Mickq- I had exactly same problem, and reaction, about 8 years ago in a VS C'Dore. Had exactly the same problem in 2 later model VT's. All were due to the drain pipe getting plugged up with mud etc from under the car. Easily fixed yourself with inserting some thin wire to clear the blockage- just keep clear as it gushes out. Had a similar problem with teenagers '87 model Astra (Nissan pulsar). Leaves fall into ventilation tubes - in the old Astra/Nissan the designers decided to place the resistive switch controller for the fan, inside the air con unit on the entry to the air con evaporator. Result ...normal hot resistors when fan turned on low + added dry munched leaves = major dash fire. Now that's exciting !!

Time for some enlightenment regarding the BA heater/ac system.The light mist that comes from the vents will only appear on days of high humidity when the a/c is on and the vent is set to fresh instead of recirc.Whist the a/c is using fresh air from outside the vehicle the system will run continuously due to the fact that as far as the a/c thermostat is concerned the air inside the vehicle isn't getting any colder because it isn't being drawn in from inside the vehicle.So to prevent this from happening simply run the a/c on recirc.The a/c system actually dries the air,it doesnt create moisture unless it's using humidity out of the external air.

The drain on the BA is directly above the transmission and usually gets blocked with a slymy substance not leaves.If you drop your glove compartment down and have a look at you heater unit you will see a door that houses the pollen filter if fitted.If you dont have a pollen filter then there is a mesh grille there to prevent outside debris from entering the heater assy.

Thanks excellent expanation but .....what about the heater always being slightly on?

Went to ford today to ask how can I clean out the drain pipe,and where its located.The guy said you need a hoist and offered to do it on the spot.

Brings the car back,long face,and says the pipe is clear BUT,must be split..console must come out to get to it.

So why do I know that my car will be f#cked after they do it on friday.

vik

Cant be happy with that Vik, you dont really want to think about your baby having open-dash surgery.

I guess in times like these you just have to hope that they dont get the dreaded left over screw when they finish re-assembly.

Hope it turns out OK.

Vik

Attached is a scanned photo of the results of open-dash surgery performed by a vandal trying to remove an in dash TV set in a Nissan maxima a month after I bought it new in 2000. (Happened at 4.00pm in a multi-storey carpark in Adelaide CBD!)

The Nissan was a complex beastie with climate control etc. The local dealer had to source a new dash etc from Japan and the total cost was more than $13,000 including electronics, seat cover etc

The point of the story is that all my fears that the car would never be the same again were unfounded. The dash went back together perfectly, everything worked, no rattles or glitches. So I no longer fear open-dash surgery provided the dealer can be persuaded to give the job to someone above the level of a 1st year apprentice. Try to sneak in while it's being done for a squizz and to make sure they're taking reasonable care.

Cheers

zeke

Sorry - forgot photo!

Zeke,I bet you felt sick when you saw that! Bring back the noose,that's horse theft!

vik