2011 Explorer fogs up when idling

[Beachbum]

My explorer fogs up whenever I stop in very slow traffic or pull off to the side of the road and idle. There is no problem when driving - just idling. I have tried defrost - that makes it worse. i have tried turning down the ac to LO but that doesnt work. The ac works when driving. its like the ac doesn work unless the car is moving. I had both fans replaced years ago when they quit working and the engine overheated. Thoughts?

 

[orangesoda123]

If its fogging even when you use defrost i'm thinking maybe a leaking heater core? I'm not sure how it would explain fogging only when stopped though. Any strange smells in the car?

 

[markls8]

Check your anti-freeze level, is it low? (It might not be, it doesn't take a lot of leakage to cause the problem). Do you get a "ropey" anti-freeze smell in the cabin at all? If so, add some Bar's Leaks to the rad and see if it reduces or stops the problem (it does need some time to work).

 

[Beachbum]

No smell in car. I will check antifreeze level.

 

[markls8]

Hmm. I would expect a smell if it were antifreeze leaking.

Really wild guess (disclaimer - REALLY wild - I'm new to Explorers) - water leaking onto the cabin air filter??? Or condensation from the A/C coils pooling instead of draining. Any moisture in the floor carpeting that you can feel by pressing your fingers into it in various locations?

Sorry that's all I got. :scratch:.

 

[dco43054]

Where do you live? What's the weather like? Do you have the cabin air recirculation set to block external air?

 

[FordService]

My explorer fogs up whenever I stop in very slow traffic or pull off to the side of the road and idle. There is no problem when driving - just idling. I have tried defrost - that makes it worse. i have tried turning down the ac to LO but that doesnt work. The ac works when driving. its like the ac doesn work unless the car is moving. I had both fans replaced years ago when they quit working and the engine overheated. Thoughts?

Hi Beachbum,

I'd have your dealership look at this; they'll be happy to clear things up - and your windows - for you. What's the current mileage on your Explorer? Let me know and I'll see what I can do to help.

Crystal

 

[orangesoda123]

Where do you live? What's the weather like? Do you have the cabin air recirculation set to block external air?

I believe it exclusively uses outside air when using defrost. If not using defrost then yes, make sure you don't block external air or it will just make it worse.

 

[Beachbum]

No liquid on the carpet. Coolant is at bottom line of reservoir. There is a sweet smell after driving for an hour. 30,000 miles. I will take to dealer as ford rep has suggested. Thanks everyone.

 

[LukerDooker]

I believe it exclusively uses outside air when using defrost. If not using defrost then yes, make sure you don't block external air or it will just make it worse.

These functions in 2013s have some factory set points;

MFT - button only - Front defrost - opens vents and runs low AC.

MFT -Climate-center choices-choice of front defog & vent to feet;
this also uses low AC

In both modes AC will not lite up.

Manually closing vents will turn Defrost or defog function off.
If vents are closed, turning on Defrost or defog will change vent to open.

Tried extensively, cannot change this behavior.

 

[FordService]

... I will take to dealer as ford rep has suggested. Thanks everyone.

Great idea, Beachbum; let us know what you find out.

Crystal

 

[Beachbum]

i am reposting this information from last year as i still have the problem. i have a 2011 Explorer Limited. When i am stuck in traffic or in park with the engine running the AC shuts off and warm air starts blowing out the vents. The engine temp stays steady as i have already done the recall notice that repaired the radiator fans. This occurs exactly 3 minutes after i stop or place the car in park. you can hear the compressor shut off. then every minute after the AC comes on for 10 seconds and shuts off. I have had this problem for months but now after to do something to get it fixed. As soon as the car starts to move the AC works fine. Has anyone else had this problem??

 

[Rodomontade]

i am reposting this information from last year as i still have the problem. i have a 2011 Explorer Limited. When i am stuck in traffic or in park with the engine running the AC shuts off and warm air starts blowing out the vents. The engine temp stays steady as i have already done the recall notice that repaired the radiator fans. This occurs exactly 3 minutes after i stop or place the car in park. you can hear the compressor shut off. then every minute after the AC comes on for 10 seconds and shuts off. I have had this problem for months but now after to do something to get it fixed. As soon as the car starts to move the AC works fine. Has anyone else had this problem??

Possible head pressure control switch for the AC. Less air flowing over the condenser (even with the fans running) will increase the AC head pressure. If the switch is bad and out of calibration it could "think" the head pressure is much higher that it really is and shut off the AC compressor until the system equalizes and then it will turn back on and repeat until you are moving again. I am not positive the explorer has this switch but its worth a check.

 

[Dr Plastic]

When did you have the vehicle washed last? You may have a lot of water stuck down inside the plenum. The drain may be clogged and water is sitting in the heater core box. Have the dealer clean out the drain just to be sure. This is usually a problem during the winter when plant matter gets stuck down past the vent intake.

 

[FordService]

i am reposting this information from last year as i still have the problem. i have a 2011 Explorer Limited. When i am stuck in traffic or in park with the engine running the AC shuts off and warm air starts blowing out the vents. The engine temp stays steady as i have already done the recall notice that repaired the radiator fans. This occurs exactly 3 minutes after i stop or place the car in park. you can hear the compressor shut off. then every minute after the AC comes on for 10 seconds and shuts off. I have had this problem for months but now after to do something to get it fixed. As soon as the car starts to move the AC works fine...

Hi Beachbum,

Did you ever have your dealership take a look at this? How many miles are on your Explorer now? Thanks for continuing to keep us in the loop.

Crystal

 

[Beachbum]

Appt 3/30. 30000 miles. Will advise of dealership result

 

[FordService]

Appt 3/30. 30000 miles. Will advise of dealership result

Good deal, Beachbum; I'll keep an eye on this thread.

Crystal