Not happy with my defrost - a bit strange

[TCBSport]

This winter my 2023 Badlands has exhibited a bit of strange behavior with the windshield fogging up and not completely clearing up unless I put it on max defrost which is annoying with the fan at full blast. It's not a dangerous complete fogging but it is enough to notice and be annoying. My coolant level is fine so no heater core issue and even on the standard defrost setting when I put my hand up on the dash the air is blowing warm. Has anyone had similar behavior? Maybe I need to treat the inside of my windshield with something?

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[AlanMac]

Reset your sync system. HVAC is controlled by sync, it may fix the problem.

 

[DonImbimbo]

It could also be a slight leak in the A/C system. That comes on to help the defog.

 

[Robins21]

Also try routine cleaning of the inside of the front windshield. If your BS sits in the sun the chemicals that are in & used to make the dash top will out-gas & leave a film on the inside of the windshield. I routinely clean our 21 BS/BB & my 05 F-150. It happens on all make vehicles.

 

[rugedraw]

Reset your sync system. HVAC is controlled by sync, it may fix the problem.

The HVAC has it's own module. In the case of the 2025 like yours, the a/c controls are on the touchscreen and not seperate like on the 21-24 models, but the HVAC is still managed by a seperate module and not the APIM itself.

 

[Whpony96]

Pull the cabin air filter (behind the glove box door) and see if it wet.

 

[AlanMac]

The HVAC has it's own module. In the case of the 2025 like yours, the a/c controls are on the touchscreen and not seperate like on the 21-24 models, but the HVAC is still managed by a seperate module and not the APIM itself.

Good to know., thanks. My left dash vent lets air thru it when only the under dash vent it on. I reset my sync to no avail. So maybe I'll have Ford service look at it sometime.

 

[Me3]

Is your a/c off? I don’t remember exactly how those controls work, but the windshield clears much faster and stays cleared if the a/c button is on.
You’ll still have warm air but the a/c pulls the moisture out. And make sure the recirc. Is off.

 

[FNR8DRZ]

Do you run the defroster with the AC on? I haven't noticed your issue in our Bronco....but....

I have this issue in my 23 VW. I was told to run defrost with the AC on at your desired temp. It works for me. I guess the AC blows at a lower humidity.

 

[MB_Ray]

This winter my 2023 Badlands has exhibited a bit of strange behavior with the windshield fogging up and not completely clearing up unless I put it on max defrost which is annoying with the fan at full blast. It's not a dangerous complete fogging but it is enough to notice and be annoying. My coolant level is fine so no heater core issue and even on the standard defrost setting when I put my hand up on the dash the air is blowing warm. Has anyone had similar behavior? Maybe I need to treat the inside of my windshield with something?

Yeah, I've been noticing this too. Brand new 2025 BSBB. Very annoying.

Reset your sync system. HVAC is controlled by sync, it may fix the problem.

I'm new to this. How does one do this? Thanks!

 

[AlanMac]

AI so it maybe correct? You could call yuor local ford service dept to varify. To reset the HVAC system on a 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands, hold down the Power button (center of the volume knob) for up to 10 seconds to reboot the control module. Alternatively, for deeper resets, try holding the Power and Defrost buttons together for 5 seconds, or disconnect the negative battery terminal for 10-15 minutes.

 

[TCBSport]

Also try routine cleaning of the inside of the front windshield. If your BS sits in the sun the chemicals that are in & used to make the dash top will out-gas & leave a film on the inside of the windshield. I routinely clean our 21 BS/BB & my 05 F-150. It happens on all make vehicles.

This was the solution! Thank you for this info as I had yet to clean the inside of the windshield. I cleaned the drivers side half first to test and sure enough it is now as clear as it could ever be while the passenger side remained a bit foggy.

 

[Robins21]

This was the solution! Thank you for this info as I had yet to clean the inside of the windshield. I cleaned the drivers side half first to test and sure enough it is now as clear as it could ever be while the passenger side remained a bit foggy.

I am glad it worked to solve your problem.

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