Why are there water marks on the dashboard of the XRV when the air conditioner is turned on?
3 Answers
It may be caused by excessive temperature difference, where hot air meets cold surfaces and creates water marks. Function: It is used to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and air flow inside the vehicle cabin to the optimal state, providing a comfortable riding environment for passengers, reducing travel fatigue, creating good working conditions for the driver, and playing an important role in ensuring safe driving as a ventilation device. Layout: The layout involves assembling the evaporator, heater radiator, centrifugal blower, control mechanism, etc., together, which is called the air conditioner assembly. Current air conditioners are divided into mechanical air conditioners and automatic air conditioners.
The other day when I was driving my XR-V with the AC cranked up, I got quite a shock seeing water stains appear on the dashboard. I wondered what could be causing this. After some research, I found it's usually caused by AC condensation—on hot days when the cabin air is humid, the AC cooling makes the dashboard cold, causing moisture to condense into droplets that accumulate and leave stains. Another possibility is a clogged AC drain pipe preventing proper water drainage, causing it to backflow under the dashboard and leave marks over time. The worst-case scenario would be compromised body sealing, like a sunroof leak or aging windshield sealant allowing water seepage. This needs immediate attention as accumulated water could lead to electrical shorts—super dangerous while driving! Later, I learned to check the drain holes—found the AC drain pipe near the trunk area and cleared it with a wire. Then I wiped the dashboard dry and placed a dehumidifier box in the car to prevent moisture buildup. Regular AC system maintenance is crucial—don’t wait until something goes wrong to regret it.
I was also quite curious about the issue of water stains appearing on the dashboard after turning on the XR-V's air conditioning. There are a few possible reasons: first, the condensate from the air conditioning system might not be draining properly and is accumulating under the dashboard; second, rainwater could be seeping in through poorly sealed areas, such as door gaps or the sunroof; third, the heater core might be leaking, which requires professional inspection. For a simple self-check: after parking, lift the cover under the dashboard to check for any accumulated water; also feel the air conditioning pipes to see if they are wet. If the drain pipe is clogged, usually cleaning it will solve the problem—I once tried using high-pressure air to blow out the drain hole, and it worked well. For prevention, avoid always using the maximum fan speed and don’t set the air conditioning temperature too low to reduce condensation; placing moisture absorbers in the car also helps. I remember once on a long drive, the water stains were so severe that they almost caused a misoperation. For safety, it’s best to have a professional take a look.
