, think of a wet coat thrown in the back.

Its not your clutch squealing under high load is it? Its the only thing working hard when you pull off. A long shot would be a CV joint but that's doubtful IMO.

Forgive my ignorance but what engine do you have?

Edited 22 December, 200916 yr by dstev2000

Could be the air recirc damper not working correctly, if its sticking shut the car will have steam up quite quickly. When the washers activate the recirc is activated to prevent washer fluid smells from entering the cabin, could be sticking closed maybe.

Have you had a good hunt around the car for any damp carpets and such like? Any moisture in the car will steam the windows up big time, think of a wet coat thrown in the back.

Its not your clutch squealing under high load is it? Its the only thing working hard when you pull off. A long shot would be a CV joint but that's doubtful IMO.

Forgive my ignorance but what engine do you have?

Thanks for that reply - I wasn't aware about the wash/wipe - recirc/flap operating scenario...I wonder !

No damp spots as far as I can see.

I've got the 197bhp 2.0 Tfsi

Edited 22 December, 200916 yr by harveys

The recirc air is pulled in from the passenger footwell, if the fan is turned up fairly high the sound should change when the recirc is turned on or when the washers are used. It should then return to normal after a few seconds.

It also comes on when reverse is engaged to prevent exhaust fumes coming in.

If you get a shudder and a squeal when pulling off it could point to the clutch/flywheel assembly.

could it be the recent change in temperature? mine has been doing it, but once the blower gets blowing it disappears.

Mine was misting up until it's service.

The pollen filter was damp and since it was replaced the mist goes within about 15 seconds

Carl

it's certainly not just the change in temp...it can take up to 15mins to clear - & has been a problem consistently for the last two years - an unacceptable trait for such a 'new' car, in my book.

I got it back today - with the promise that they will have a further look at it towards the end of January ! They replaced an oil temp sensor to help with the poor starting apparently...and think the misting might be due to 'vents?' - I've let them know about the recirc flap thing..and will remind them again when it goes back in.

They didn't test drive the car (due to the weather) so I am no further forward on the vib/squeal/judder issue.