Hi folks.

 

I've got a 99 Outback; 3 or 4 days ago, the interior windows started to fog

up badly, accompanied by a bad smell. It appears as though coolant is condensing on the windows.

 

Engine temperature is fine, and the coolant level is full.

 

So, I'm thinking it's a leaking heater core. I'm wondering if there are any other problems that could cause the same symptoms?

 

Thanks.

if you're not loosing coolant, it should not be the heater core. heater core leak will smell like antifree, should be recognizable.

 

i'd check the carpet, seats and trunk for moisture leaking into the car. if the floorboards or trunk or some material in the carpet or seats is holding alot of moisture (from window being left open or flooding or something), the moisture will condense on the interior windows. and the bad smell will be mildew and mold.

the interior windows started to fog up badly, accompanied by a bad smell. I'm wondering if there are any other problems that could cause the same symptoms?

 

Thanks.

 

Had you just eaten a Super Grande bean burrito? THAT would explain it.

if you're not loosing coolant, it should not be the heater core. heater core leak will smell like antifree, should be recognizable.

 

i'd check the carpet, seats and trunk for moisture leaking into the car. if the floorboards or trunk or some material in the carpet or seats is holding alot of moisture (from window being left open or flooding or something), the moisture will condense on the interior windows. and the bad smell will be mildew and mold.

 

I've read it only takes a very small leak to cause the windows to fog up, so I don't know if there would necessarily have to be an obvious drop in coolant level.

 

They only fog up when the defroster is on, and then it's where the defroster vents blow on the windows.

 

It definitely has to do w/ the air being blown out of the vents and not a general condition of the air within the car.

make sure your controls aren't set on recurculate....