Front defroster barely works 2015 Camry

Asked by Bettina Aug 23, 2017 at 09:23 AM about the 2015 Toyota Camry LE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The defroster works just enough so I can see to drive, but a noticeable fog remains on the window, which makes it almost impossible to see when driving with the sun facing you.  It used to work okay, but now it doesn't even matter how high the fan is on.  A/C is on, it's not on recirculate, and it's summer in Florida, so cold temps not the issue.  When defrost is on, driver side vent blows air, but it's always done that, and turning that vent off makes no difference.

18 Answers

59,025

Faulty heater core, may have low coolant level. Crack a few windows, one in back and one in front opposite sides. See if you have a cabin filter and see if it needs a new one. Check for moisture inside cabin, Sometime the temp verses humidity will do this and a little heat on the defrost may clear it up.

2 people found this helpful.
59,025

Re-circulate may not be the best option as this is moving the same air but normal A/C setting will draw new air and take out the humidity.

Thank you, enginecreator. I'll have the heater core checked out, however, setting the defrost to heat makes no difference. Cabin air filter was replaced about 8 months ago. I've tried opening the driver window with no effect, but will try the opposite sides thing. I've had the car for 2 1/2 years now, so temp/humidity conditions should have been the same as before, but it started doing this about 3 months ago. Driving kids to school again is bringing it to a head, since we drive east and sun glare has amplified the fog, making me drive blind sometimes. I might try some dessicant packets in the car...

22,290

Has window been cleaned with alcohol and dawn detergent? Inside and out. Is your evaporator drip hose plugged? I had this happen on a 2011 Camry 1 year old in 2012. Spiders made a web dam that was water resistant.

1 people found this helpful.

I'll have someone check the evaporator drip hose, thank you. But I don't understand what you mean with the alcohol/dawn detergent statement.....

22,290

Road oils and chemicals become airborne and come through vents and cloud the window. I clean mine about every month and I don't even have to use defrost the first week after cleaning. I use rubbing alcohol and dawn detergent and plenty of new non- streaking rags or paper towels. I told a clean car fanatic friend of mine and he still thanks me for this tip. He has a maxima.

1 people found this helpful.
59,025

Regular Glass cleaner has alcohol in it too. Think they are saying to clean it with alcohol either denatured or rubbing alcohol.

1 people found this helpful.
59,025

News paper is the best for glass cleaning and you get to read it too.

2 people found this helpful.
22,290

Clean it first with dawn and wet rag or sponge...let it dry. Then use rubbing alcohol and make sure you give it firm consistent swipes without streaking. It will dry quick and you will be amazed at what comes off on your rag or towel.

1 people found this helpful.
22,290

Yes I have heard that about newspapers and glass cleaning. I tried it many years ago and it worked.

1 people found this helpful.
59,025

If you clean 2-3 times in a row with newspaper it shines/polishes the glass, afterwards it stays cleaner longer, plus no lint to worry about as long as you do not use the same piece over and grab a new piece to wipe it off with, apply with one piece dry with another piece. Repeat

Thank you, both of you. You've given me a lot of help. And also made me think of this: I vape in the car with the windows up; perhaps what I'm thinking of as a defroster problem is actually a film from the vapor that doesn't become noticeable until I'm driving east in the morning. I will check the coolant level and try the cleaning tips next. Maybe the problem is actually ME! And if this works, guys, you will have saved me big bucks, because I figured I'd probably have to go to the dealer instead of my local mechanic.

59,025

Another hint is to add extra rubbing alcohol to a bottle of glass cleaner to make it stronger. the vape may be it.

1 people found this helpful.

My defrost in my 2015 Toyota Camry blow cold air not hot air when I need to clear the windshield of the fog. Do you think it is the heater core that is not working. Thanks

22,290

If you are suspecting a heater core, see if you are losing antifreeze and if you are, do a pressure test. Any coolant on Passenger floor board?

I have a new 2020 Toyota Corolla SE sedan. I understand what she means about the front window defroster problem. I have been having issues with mine also, which I didn't have on any other car that I have owned. I had a 12 year old Honda accord before this car, and never had this problem with the defrosters. I personally think it's just Toyota's crappy defrost system. They should be made to design a better system.

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