Front Camera - Fogging

[Rjs104]

Hi,

Now that the weather is turning colder over here in the UK, I’m finding fairly regularly that I’m getting a warning coming up saying the front camera is obscured, clean window.

When looking at the camera section in the front window, the glass is clean, its just that it appears fogged up inside with condensation.

Firstly, is this happening to everyone, or is their a bigger problem I’m experiencing that no one else is?

Secondly, how do you clear it. I’ve tried running the fans (max clear) and tried the electric front screen heat, to no avail.

And it seems to be a sealed box (sealed to an extent at least that I can’t easily access it to give it a wipe, but not sealed so much that its letting water in!).

You can see the condensation in this image.

If it’s one of those things, then fine. But if it shouldn’t be doing this, I need to get it looked at.

It’s a pain as it wipes out much of the good tech regarding collision protection, auto headlamps, etc.

Cheers!

Rx

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[Mach-Lee]

Does your heated windscreen work? Looks like it has coverage over all that area.

In the USA, we don't have heated windscreen, so instead there are little defrost grid lines over the camera triangle.

You could also try a hairdryer and gently heat the glass. Try to do this slowly and across a wide area so the glass doesn't crack. You could also shine a halogen work lamp on it from several feet away for several hours.

Worst case you might have to pop the cover off behind the rear mirror and remove the camera from the hole to let it dry.

Not sure if you have excessive moisture levels inside your car? Try to use AUTO HVAC when possible which will dehumidify on demand. Allow the A/C to run.

 

[Hartland]

I also live in the UK & have the same experience I just switch on the heated from screen on max clears within minute

 

[AtomicInternet]

Looks like you have a dashcam installed as well, did you move/change anything about the camera housing when you installed it? I never get any condensation in that camera and thought it was sealed.

 

[Starscrean]

I had an issue with my entire windshield fogging up, took it to the dealer , to find out the recycle air compartment was left open when it was supposed to be closed. After closing it. It never fogged up again.

 

[Rjs104]

Thanks for all the responses…

@Mach-Lee It hasn’t really been cold enough for me to try the heated windscreen to know if it’s working or not (I’ve only had the car since August). Hopefully we get a good frost soon, and I can try. Hope it works - loved the heated front screen on my previous cars that had it. What a shame you don’t get it in the States - seems a bit of a drop off…

Curious though that you say turning on the heated screen, @Hartland clears yours - that’s not my experience so far… perhaps my heated screen is knackered…

@AtomicInternet Yes - recently installed, done professionally and not by me, so I don’t know if he knocked something. I will try and investigate…

@Starscrean Interesting… sounds like an easy fix - fingers crossed this might be an easy fix for my situation.. I shall have to find out where this “Recycle air compartment” is

Thanks for everyones input

Rx

 

[Starscrean]

Is your cam maybe running to hot. Before turning the car off. Feel the cam to see if it’s warmer than usual.
Also whats that gap above the ford logo. Could it be a gap in a seal letting moisture in.

 

[noway]

I had the same issue. It is really annoying because it will disable/reduce the functions using the camera, especially the auto highbeam. Last winter I used to remove the plastic casing and drive without it when it started fogging. The moisture can't get out of the casing and even constantly with heated windscreen on it will not go away completely. It will still stay within the casing and return to condensed water as soon as it cools down again.

This issue started after the software update which starts auto-recyle during cold amvient temps. The second update for reducing it did not fix it.

This compartment is not sealed. There is a small plastic protection with air gaps into the camera compartment after removing the outer casing. Outer casing is only fixed with clips and can be pulled out by hand with some force. Start at the top and pull down. It seems to be designed for air to be replaced over time. It is possible to remove the casing and insert bags of silica gel to temporary remove moisture builtup. The plastic protection to the camera compartment can be opened more by placing something between to allow more air circulation from outer casing.

 

[Rjs104]

That’s a brilliant insight - thank you. I’m away from home at the mo on work, but when I’m back next week I’ll take a look. I like the idea of putting some silica gel bags in there.

thank you.

Rx

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