Misting not demisting

Can you provide some advice or pointers to the problem with our Freelander

We have had a Land Rover Freelander V2 on a 57 plate for 3 years. It is not garaged and is exposed to all elements that Berkshire weather can throw at it -- so not that extreme.

The problem started about 18 mths ago. When the heater is set to “heat” and first switched on, it creates a lot of moisture within the car, which totally mists up the windscreen. On occasions it has taken 15-20 mins to clear the moisture, by having the heater on full with all the windows open.

The problem happens particularly after rain or if the heater has not been used for some time. Done the obvious such as clearing the drain channels in front of the windscreen

We have taken it to a Land Rover specialist, but he could not find the issue. After the car was returned to us the problem did seem to be not so bad for a time, but now it has started again.

Have you come across this problem before?? Can you provide pointers as to the cause/solution?

Thanks for any help you can give

Could there be a small leak in the heater element? I've seen this before, where the excess water evaporates and comes out of your vents.

Does the coolant level go down at all? I'm not sure where the heater matrix is on your car, but is there any sign of fluid leaking under it? It usually comes out in the engine compartment or in a footwell - wet carpets being the diagnostic sign in the latter case.

Alternatively, depending on the severity, maybe it's just being a Land Rover. An awful lost of mist forms on the windows of a Land Rover even in the best of circumstances. And on the underside of the roof.

Dont know where the intake is on a freelander (frequently just under the dash, but make sure its clear, a build up of damp leaves on the intake can cause it.

otherwise, it may just be a build up from lack of use. Get it really warm and run it on hot for 1/2 hour or so (longer the better to really dry out all the duct work., then see if its still doing it, if so, it may be your heater matrix.

Is your recirculating air flap stuck in the recirculate position? That would cause that.

Running aircon with heat will get rid of mist if its working properly.

Pollen filter sodden and or mouldy?

Car damp inside and needs drying?

switch on the aircon with the heat.

Thanks to all your great answers. Based on these I have done further investigations.

The coolant level is about normal. However, under the matting, particularly that in the front passenger well, the carpets are very wet - never noticed that before as it was under the mats. There is no wetness on the carpet upstands in either of the front wells.

I have searched for the air vent under the dash but w/o success. It all seems quite dry up there.

Looking at other posts and other sites (all trigger by your feedback) some are suggesting it could be an air con drain problem. Could this be it? where is the pipe outlet and does the pipe flow under the passenger foot-well? Is any blockage easy to clear?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.