re-occuring nasty film on inside windshield

[clintryplug]

I have a '95 Camry LE V6 that has a nasty film that developes on the inside of the windshield. I have wiped it off numerous times but it just re-forms after a few days of running the car. What is causing this and how do I fix? Thanks, Clint

[Brian R.]

Do you put any dressing on your dashboard or seats (ArmorAll or such)? This is probably the result of this type of treatment. Smoking cigarettes (or marijuana ) will also do this.

To fix it, don't do whatever you do to cause it. If you just bought the car, then the previous owner may have treated the interior with something and, in that case, there is nothing you can do but give it time to wear off. Leaving your windows open as much as possible will help.

[clintryplug]

I have not used any dressing on the interior in a while as a matter of fact the same film is on the top of the dash as well. I do not smoke period and NO ONE smokes especially not pot in my car. I have had this car since it was new and it hasn't done this until lately. Wish I could just "not do whatever I do to cause it" but I think it's a little more complicated than that. I am inclined to think that it is something coming out of the vents, may be some type of condensation funk coming from the AC system. I have rubbed my finger accross the film and touched it to my tongue, it has a very bittery sour taste. It's not Armorall or tar. Thanks anyway for the reply!

[Mike Gerber]

It could be you have developed a leak in your heater core and it is antifreeze that is blowing on your windshield when you turn the defroster on. Are you familiar with the smell of antifreeze? Does the stuff have a sweet smell to it?

Mike

[clintryplug]

I'm pretty sure I know what smell your talking about and I haven't noticed that smell. This film has occurred in the cold as well as the warm months (now), I'm in the south so I haven't used my defroster in weeks and vey little in months (AC, yes - defrost, no) and am still accumulating the film. But I actually have noticed a musty (old lady arm pit) smell when the AC initially comes on, don't know if there is any relation to the film but that is the only odor I've noticed. Thanks Clint

[Brian R.]

Maybe you drive though or park in an area with alot of pollution.

[clintryplug]

I live in a borderline rural/subrban area in Alabama, polution is definitely not a problem. Besides this is not occuring in any of my other vehicles.

[Brian R.]

Check your carpet near the dash for wetness.

[Vroom2]

"musty (old lady arm pit) smell" - AWESOME!

I'm inclined to think you're on the right track with the a/c - condensor, maybe? I think you'd definitely know if it was the heater core. Besides, it's not a Ford. (Sorry...bad joke.) Is it possible to have the system checked?

Take care,
Jerry

[Neinta]

Clint, Thanks for asking this question. I've been having the same problem for a while in my car too. I just chalked it up to old, used car problems. Guess it's time to have the A/C checked. (one more thing to fix on this figgin' money pit.)

[clintryplug]

I'm sure I will eventually get it checked, I'm going to wait and see what replies and opinions I get here just to see if there's a fix I can handle.

[animal401]

I have a similar build up. I do smoke in my car and always thought it was just that. I clean the car all the time with interior wipes and glass wipes, this film appears immediately after turning on the fan. 93 Camry LE V6

[clintryplug]

I talked to a buddy of mine today who does body work who, like mike gerber, seemed to think it might be a crack in the heater core. I'm sure someone who's either had this problem and had it fixed or is familiar with this problem and has experieince fixing it, will come along soon.

[Brian R.]

That's why I suggested checking the carpet under the dash for wetness. Usually a sign of a leaking heater core.

[clintryplug]

sorry for not replying, there is no water or moisture on the carpet under the dash.