C5 - bad draught around steering column

[kandhh]

I have just acquired a 2006, C5 2.0 Hdi Exclusive estate. I love the car, but there is a bad draught that enters in the vicinity of the steering column at speeds over 50 mph, getting worse as speed increases. With this cold weather (external air temp -2C) this is very uncomfortable, especially as I have a circa 1 hour commute. I have tried everything with the controls, but the only thing that stops it is to put the air con on "recirc" - which then causes the car to mist up. Basically, that is not an acceptable solution. Has anybody else suffered this and, more importantly, how did you solve it?

[waynedance]

Yeah I noticed this and have packed lots of insulation material under the dash and around the steering column. Was getting a right draught on my leg.

[kandhh]

Thank you very much for that. I will definitely keep that as an option. I managed to get upside down in the footwell and saw up past the pedals. There is what appears to be an air outlet (grill) that vents into the space behind the centre console and I believe this is part of the "forced air intake" system. I would prefer to make that system function properly, if that really is the problem and isn't too difficult/expensive, otherwise the insulation option will be the route I will take. Thanks again.

[Lighty]

I have a customer who does lots of miles in his C5, he has had two mk11 cars and both have the same problem. Unfortunately I havnt found a cure , but will try a bit harder

[addo]

Recirc should not mist up the car if you have the condenser working correctly.

[Richard Stevens]

So, it's not just my car!
Yes, I thought I was imagining it at first, but definitely icy air around the lower legs. Never had it with my previous C5.
I was unaware of any 'forced air' system, but will see what is there.
Haven't done the upside-down bit yet, it's been too damn cold.
Like you, I'd rather have it working......

RS

[kandhh]

Appreciate all your comments so far.

It seems not to have been too bad recently and feeling has returned to my legs whilst driving - but that could be that the weather's a tad bit warmer. The whole area around the steering column and beneath the control panel is always much cooler to the touch than the surrounding trim. It makes me wonder if there is a temperature controlled flap somewhere that isn't perhaps working as it should be. Prior to my recent purchase of the vehicle, it had not been moved for 6 months at the car dealers with little interest shown in it (I wonder why?). It could be that the theoretical flap or actuator has become ceased and recent use has freed it up....?

The "forced/external" air intake I refer to is part of the recirc switch. It has appropriate icons showing air coming in from outside on one half of the switch and recirc on the other. When you press the button it cycles through recirc/external/off (normal operation a/c or blower). It is described better in the owners manual.

Will keep you informed.

K