Hi All! Just wondering if anyone else has seen this with their MINI. I'm getting streaks on the INSIDE of the windshield intermittently. It doesn't necessarily happen after it's rained. This morning I got in the car to discover some streaks coming from the top of the inside of the windshield that were about 1 to 2 inches long. Recently, I have gotten in the car and have had streaks on the entire inside of the windshield. I thought the windshield was leaking, and it may be, but I have taken my pressure washer to the windshield to try and isolate the leak, but I can't find a leak anywhere! I'm at a loss. The dealership is also at a loss.

Thanks,
John White
07 MCS

 

I'm experiencing the same issue as you.
I've always written it off as condensation buildup/off-gassing from the dash. I see the same thing in my 4Runner.

IMHO, just a pain...not a defect.

 

I've seen this before when I lived in North Carolina where there was alot of dew on the ground in the morning, I parked outside and I left a window cracked open. Moisture condenses inside on the windscreen.

What type of environment do you park the vehicle when it weeps like this? Garaged? Is there a high dew point (lots of moisture in the air?)

William

 

The car is usually parked outside. It was probably about 55 to 60 degrees the other day when I noticed it, but it has happened when the temp was in the 70's to 80's as well. Not sure if the humidity has anything to do with it. I always leave the windows completely shut. It is definately a pain, but I think it's not supposed to be happening. Between my wife and myself, we've probably owned 20 cars, and have never seen this before.

 

I'm with you - definately sounds like it should not be happening. Is there any moisture near the top on the headliner?

I know it might be rough, but if you could get a photo it might give some ideas.

Also - just the windshield, not on any other windows or surfaces?

William

 

Do you have the sunroof? Maybe the front part of the seal on the sunroof has a slight imperfection allowing moisture to get into the headliner and then the easiest route down is the windshield. Just a thought.

 

Maybe the sunroof. The sunroof has drain tubes which run down the A pillars. If they get clogged, you can get water leaking down in various locations inside the car.

 

I'll try and get some pics so maybe someone will have an idea what's going on. It is just on the windshield. Not on any other windows. And, I don't have a sunroof. The dealership re-sealed the windshield when I took it to them the first time, but it has happened several times since then. On a side note, there are 4 other vehicles parked in the driveway with my MINI and none of them have this issue... It's driving me CRAZY!

 

What happens when you run your AC?

 

Nothing out of the ordinary. That I've noticed anyway. I usually don't run the AC, though.

 

Any chance you might have a cat inside your car? Just kidding....

A few more questions:

- when it does "leak" is there condensation on the outside of the car / roof? If so, how much?
- has it ever leaked in a location other than your driveway?
- is it possible to park your vehicle in a garage (inside) for a few nights to see if it happens then?
- sorry if this is gross, but... have you smelled the liquid to determine if there's any noticable odor? (could rule out the cat! )
- does the liquid have any color if you blot with a white paper towel?

Sure is a mystery, but for SURE, there is an answer....

 

Definately not a cat. Maybe the dog, though.... . These are some good questions. Uh... Yes, it has leaked in places other than the driveway. I might be able to park it in the garage, if someone comes and helps me clear it out. I haven't smelled it. It's usually dry when I notice it. Not sure if it has a color. I'll have to go investigate a little furthur. The condensation is a possibility. I'm gonna go check the car in a sec. 'cause there was LOTS of condensation last night.

 

 

Saturn, is the suspense killing you?

 

 

queue Jeopardy Theme..

 

Ok. here's a couple pics of the streaks...

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/h...5/100_1230.jpg
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/h...5/100_1225.jpg

 

Those look like condensation streaks to me. If it was a regular "stream" of water, the streaks would be wider and longer.

 

If this is the case, the dehumidifcation function of the A/C might help. Why not try running the A/C for a bit each time you end a ride?

 

It certainly looks like condensation from that angle. Did you say it ONLY appears on the windshield? Typically condensation form on several windows.

One quick question - have you been using your AC alot? Is it possible that the condensate from the AC isn't draining properly which leaves alot of moisture in the car (in one area up front) Just a thought...

 

Gosh, there's the flip-side! Sounds like you should have the A/C checked.

 

If it happens when it hasn't been raining, then it couldn't be a leaking windshield (unless your neighbor comes over and sprays it with a hose at night). It must be condensation. (You can confirm it is water by cleaning the inside of the windshield well and then wiping with a clean white cloth after it happens. If it were off-gassing it wouldn't be clear, as would condensation).

 

I cannot confirm whether it only happens when it rains. It's so intermittent, that it's hard to keep up with. Most recently, I noticed the beginnings of the streaks at the top of the windshield, then around a week later, the streaks covered the entire windshield. I rarely use my air conditioner. I usually ride with the windows down. I did wipe these streaks off with a white paper towel and didn't see any color at all. So, I would guess that is in fact water, but why? Is something not draining properly? I would have to rule out the air conditioner, since I don't usually use it. I guess I could try running the a/c for a few minutes before I get out of the car, but geesh, what a pain!