Smoke Through A/C Vents?

[MehakGT]

Drove my car through a car wash last week (one of the ones that moves around a parked car) and white smoke started coming in through the vents above the heater controls. The same thing happened today a few times while driving in some heavy rain.

Turning off the vents stops the problem, but what is causing it?

-Doug

 

[toplessmustang]

are you sure its smoke and not vapor. i've had several cars do that. kind of like when you have sun glasses on and the ac going and you get out of the car into the heat and they fog up.

 

[94TURBO5 O]

Heater core is prob bad.

 

[The Hitman]

It's not leaving a residue is it? Put it on the defrost setting and find out.. I doubt it's the heater core.. you'd probably smell it or see evidence of it by now but check anyway.

 

[SN95Oh]

Does it have a smell? If the blower motor is going out it will shoot smoke in. Also if there is a hole or something on the air box (I dont know what it is called) and water splashes on the motor and steam could leak through there. I am not sure man. Just thought I would mention some things that has happened to me before.

 

[MehakGT]

Smoke probably wasn't the right word, it's more of a vapour, or like a heavy steam, or mist? I'm at a loss for words.

No smell, and I'll check for any defrost residue.

It doesn't do it every time I turn on the a/c, from what I can tell it's only when the engine gets wet - where should I be looking for holes?

 

[WT95GT]

it's just a condensation type of vapor from the temp extremes - like fogged up windows - nothing to worry about...