Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Blast of Moisture and Smell from air vents

When you use the defroster, the AC system runs also to dehumidify the air. When you start the car up again, the residual moisture on the AC evaporator coil blows onto the cold windshield, causing the fogging. The residual moisture on the AC coil is also the reason for the 'stale' smell. To minimize it happening, turn the control from 'defrost' to 'heat' for a few minutes before you turn off the car. This will allow the AC coil to partially dry out and it helps to keep mildew from growing on the wet AC coil surfaces when it sits overnight.