Fiat safety pack and condensation.

[Aji]

Van is fitted with the Fiat safety pack , 2021 Adria twin sgx.
The forward camera and sensor for auto functions are housed in the unit attached inside the windscreen . Photo shows the unit where the forward camera and sensor are located.
On a few occasions after a night in the van, the forward camera and auto sensor have become inactive due to condensation inside on the windscreen.
This knocks out assisted breaking, lane departure warning, road sign recognition, auto wiper speed, auto lights etc.
It takes an hour or two for the condensation to clear before the camera and sensor operate as normal, not good.
The official response from Fiat technical is that there is no problem with the unit and condensation build up can occur as the vehicle is a motorhome that is being slept in.

I found this response unbelievable, the unit housing the camera and sensor should be a sealed unit.
I think that Fiat have produced a system that is not fit for purpose.

Ally

 

[Lenny HB]

Not turned the aircon off have you?

 

[Aji]

The aircon ( cab side ) would be off, van engine not running. The condensation is after sleeping in the van.
I do have an Aircon unit ( hab side ) for warmer climes but not used that yet.

Ally

 

[royandsharont]

I have no personal knowledge Aji but am interested as my new van will have the same, when it arrives.

What does the assisted breaking actually do/come into action eg slow speeds when manoeuvring, like in my car, only or when driving at some speed?

I recently had a chip in my Skoda SUV screen repaired and have sensors etc like the van. In chatting with the auto glass technician I asked what happens Re the technology if screen needs replacing. He didn’t explain in detail but said they would separate the cameras etc from the screen without problem and I took it that it was sealed in some way. Wish I’d of asked now.

I recall you getting yours, how you liking the new van?

 

[Phill D]

just to get a fuller picture of the problem do you use a silver screen on the outside?

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[Lenny HB]

The aircon ( cab side ) would be off, van engine not running. The condensation is after sleeping in the van.
I do have an Aircon unit ( hab side ) for warmer climes but not used that yet.

Ally

Surely it will clear once you start driving with the cab aircon on.

 

[NicandJay]

Van is fitted with the Fiat safety pack , 2021 Adria twin sgx.
The forward camera and sensor for auto functions are housed in the unit attached inside the windscreen . Photo shows the unit where the forward camera and sensor are located.
On a few occasions after a night in the van, the forward camera and auto sensor have become inactive due to condensation inside on the windscreen.
This knocks out assisted breaking, lane departure warning, road sign recognition, auto wiper speed, auto lights etc.
It takes an hour or two for the condensation to clear before the camera and sensor operate as normal, not good.
The official response from Fiat technical is that there is no problem with the unit and condensation build up can occur as the vehicle is a motorhome that is being slept in.

I found this response unbelievable, the unit housing the camera and sensor should be a sealed unit.
I think that Fiat have produced a system that is not fit for purpose.

Ally
View attachment 595170

We have the same issue. It clears soon enough with the cab aircon going or if you put on external insulating screen it doesnt happen at all. Dont forget you have a commercial vehicle converted into motorhome. As a base vehicle it was not designed for people to sleep in

 

[Phill D]

this is probably not the answer you are looking for, but could you get a small insulated pouch knocked up to put over it at night. probably prevent any condensation within the unit.

 

[Aji]

I have no personal knowledge Aji but am interested as my new van will have the same, when it arrives.

What does the assisted breaking actually do/come into action eg slow speeds when manoeuvring, like in my car, only or when driving at some speed?

I recently had a chip in my Skoda SUV screen repaired and have sensors etc like the van. In chatting with the auto glass technician I asked what happens Re the technology if screen needs replacing. He didn’t explain in detail but said they would separate the cameras etc from the screen without problem and I took it that it was sealed in some way. Wish I’d of asked now.

I recall you getting yours, how you liking the new van?

Hello,
According to the Fiat blurb if a potential collision is detected it alerts the driver and starts an assisted break application if required, I have not needed this so far. No mention of speeds.

The van is great to drive, 180 engine and 9 speed auto are brilliant.
Normal rattles etc, heavy chassis and high tyre pressures makes for a rock solid drive.
Not sure about general wear and tear yet, only done 3700 miles since August.
Heading to France , Italy and Spain mid May so should have more info regarding good / bad points etc.
Most things on both the Adria and Fiat sides working as they should .

Ally

 

[Aji]

just to get a fuller picture of the problem do you use a silver screen on the outside?

Hello,
I do not have a Silver screen for the outside but I will definitely be purchasing one.

Ally

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[Aji]

Surely it will clear once you start driving with the cab aircon on.

Hello,
Wiped clean all the windscreen condensation, however it still took at least an hour whilst driving before the condensation cleared from the camera / sensor unit and the safety system was fully functional again.

Ally

 

[Lenny HB]

Hello,
Wiped clean all the windscreen condensation, however it still took at least an hour whilst driving before the condensation cleared from the camera / sensor unit and the safety system was fully functional again.

Ally

Have you tried putting it on fast demist?

 

[Aji]

We have the same issue. It clears soon enough with the cab aircon going or if you put on external insulating screen it doesnt happen at all. Dont forget you have a commercial vehicle converted into motorhome. As a base vehicle it was not designed for people to sleep in

Hello,

It did not clear for at least 1hour whilst driving and before the warning messages disappeared.
As for the base vehicle, the Fiat take on it is what you say, sleeping in the vehicle will cause condensation, not designed for that purpose.

My problem with this is I have paid for this extra and expect it to work, no mention anywhere of the potential problem with this system due to it being fitted to a motorhome.

Ally

 

[NicandJay]

The sensors are housed, as in your photo, in a non sealed plastic unit therefore suffering from the same condensation the exposed parts of the windscreen suffer which you can wipe; you simply cannot wipe the areas othe windscreen fronted the sensors which causes the problem. An external insulating blanket should solve the issue...

 

[Aji]

this is probably not the answer you are looking for, but could you get a small insulated pouch knocked up to put over it at night. probably prevent any condensation within the unit.

Hello,

I was thinking along the lines of applying some type of sealant.

Ally

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[Lenny HB]

I asked a few posts ago have you tried the aircon on fast demist?

 

[Aji]

Have you tried putting it on fast demist?

Hello again,

Will do next time I have this problem and record time it takes to clear,

Ally

 

[Aji]

The sensors are housed, as in your photo, in a non sealed plastic unit therefore suffering from the same condensation the exposed parts of the windscreen suffer which you can wipe; you simply cannot wipe the areas othe windscreen fronted the sensors which causes the problem. An external insulating blanket should solve the issue...

Hello,

Yeah, what you say is bang on.

I will be purchasing an external screen.

Ally

 

[Lenny HB]

Hello again,

Will do next time I have this problem and record time it takes to clear,

Ally

I do find when I hit the max button the screen clears quite a lot quicker and I've got a big A Class screen.

 

[NicandJay]

I asked a few posts ago have you tried the aircon on fast demist?

That still takes a good while to clear all the way to the very top of the screen and into the portion of the screen in front of the sensor pod. A "silver screen" is the best preventative measure

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[Aji]

That still takes a good while to clear all the way to the very top of the screen and into the portion of the screen in front of the sensor pod. A "silver screen" is the best preventative measure

Hello again,

Spot on.

I still think the unit should be sealed,

Ally

 

[Phill D]

Hello again,

Spot on.

I still think the unit should be sealed,

Ally

The best way is to insulate it, what happens if you seal it and condensation gets inside, it will be a problem to sort.

 

[Wizz]

Aji,

You may find a set of these can really help with eradication of a good deal of overnight condensation.
The side window deflectors allow you to crank your windows down a couple of inches each side without letting the elements in or compromising security.
We find them very useful.

Climair Wind Deflectors

 

[Aji]

Aji,

You may find a set of these can really help with eradication of a good deal of overnight condensation.
The side window deflectors allow you to crank your windows down a couple of inches each side without letting the elements in or compromising security.
We find them very useful.

Climair Wind Deflectors

Hello,

Yeah, good idea.

I have a set on my Focus RS, didn't know thay produced a set for vans,

Thanks

Ally

 

[Aji]

Aji,

You may find a set of these can really help with eradication of a good deal of overnight condensation.
The side window deflectors allow you to crank your windows down a couple of inches each side without letting the elements in or compromising security.
We find them very useful.

Climair Wind Deflectors

Hello again,

Thanks for the link.

Purchased a set through Amazon for just over £58 delivered, Climair were asking for £80 including delivery for exactly the same product.

Ally

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[Drexl]

I have the ADAS on my 2020 Boxer. Haven't had any condensation problems on driving first thing in the morning, but I do use an exterior thermal cover when it is cold weather. Also have a Maxxair roof fan running on low speed overnight - situated just behind the cab area.
I have had warning messages saying the system is inoperable when driving into low sun - presumably the camera is temporarily dazzled and can't see clearly. System comes on again when direction or shade changes.