Serious Condensation *UPDATE* - Major rot.

[SamWiseG]

Hi all,

Bought my first VW over the summer and was very happy with it until now!

Its a 3 door MKIII Golf GTi.

With the colder weather setting in, there's been bucket loads of condensation on the inside of the windscreen in the mornings, we're not talking a little mist here, I mean it actually looks as if its been raining inside the car. I knew there was a leak somewhere when noticed a few spots of mould on the roof lining when I bought the car, but was happy I could handle it. I didn't realise the condensation would be as bad as it is!

I don't know where to start in finding where the moisture is coming in, so in your guys' experience what's the most likely culprit? There's a bit of rust on the leading edge of the roof (where it meets the windscreen), could it be that? Or is it more likely to be some perishing seal?

Thanks in advance!

[Luke1981]

Have a thorough check of all your carpets, door seals, sunroof drainage holes, boot then report back.

[Wayne]

I would also check your pollen / cabin filter.

[SamWiseG]

Ok, thanks guys. Will have a look tomorrow and let you know

[Gti_Jamo]

Severe condensation is usually caused by soaking carpet underlay so its likely its all going to need to come out and dryed off. Like said pollen filter is a common issue. Cracked scuttle trim can send water down there. Also rusty floor pan grommets scoop up water which I would say is the most probable cause. Carpets out time anyway me thinks and the get a hose over it.

[Screech16v]

Look between your dash ends and a pillars with a torch ,if there is brown water stains then its your rust above the screen or even the screen seal has been breached probably down to corrosion ,I had this and as a temp fix ran a bead of silicone along the top of the screen. As said you need to remove your carpets and sound proofing as these will be soaked

[gasketface]

if you are losing any coolant it could be that the heater matrix is leaking.Could also be that the drainage channels on either side under the scuttle panel are both blocked or partially blocked causing any water to drain slowly,back up,rot the area.If it's an 8v it may also be that the clutch cable rubber grommet under the scuttle has perished or popped out.

[patryk92]

check your rear light seals as mine was leaking from there and the water made it all the way down to the front

[andy_k]

interim fix - leave a tray of cat litter in the car - that will soak up some of the moisture

[Deano2711]

If you headlining is showing signs of water damage as you say I presume you have the roof mounted aerial and need to check the seal around this. Thats a common way for headlining damage as is the sunroof drainage holes if you have a sunroof