Technical > Automotive > Weird window film

Weird window film

Getting some residue happening from the engine compartment? That's a common one.
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Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

I am getting the film on the inside.

I realize that. If your cabin air intake is under the hood, it will take in the air from the engine compartment as well.
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Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

reply to simiglen
Along those same lines, if you have a leak in your heater core inside your dashboard, then small amounts of antifreeze may be depositing themselves on your inner windshield. Pick a convenient time and place, clean your windshield, then turn on the defroster full blast and see what happens. If you quickly end up with an oily film then this is probably your problem. Keep your nose open for the sweet smell of antifreeze, too.

Another possibility is the sealant that they used when installing the new windshield. I've seen situations where these sealants physically melt and start running in high heat (like we've had lately), so I wouldn't be at all surprised if they were prone to out-gassing, too, which might explain the film. Unlike a heater core leak, though, I would expect this problem to probably clear itself up over time, as the sealant ages.

reply to simiglen
It the heater core leaking? Is there antifreeze on the floor of the passenger side? Is there a sweet smell to it?

reply to simiglen
I'm voting for the sealer used around the windshield when it was replaced. Had the same issue with a windshield I had replaced once. The problem got less and less and eventually stopped. I'm guessing it has to due with the sealant curing process.

Coolent leaking from the heater core can also cause the problem, but normally you would smell that also.

I don't think it Is the leak. I see no evidence of anti-freeze on the ground

reply to simiglen
Have you changed the cleaner/protectant you use for the interior of your car recently? The heat from the sun may draw a chemical residue from the dashboard also.

Everything will show now with a crystal clear new windshield.

I would check your floor, like Doctor Olds mentioned.

reply to simiglen
It's the open sunroof!
My wife and son drive with the windows down (doesn't like AC) and their windows are always have that film on them, me I always use the AC and very, very rarely do I need to clean the inside of my windows!
I think it's mostly from trucks and diesel cars!

I thinking as it happens to wife and sons car that it happens so fast on the inside is there is no place for the stuff that is causing the film to go while the outside it can blow off as you drive!

reply to simiglen
I get the same thing on my Fusion. I have had it on other cars too, I think it is out gassing of various materials.
It is not oily, more like a smokers car as you descrbe.

reply to Jtmo

Re: Weird window film

true, but it is also those cars are motly older models that 1) drove when air quality was better 2) hardly drive now 3) the owner doesn't notice

When the pollen comes down around here, the inside of my car is just as yellow as the outside...

Ford thought by mixing air with outside air without a filter was a good idea instead of using the heater core or AC