2018 Continental GT steaming up - is this normal?
Discussion
Hi All,
We previously had a first gen. GT, and recently replaced it with a 2018 '1st' W12 - the first of the current model shape.
In the current wet conditions, we have had repeated problems with the car steaming up inside. This is the first winter we have had the car. This happens after a journey in the wet followed by the car standing for an hour - for example a trip to the supermarket. Have also experienced it with three people on a journey in the autumn.
On return to the car, it is impossible to drive as all the inside windows are steamed up. It takes five minutes of the fan demist on full to clear the windows so the car is drivable. The car has been back to the franchise dealer twice in the past couple of months. First time they replaced some faulty flap motors (on a 2.5 year old car!) and this last time they put a dehumidifier in the car, cleaned the door drains and then declared it all ok. I suggested they check/ service the aircon and so they vacced and regassed it. The car was returned to us yesterday and on the first journey out, the car is the same.
The car is kept in a heated/dehumidified garage so the moisture is not from the car sitting unused in the wet.
To me, this is indicative of the aircon not dehumidifiing the air in the car during a journey. Something you see in taxis where the heating system is on recirc. without aircon causing a stuffy car with steamed up windows. Not something I would ever expect in a GT.
Has anyone else experienced this? Design fault or build problem? I am starting to suspect the previous owner was sick of it and so traded the car after 2 years. Service think they have fixed the problem, but the salesman also mentioned that they had seen similar problems on the new Bentayga.
Thanks, Jonathan
We previously had a first gen. GT, and recently replaced it with a 2018 '1st' W12 - the first of the current model shape.
In the current wet conditions, we have had repeated problems with the car steaming up inside. This is the first winter we have had the car. This happens after a journey in the wet followed by the car standing for an hour - for example a trip to the supermarket. Have also experienced it with three people on a journey in the autumn.
On return to the car, it is impossible to drive as all the inside windows are steamed up. It takes five minutes of the fan demist on full to clear the windows so the car is drivable. The car has been back to the franchise dealer twice in the past couple of months. First time they replaced some faulty flap motors (on a 2.5 year old car!) and this last time they put a dehumidifier in the car, cleaned the door drains and then declared it all ok. I suggested they check/ service the aircon and so they vacced and regassed it. The car was returned to us yesterday and on the first journey out, the car is the same.
The car is kept in a heated/dehumidified garage so the moisture is not from the car sitting unused in the wet.
To me, this is indicative of the aircon not dehumidifiing the air in the car during a journey. Something you see in taxis where the heating system is on recirc. without aircon causing a stuffy car with steamed up windows. Not something I would ever expect in a GT.
Has anyone else experienced this? Design fault or build problem? I am starting to suspect the previous owner was sick of it and so traded the car after 2 years. Service think they have fixed the problem, but the salesman also mentioned that they had seen similar problems on the new Bentayga.
Thanks, Jonathan
This was one of the reasons I sold my '79 T2. Figured the first-gen automatic climate control just wasn't quite fully developed.
But my '07 Arnage does it too (although not nearly as badly). And now a report from a Continental GT. There must be some choice Bentley is making regarding how the AC works that leads to this?
But my '07 Arnage does it too (although not nearly as badly). And now a report from a Continental GT. There must be some choice Bentley is making regarding how the AC works that leads to this?
Coupe not convertible. Dealership apparently checked the AC drains and matrix for clogging the first time it was in.
This is a 2.5 year old car with 10k miles on it so would not expect any sort of clogging.
One really odd software 'feature' I did notice yesterday - press the 'Max AC' button and this sets the temp adjusters to 'low', switches on recirc and should put the fan on full. If the four face vents are all closed, the fan does not operate - and there is no message like 'open face vents for full AC'. It just behaves like there is a fault, although I am sure it is by design.
This makes me wonder if there is a software decision made to turn off the AC compressor if the inside temp is higher than the outside temp (eg. for eco reasons). On my 1982 Spirit, the AC runs all the time the climate is operational and keeps the humidity down.
This is a 2.5 year old car with 10k miles on it so would not expect any sort of clogging.
One really odd software 'feature' I did notice yesterday - press the 'Max AC' button and this sets the temp adjusters to 'low', switches on recirc and should put the fan on full. If the four face vents are all closed, the fan does not operate - and there is no message like 'open face vents for full AC'. It just behaves like there is a fault, although I am sure it is by design.
This makes me wonder if there is a software decision made to turn off the AC compressor if the inside temp is higher than the outside temp (eg. for eco reasons). On my 1982 Spirit, the AC runs all the time the climate is operational and keeps the humidity down.
joncuk said:
Coupe not convertible. Dealership apparently checked the AC drains and matrix for clogging the first time it was in.
This is a 2.5 year old car with 10k miles on it so would not expect any sort of clogging.
One really odd software 'feature' I did notice yesterday - press the 'Max AC' button and this sets the temp adjusters to 'low', switches on recirc and should put the fan on full. If the four face vents are all closed, the fan does not operate - and there is no message like 'open face vents for full AC'. It just behaves like there is a fault, although I am sure it is by design.
This makes me wonder if there is a software decision made to turn off the AC compressor if the inside temp is higher than the outside temp (eg. for eco reasons). On my 1982 Spirit, the AC runs all the time the climate is operational and keeps the humidity down.
Can you turn off climate but keep the ac on? i can on our s class.. it might show up a climate issue as opposed to the ac. This is a 2.5 year old car with 10k miles on it so would not expect any sort of clogging.
One really odd software 'feature' I did notice yesterday - press the 'Max AC' button and this sets the temp adjusters to 'low', switches on recirc and should put the fan on full. If the four face vents are all closed, the fan does not operate - and there is no message like 'open face vents for full AC'. It just behaves like there is a fault, although I am sure it is by design.
This makes me wonder if there is a software decision made to turn off the AC compressor if the inside temp is higher than the outside temp (eg. for eco reasons). On my 1982 Spirit, the AC runs all the time the climate is operational and keeps the humidity down.
To my mind the condensation can only be coming from moisture within the car or backing up through the ac system where its failed to dump it, if theyve checked drainage then maybe you have water ingress in the car somewhere? Any known seal problems with the car, boot area maybe?
galtezza said:
Can you turn off climate but keep the ac on? i can on our s class.. it might show up a climate issue as opposed to the ac.
No. You can turn off the AC and leave climate on, but not the other way round.galtezza said:
To my mind the condensation can only be coming from moisture within the car or backing up through the ac system where its failed to dump it, if theyve checked drainage then maybe you have water ingress in the car somewhere? Any known seal problems with the car, boot area maybe?
There is no moisture I can find inside the car, but this does happen when the car is driven in the rain. Maybe back to the dealer again..joncuk said:
galtezza said:
Can you turn off climate but keep the ac on? i can on our s class.. it might show up a climate issue as opposed to the ac.
No. You can turn off the AC and leave climate on, but not the other way round.galtezza said:
To my mind the condensation can only be coming from moisture within the car or backing up through the ac system where its failed to dump it, if theyve checked drainage then maybe you have water ingress in the car somewhere? Any known seal problems with the car, boot area maybe?
There is no moisture I can find inside the car, but this does happen when the car is driven in the rain. Maybe back to the dealer again..The compressor that runs the AC must be shutting down or / and there is blocked or leaky drain pan .
It’s std VAG aircon gear probably used in Porsche and Audi high end modals .It would have been tested fully pre production.
So to me it’s a fault .
On the gen 1 the cabin air enters through those vents ( charcoal filters ) under side of the bonnet , one each side then is directed by the bonnet it’s double skinned at the back so forms a duct , to the HVAC .
The HVAC unit sits in the middle , the other side of a bulkhead called the scuttle .
Crucially there is a rubber seal that must be tight when the bonnet is closed to stop air leaks .
So to me from the symptoms and signs .
Dry car no wet carpets .
Drains alleged to have been cleaned + patent ?
AC drip pan drains clear ?
Only steams up running in the wet .
It could be moist air , too much water spray getting under the bonnet ( the front ) past the rubber bulkhead seal and over moist air over coming the condensation removal system.
Or a software issue thereby the compressor cuts off .
Have you tried it on just a lower setting ?
On a mk1 the AC drains are each corner of the tranny tunnel , rubber elbows you can pull off and shove a pipe cleaner up .
Mk1 But just to give you an idea where to look .
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/bentley/430919...
It’s std VAG aircon gear probably used in Porsche and Audi high end modals .It would have been tested fully pre production.
So to me it’s a fault .
On the gen 1 the cabin air enters through those vents ( charcoal filters ) under side of the bonnet , one each side then is directed by the bonnet it’s double skinned at the back so forms a duct , to the HVAC .
The HVAC unit sits in the middle , the other side of a bulkhead called the scuttle .
Crucially there is a rubber seal that must be tight when the bonnet is closed to stop air leaks .
So to me from the symptoms and signs .
Dry car no wet carpets .
Drains alleged to have been cleaned + patent ?
AC drip pan drains clear ?
Only steams up running in the wet .
It could be moist air , too much water spray getting under the bonnet ( the front ) past the rubber bulkhead seal and over moist air over coming the condensation removal system.
Or a software issue thereby the compressor cuts off .
Have you tried it on just a lower setting ?
On a mk1 the AC drains are each corner of the tranny tunnel , rubber elbows you can pull off and shove a pipe cleaner up .
Mk1 But just to give you an idea where to look .
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/bentley/430919...
Edited by Fiammetta on Friday 15th January 09:14
Ok so following on from above ^^^ I looked as some images .
Take the previous modal and see the central air HVAC unit and how it’s fed relatively unwetted air from those vents in the bonnets and separated off by the rubber seal .
There’s one each side air enters here and the bonnet is effectively a duct channelling air to the centre .
Then the air is fed into the central HVAC which is rubber sealed in a middle compartment.
No water from the screen can reach this HVAC unit , or air moist ( full rain at the front @70 mph ) can reach it either ,
Now look at the new shaper 2018 redesign below .
So here it looks like water from the screen or moist air can possibly run into the intake RHS of pic .
Also the red line is the bulkhead seal = only one not two like the earlier modals .
Water I would have thought, too much could under certain circumstances be getting through .The condensations / drains in the pan unable to dehumidify it sufficiently.All assuming Bentley cannot find a fault .
So a design fault that shows up in cold damp climates when it rains.
It’s because where the wipers sit the HVAC unit sit in the same area .
On the earlier modals there are 3 zones under the hood , the HVAC is separated off , and the new model only 2 zones .
Take the previous modal and see the central air HVAC unit and how it’s fed relatively unwetted air from those vents in the bonnets and separated off by the rubber seal .
There’s one each side air enters here and the bonnet is effectively a duct channelling air to the centre .
Then the air is fed into the central HVAC which is rubber sealed in a middle compartment.
No water from the screen can reach this HVAC unit , or air moist ( full rain at the front @70 mph ) can reach it either ,
Now look at the new shaper 2018 redesign below .
So here it looks like water from the screen or moist air can possibly run into the intake RHS of pic .
Also the red line is the bulkhead seal = only one not two like the earlier modals .
Water I would have thought, too much could under certain circumstances be getting through .The condensations / drains in the pan unable to dehumidify it sufficiently.All assuming Bentley cannot find a fault .
So a design fault that shows up in cold damp climates when it rains.
It’s because where the wipers sit the HVAC unit sit in the same area .
On the earlier modals there are 3 zones under the hood , the HVAC is separated off , and the new model only 2 zones .
Edited by Fiammetta on Friday 15th January 09:59
There is a bulletin to replace underbody grommets along the sill area with redesigned parts, these can block and lead to condensation. Check this has been done.
Hvac flap motors can also be temperamental and I wouldn’t assume if it has been repaired before it won’t happen again. Get them to recheck for fault codes.
Hvac flap motors can also be temperamental and I wouldn’t assume if it has been repaired before it won’t happen again. Get them to recheck for fault codes.
corradokid said:
There is a bulletin to replace underbody grommets along the sill area with redesigned parts, these can block and lead to condensation. Check this has been done.
I had heard about the sill drain holes being really small and blocking easily but wasn't sure this was on the latest model. Apparently the sills fill with water from the rear quarter lights and they are open due to large holes which allows them to vent to the inside of the car.
Do you know the bulletin number for this? Is this the 2018- model?
OP - I ran past a new shape Continental today and noticed it was steamed up (parked). Not sure how long it had
been there but have been browsing the forum and reading your post over the last week I clocked it! Windows were misted as if someone was sitting in there with engine off for a period of time, but it was empty. Hopefully of use to you 👍
been there but have been browsing the forum and reading your post over the last week I clocked it! Windows were misted as if someone was sitting in there with engine off for a period of time, but it was empty. Hopefully of use to you 👍
Ok. The bulletin is for the current model. Sorry - I don't have any reference to it.
This was done on the second visit (and didn't cure the problem). I had been told by an independent that they had pulled out the grommets on another car and had litres of water come out.
Our dealer has found this time that the rubber seal on the NS rear quarter light had a defect and let in water. This has now been replaced. They are still testing the car..
This was done on the second visit (and didn't cure the problem). I had been told by an independent that they had pulled out the grommets on another car and had litres of water come out.
Our dealer has found this time that the rubber seal on the NS rear quarter light had a defect and let in water. This has now been replaced. They are still testing the car..
joncuk said:
Ok. The bulletin is for the current model. Sorry - I don't have any reference to it.
This was done on the second visit (and didn't cure the problem). I had been told by an independent that they had pulled out the grommets on another car and had litres of water come out.
Our dealer has found this time that the rubber seal on the NS rear quarter light had a defect and let in water. This has now been replaced. They are still testing the car..
mine is the current model too...will give them the above and see if it guides them...collecting it tomorrowThis was done on the second visit (and didn't cure the problem). I had been told by an independent that they had pulled out the grommets on another car and had litres of water come out.
Our dealer has found this time that the rubber seal on the NS rear quarter light had a defect and let in water. This has now been replaced. They are still testing the car..
Car is now back.
Dealer found that the passenger rear quarter window had a kink/fault in the seal on the front edge where it seals against the door glass. This was letting in water.
New glass now fitted and the car has been tested by them over a week or so with it standing in the rain and also driven - no steaming up apparently.
I have noticed now that the seal on the bottom of this new window does not meet the glass. Here are some photos looking down on it.
Drivers side (top is the reflection in the glass):
Passenger:
Pressed in by pushing on the trim, which flexes the quarter panel:
Now I don't know if it has always been that way, or whether this is just poor fitment of the replacement. Either way, water will now be getting into the sill - but hopefully draining out of the updated drain plugs!
Dealer found that the passenger rear quarter window had a kink/fault in the seal on the front edge where it seals against the door glass. This was letting in water.
New glass now fitted and the car has been tested by them over a week or so with it standing in the rain and also driven - no steaming up apparently.
I have noticed now that the seal on the bottom of this new window does not meet the glass. Here are some photos looking down on it.
Drivers side (top is the reflection in the glass):
Passenger:
Pressed in by pushing on the trim, which flexes the quarter panel:
Now I don't know if it has always been that way, or whether this is just poor fitment of the replacement. Either way, water will now be getting into the sill - but hopefully draining out of the updated drain plugs!
jeyjey said:
@Monkrover, is your Arnage a BMW ancillaries or a VW ancillaries car?
Sorry for the delay in replying. Mainly BMW (2000MY car) as they switched over to the 6.75 V8. However, I think the filters are consistent across the model...It's a known issue that the cabin filters get clogged and then help breed condensation.
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