VW Polo Condensation

controllie ( snipped-for-privacy@autobanter.co.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

The obvious suspects are windscreen seal, ventilation air intake drains or sunroof drains.

Did you replace the plastic membrane behind the door card properly?

If it has one, the pollen filter - this may be clogged.

Or the ventilation system may be in recirculate mode?

Nice. You need somewhere to store it where it's dry.

Hire a garage and use a fan heater...

If this isn't possible, go out and get yourself some of that silica kitty litter. The white coloured crystals. Get some containers, put some cloth over the top, seal them in with elastic bands and leave it in the car. The silica absorbs moisture.

That'd be my thoughts too. Common cause of soggyness in MK2 Golfs.

If you come to a dead end, this fluorescent leak detection technique may be useful: (6/10 down the page) "Q. How do I use it? A. Step 1

----Add the appropriate dye to the suspect system and run the system

----to circulate the dye. (For auto body water leaks, mix the dye with

----water and spray or pour onto the area to be inspected.)

---Step 2

----Inspect the system with a Tracerline ultraviolet or UV/blue light

----inspection lamp and all leaks will glow brightly!"

Thanks for all the replies. There is a good possibility that I didnt repair the plastic cover shee inside the door card properly when I removed it. I didnt realise tha this could cause condensation!! Will check this and duct tape up any slashes that are there!! I wil also use the silica gel remedy to try and rid the condensation once have rectified the door card interiors. Many thanks for your suggestions

-- controllie

The obvious place to start is where you've been 'at it'. ;-)

Did you seal the membrane behind the door panel on replacement?

Just about anywhere there are holes in the bodywork can leak as the car gets older. The windscreen is favourite in some cars. Taillights if water is getting into the boot. Rear window. Where external trim is attached. Best is to remove internal trim and play a hose onto the car and see how it's getting in. Talcum powder puffed onto suspect areas will show small amounts of water ingress.

It's not condensation. It's a leak ;-) The water sloshing around inside the car then causes the excess condensation you see on the windows.

Depending on the car - and it sounds like yours is one - it may need a rather more permanent seal than just duct tape. If the seal is polythene sheet and damaged after removal, make a new one and glue it in place with Evostick paying careful attention to sealing the bottom 1/3rd or so. Most sheds sell suitable polythene sheet, or use a heavy duty rubble sack cut open.

GSF or ECP also sell membranes for some models.

Yes - I'd guess so. The membrane on my BMW is a sort of moulded semi-rigid foam that as well as providing a water barrier probably aids sound proofing. And that will be even less likely to be properly sealed with Gaffer tape, etc.