Smoke From Air Vents

[cogs]

Hey guys, took my car for a drive today and after a while (about 40mins or so) started noticing a little bit of white smoke (or maybe its steam?) coming through the centre air vents. The temp gauge (stock) was at its normal level (around halfway) but I pulled over as soon as I could. I popped the bonnet to have a look expecting to see a heap of smoke coming from the engine, but there was no smoke to be seen and no signs of anything unusual. Had a good look all around the engine bay and under the car, no signs of smoke or any leaks. As I couldn't see anything to indicate a problem I decided to keep driving slowly. There was no sign of anymore smoke from the vents at first but after driving for a bit longer (maybe 10 mins or so) I noticed some more coming from the vent (not heaps, but you could just notice it) so I pulled over again and had another look under the engine and around the car, again finding nothing out of the ordinary. I felt the dash and it didn't feel hot or anything. I decided to continue driving and again the smoke was gone but ended up coming back perhaps 10mins later again or so. So I pulled over once more and did another check but everything still looked fine and nothing under the engine bay felt hotter than usual. I continued driving home and didnt notice anymore smoke on the way home(about 25mins).

Had a good look under the bonnet with a torch at home but couldn't see anything unusual.

Now from a google search I have discovered some things it could be. Smoke from burning wiring OR steam from heater pipes behind dash.

I'll probably just wait till monday and get it checked out by my mechanic but just wondering what it could be?

Should I try taking the dash off to have a look for the problem?

Also I had the climate control OFF the whole time, just with the 'recycle' button selected (otherwise it lets too much hot air through). Thanks.

[elbee111]

I see that occasionally and saw it this morning.

If it doesn't smell like smoke it isn't. It is like steam (more fog really).

When air that is very humid (full of water vapour) is cooled it can reach it's "dew point" that allows water droplets to form like clouds.

El Bee

[cogs]

Thanks elbee. I hope that is it all it was.

This is probably a stupid question, but what is cooling the humid air?

[elbee111]

Ahhh yes, I just re-read and was making the assumption you were using the aircon to cool the air.

I still think the act of moving this very humid air quickly by the fan has cooled it enough to reach it's dew point.

Enjoy!

El Bee