07 pacifica windows fogging
 

We have an 07 pacifica limited that has problems with the windows fogging. I've read other posts and tried some of those suggestions with no cure (taking the battery terminal off and running the A/C while temp is hot). Here in MD the windows are fine until the temperature reaches 32 F. At that point the windows start to fog a bit...as the temperature drops the windows start to fog a little more. At 27 F they get so bad it is difficult to see to drive and the interior windows are wet. The defogger setting works but the vents don't seem to hit the front window right to clear the fog. We periodically get a "stale" smell from the heating/cooling system that is unusual and does not last long. If you have any ideas/suggestions please advise. Thanks!

I assume you don't have the air vent set on "recirculate"... If that is the case, and also based on the smell you mention, I'd check the Cabin Filter... It may be plugged/obstructed.

There could also be other problems, but the above is easy to check first...

Cheers!!

Thanks
 

Thanks for the reply...the recirculate button is not on and we just had the oil changed and they inspect the cabin filter each time, so not an issue there. What other issues could it be that you mentioned? Thanks!

Run the heater blower at a higher speed to keep the windows clear. The more air you get flowing into the car, the better.

Window Fogging
 

I have the same problem with my 2007 Pacifica. I just bought it used in June of this year, and since it has been in the 20's the last couple of days, I have to open the windows about a 1/2 inch in order to unfog the windows. I just had the car serviced inluding the cabin filter.

When you engage and disengage the recirculating button, do you hear the door/flap open and close?

Try to make it as quite as possible in the car when you check this, have the fan blower on the lowest setting too. You should hear the door open and close each time you hit that recirculating button.

If you do not hear the door moving, then that is where your problem lies...

Cheers!

The most common reason for this to happen is the door that controls the flow of air (i.e. from outside to inside/recirculating) is no longer functioning and is stuck in the "Recirculating mode". In the summer this isn't a problem, but in the winter, you need that fresh air from outside because as we breathe out, we kick out a LOT of warm, moist air that quickly condenses on the Windshield. The more people in the car, the faster that happens.

If the door is stuck “closed” it could be the motor that controls it, or the other components in the HVAC system…

There could also be an obstruction (i.e. LOTS of leaves) in the passageway that brings in the fresh air.

Cheers!

Recirculating door
 

Good tip Grenadiers! The recirculate door was not moving when I pressed the button...the light only blinked. So I took off the negative battery cable and let the system reset. When putting cable back on, the recirculate light was blinking and DELAY flashed on the temperature panel for about 30 seconds. Once it stopped, I could hear the door open/shut when pressing the button. Now just have to wait to see if it's a fix or not. Thanks for the advice!

Glad to help out!!! :)

Let us know how it all goes!

cheers!!

Any update on this?

Are your windows now clearing up?

Cheers!!

Update...it hadn't been cold enough until tonight to tell but the windows had not fogged. Tonight was colder (30 F) and the windows began to fog again. I pressed the recirculate button to see if it was closed again and the light just blinked. So I guess somehow the door has closed, not sure how because we did not press the button knowing the results. So I've pulled the battery terminal to try a reset and evaluate from there.

got the same result as before...flashing recirculate button while "delay" flashed on the display. I could hear the door making noise. Now the button light goes off when pressing it. Any idea why the door would close and stick on its own?

Well, the motor that controls the flap could be on it's way out (if not already there), or there is an obstruction preventing the door from operating properly...

I'd pull out the Cabin Filter (inspect the filter for damage, clogging, etc. and look inside the cavity for debris. Clean out as required), do another "re-set" and see if it's working but without the filter in place. If she works, replace the filter (there is a right way and a wrong way to install it BTW... the shop may have buggered it up. So be prepared to have to purchase a new filter).

DO NOT run the vehicle without a filter in place for long periods of time!! Do the test just to confirm the flaps motor is, or isn't, working properly. Then replace with a new filter, or the current one in there if it's still serviceable.

If the cavity has a lot of crud, such as leaves, vacuum them out.

Cheers!

Will do Grenadiers. Thanks again!

Do you know anything about the Pacifica chips from GFChips that is advertised above? Are they worth it?

Nope... Never heard of that before.

Cheers!

Well...I removed the cabin filter and it was not that dirty but it was pretty buggered up on one side so I replaced it. It did not appear to be obstructing or have debris up inside compartment. So next I removed the recirculation door actuator and it ran. I could not dissasemble the lower air housing unit (because I could not get a ratchet onto all screws) to check the flap and I could not see inside to see an issue with the flap. It does not seem that the flap is opening/closing but I'm not sure because I cannot see it. Suggestions next?

Well, it seems to me anyway, that your Actuator motor may be at the heart of the problem...

I think you need to confirm if that is where your problem lies.

Cheers