my dad has just bought astra 1.6 comfort,from a dealer.driving the other day ,put heater on because car was steaming up.ok.turned heater off,car steamed up again?.had to drive with windows open just to keep from misting up again.Car was taken back for a day,a/c was serviced,and regassed ok,alright for a day then started misting up again.Took it back to dealers again ,they said it was alright,they told my father to put heater and a/c on together,and this does clear the car,but is this right???.Surely one or the other should clear it not both???????.would be grateful for any advise ..

nick, December 2008

i had an astra, did exactly the same. the pollen filter was saturated due to the bulkhead cover not being fitted correctly. When the heater warms up steam is blasted out onto the windscreen.

meterrepairman, January 2009

My sons astra 1.6 is doing the same thing. Garage is stumped! One minute all clear, the next thing no vision at all. Not even running the a/c & not using any water from the rad. Help!

Mike A, January 2009

ive got the same problem, go to the astra owners club forum and search for the air recirculation motor, all will become clear, literally.

micky d, January 2009

my mum had a citroen zantia once and that started doing that it turned out to be the heater matrix inside the car as soon as u turned it on it misted and as soon as u opened a window it cleared .hope this helps .

shaun, December 2008

dear nobby,thank`s for your reply,but i don`t think you get the point ,car is clear to start with ,put heater on because it is cold,the whole car misted up,this has never happen before on any astra`s i`ve had before

nick, December 2008

I am on my 20th car since 1960 they all steame up the heater was used to demist windscreen, Its not a fault is a natural reaction to warm air hitting a cold surface the moisture in the air condenses.
Heater will as you know clear it but unfortunately in the present wet, cold climate you will have to use the heater or open the windows to keep it clear. Just open the side windows about 15- 18mm and if it gets a bit cool bump the heater up from 1. to 2 keeping the blower on slow.


Test the theory of warm hitting cold by placing a glass drinking glass in the fridge for 15minutes remove it and watch it steam up.


No matter how many times you take it back the dealer won't be able to stop it. This will cease in summer months when temperature inside is matched to out side but will still steam up when it's raining or wet if all windows are shut.
After cleaning frost off a windscreen and you see its clear inside fine until you get in and instantly the windows start steaming up caused by your warm breath and body heat......right or wrong?????

Nobby, December 2008