Air Vents Always On [Archive] - Honda Element Owners Club Forum

: Air Vents Always On


condoman
05-12-2003, 05:38 AM
I just got my new blue EX E. When I direct heat to the foot area I can still feel it coming from the upper vents onto my face.

Also, when the system is off (according to TFM) with both left knobs all the way CCW I can still feel air coming in the upper vents.

Anyone else experience this?

Thanks

hambone
05-12-2003, 09:05 AM
when you say 'upper vents' are you talking 'bout the round dash, square dash, or defrost ?

lalabela
05-12-2003, 09:28 AM
I experience the same problem with the heat/AC. The nob will be in the "off" position, but a little air still comes through the system. I wasn't sure if it was "normal" or not.

condoman
05-12-2003, 10:14 AM
Round dash. Didn't check center dash.

Sheniferous
05-12-2003, 10:25 AM
honda has always done this... it's the same in my 1991 accord, the two side vents will be on even if you direct the flow to the feet.

jmalik92
05-12-2003, 10:41 AM
I have the same issue. Guess you have to point the vents away from yourself.

Sheniferous
05-12-2003, 10:49 AM
[quote:58e8e921d4="jmalik92"]I have the same issue. Guess you have to point the vents away from yourself.[/quote:58e8e921d4]

you could always close the 2 side vents... :wink: :D

jmalik92
05-12-2003, 10:56 AM
that would be too easy

condoman
05-12-2003, 10:57 AM
Closing the drivers side vent is OK, but it is a stretch to reach the passenger side while driving. I did note that shutting off the controls and pressing recirculate will stop all air flow. Seems like it should work as the manual states.

Thanks

jmalik92
05-12-2003, 11:07 AM
Thanks for the tip, I will try that out. Guess I should read the manual sometime.

ckole
05-12-2003, 03:22 PM
Just hit the recirc button on the air and it will shut the vents off.

- CK

jmalik92
05-13-2003, 07:12 AM
IT WORKED. thanks.

lon777
05-13-2003, 08:17 AM
In the normal mode, fresh air is always coming into the cabin. In the recirc mode air will be re-cycled. If air starts getting stale, switch off the recirc mode.

Element
05-13-2003, 04:05 PM
When you are on the highway, is it better to use recycle air to get better gas mileage or just stick with the the "normal" mode.

Is it true that if you use recycle air mode, the vents close and you get better gas mileage because their isn't any wind resistance from the outside?If you leave the air vent's on normal mode, you will get wind resistance because the vents are not closed therefore you get bad gas mileage??? :roll:

lon777
05-13-2003, 06:48 PM
There should be no difference because the air is still trying to enter the intakes and if they're closed or open it would make no difference. My past experiences with Hondas indicates i typically get the same gas mileage at freezing as I do at 110F with Air-con running. The only force i have experienced that kills gas mileage are very strong headwinds. I have to go Kansas frequently and in my civic, I usually got about 37 MPG. When I had to buck strong headwinds it would go down to about 30 -32 mpg.

dougola
05-21-2003, 10:25 PM
Ion777, Why would you have the A/C on in freezing weather? :wink:

Staggie
05-21-2003, 11:10 PM
It dehumidifies so fogging is removed more rapidly. In fact, the EX automatically uses the A/C whenever you use the defrost.

M Ornett
05-22-2003, 04:58 AM
In a humid climate, running the heater alone fogs up the windows - add the a/c and no steam. My old civic would be undriveable within seconds in the winter if just the heater was running - the humidity added from our breaths was enough to do the trick. In places without a lot of polution and traffic using outside air helps, but I just hate breathing in exhaust fumes from other vehicles, so I'm always using recirculated air.