Cooling A Hot Passion Cabin.

[a2jack]

Some times I just don't want the aircon on, yet the cabin is uncomfortably hot.

Today I learned to switch the "vent" knob to defrost, add one or two clicks of blower, and crack the passenger window.

No aircon....Blower Noise way down... cabin a lot cooler.

Try this in mild weather, works very well in town too. A2Jack.

[Little John]

Originally Posted by a2jack

Some times I just don't want the aircon on, yet the cabin is uncomfortably hot.

Today I learned to switch the "vent" knob to defrost, add one or two clicks of blower, and crack the passenger window.

No aircon....Blower Noise way down... cabin a lot cooler.

Try this in mild weather, works very well in town too. A2Jack.

You do understand that the air conditioner is running when the vent knob is set to defrost (page 152) while the outside temperature is above 38 degrees (page 151)?

It's in the owner's manual!

[JPaul]

Note, just in case: Owner's Manual, end of page 152

Do not turn the air distribution control permanently to position (windshield). The air condition switches on independently of other settings. The indicator lamp on switch "A/C" does not come on. The vehicle's consumption increases and the driving performance may be influenced.

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by Little John

You do understand that the air conditioner is running when the vent knob is set to defrost while the outside temperature is above 38 degrees?

It's in the owner's manual!

Damn! I forgot about that, No wonder it worked so well. I thought I hit the magic.

Well, back to the drawing board. Thanks all...A2Jack.

[SuperGeek]

No magic, but you did hit on something... by using the windshield to deflect air, you can bump up the airflow and reduce the noise while keeping the same amount cooling. In fact, by having indirect cooling it's more like central air conditioning instead of sitting in front of a window unit. The direct cold air just makes the hotspots feel that much hotter. It may actually cool off the windshield and dash which will radiate heat something serious.

[johnssc]

My basic rule of thumb (and I have a Passion) is that below 85F, with both windows down the cabin stays relatively comfortable and I can listen to the radio/cd player no problem. This is in essentially "suburban" driving topping out at approximately 45, although I see 55 for short periods (one to two mile stretches). Cabin seems to ventilate just fine - way better than my Celica.

Anything over 85 and I use the A/C.

[Woody14619]

Why not just hit the remote button to roll the roof back before you get in? Thats what I do. Oh... Passion, not Passion Cabrio. Sorry!

[yuckmoon]

I open the door and let the vent run for a minute before getting in. Then I pull the hair back in a pony tail, roll the windows down and go.

Now if I'm stuck in grid lock I roll up the windows and turn on the A/C.

[slowpoke]

the first quirk I noticed after taking delivery of my Passion coupe was that it is a "Hot Box", living in the south it is a issue. I have taken steps to solve this issue
1. Purchased a large set of Sun Shades from Wal-mart. One for the windsheild,and the other one I placed between screen and roof. The one between the roof did the most good
2. purchased a old style seat cushion that allow ventalation between you and the seat
3. Self-Installed Limo tent the top first 4" of door windows, to keep sun from glaring in windows. this work exceptionaly well and soon will give Smart a professional full lighter tint job

the sheilding of heat and sun from roof of the car really made a big difference, when fall arrives I will slide screen back and remove sun shade. The biggest heat is now from windsheild in my lap