What the heck is this?!

[Maverick202]

My ‘02 F250 has the same gray dash and over the years in the sun it looks the same as OP’s only it won’t clean off anymore. The good news, I started using a sun shade about 10 years ago and it hasn’t gotten any worse

Suns rays, bummer.

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[GreenLady]

Suns rays, bummer.

Yes, strong sun in FL! At least it’s all over so it looks like it’s by design

 

[GPSMan]

Wow. Some people are cray cray.

You know who.

The sudden onset COULD be related to a certain temperature threshold being reached. Example, at like less than 100 deg my dash is not sticky. Above 100, sticky. But it does not stay sticky all the time.

Or to explain why "just the wheel" and sudden onset, it could be explained by the precise way the sunlight hit it, such as being parked next to something shiny just this time, or having something reflective in the car just this time.

Other examples: human intervention you are unaware of. (Sounds unlikely)

Divine intervention (Very unlikely).

Remember: Magic is just science you don't understand. And illusion is just something you didn't see.

 

[Maverick202]

Wow. Some people are cray cray.

You know who.

The sudden onset COULD be related to a certain temperature threshold being reached. Example, at like less than 100 deg my dash is not sticky. Above 100, sticky. But it does not stay sticky all the time.

Or to explain why "just the wheel" and sudden onset, it could be explained by the precise way the sunlight hit it, such as being parked next to something shiny just this time, or having something reflective in the car just this time.

Other examples: human intervention you are unaware of. (Sounds unlikely)

Divine intervention (Very unlikely).

Remember: Magic is just science you don't understand. And illusion is just something you didn't see.

Hey GPSMan, nice analytical break down. I really like what you wrote. Well said!

 

[GPSMan]

Was going to add:

Technology you don't understand will be alien to you.

The proof is in Roswell New Mexico.

 

[gamesindians]

I’m not sure why you’re trying to catch me in a lie when one doesn’t exist, but I’ll make it simple for you with pictures.

Here is the specific product I used:

Most 'DIY' powerwash refills are diluted dawn soap and rubbing alcohol.

Though I'll leave conclusions on possible ingredients in the original formula that could have caused it to experts in this domain: https://pgpro.com/en-us/brands/dawn-professional/platinum-powerwash#Safety-Ingredients

EDIT: grammar/clarity

 

[mlain001]

As the title says… “What the heck is this?!”

I got in my truck today and it looks like the plastic on the steering wheel (just the center piece) in my Mav aged 15 years overnight! To be clear, this plastic, like the rest of the interior, looked fantastic yesterday. The truck is a year old and it is (was) pristine. Additionally, before anyone asks or suspects it, I’ve never applied any cleaner, protective treatment, or any other product or chemical to this plastic.

Anyone have any ideas?

Mine did the same thing, only it wasn't an even coverage, mine looked smudged instead of having an overall sheen. I used some Lysol wipes on it and it has looked fine since. Only thing I could think of was that I must have had something on my hands the day before.

 

[BoldlyGoingNowhere]

I’m not sure why you’re trying to catch me in a lie when one doesn’t exist, but I’ll make it simple for you with pictures.

Here is the specific product I used:

Make sure you rinse this off very well. It is more than just dawn and alcohol and could affect your plastic even more. Alcohol itself is rough on plastic. Dawn powerwash is a degreaser that breaks down oils and that is essentially what plasticizers that keep plastic supple and intact are.

Rinse it well and go over it with 303 protectant.

Did you have one of those interior packages thrown in by the dealer? Did you add anything to the cab like floor mats, seat covers that could have offgassed?
It looks very familiar, like that haze that plastics on harbor freight tools get over time.

 

[redskins5]

Hi there, I'd be happy to look into your Maverick concerns on my end. Will you send us a message with your VIN and dealership info? I can look into things on my end.

I have the same issue with my 2021 F-150. I usually wipe it down ith a wet cloth and it clears it upand a few days to a couple weeks later it is back again.

 

[FunctionSpec]

I worked in auto for many years. This is probably vinyl. Vinyl is made with plasticizers to make them soft for auto interiors. These migrate through the vinyl to the surface over time. This is called blooming in the industry and vinyl is well known for it. Ever wonder what that new car smell is?

Without plasticizers your shower curtain would be as stiff as PVC drain pipe. More or less if the manufactuer chooses vinyl this is going to happen.

After vinyl looses it, it becone stiff and more brittle. This is why old cars have cracks in the vinyl.

I learned something new today and also a new word, "plasticizers". Thank you for sharing that bit of info. So I'm guessing this is why some members notice slight "splitting" in the middle of the airbag cover. The vinyl is losing it's plasticizers and making it less flexible and exposing the "split" that is used when the airbag is deployed?

 

[NoMoneyNoTime]

Here is the specific product I used:

Everybody knows that 473mL is the devil's preferred measure of volume. That's proof enough of your witchcraft.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Pastor...do you talk a lot when driving? Like Sermonizing ? Moisture from your breath...O , never mind.

I'm a little slow at times and missed the reference to a Pastor Sermonizing and was interpreting your statement that he should SIMONIZE HIS PLASTIC!

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