[Eddie]

Hi! This is my first post to this fine forum. I've had my 2002 Prius now for over 3 months and am loving it.

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this and might have some feedback: When driving over 25 mph or so with 2 or more open windows, (especially the rear ones) the air in the cabin is liable to acquire a kind of rapid pulsating quality that penetrates right into one's inner ear in a most unpleasant way. My guess is that the cabin's shape just happens, by unlucky accident, to create this unfortunate phenomenon, but if there's anything I can do to stop it, (besides of course, adjusting the window settings and/or car speed when it occurs) I'd love to hear it.

Thanks!

Eddie

 

[award]

Absoutely. The pulsating phenomenon is what's kept me with the A/C on since I picked mine up in March. I've noticed it happens even with the windows cracked.

On a related note, it's only been in the last week that I've had a few opportunities to drive without A/C thanks to the cool-down from last week's hurricane. Excellent!

 

[RSnyder]

Hi,
I've experienced the pulsating in many brands/models of cars which allow the rear windows to open fully. You can stop the pulse by also opening a front window. When driving slow I like to run with both front windows full open, both back windows full closed. When faster, I open the front and rear of one side (usually driver, but sometimes passenger) about 2 inches, and keep the other side closed. This sets up a nice swirling pattern in the air that does a good job of keeping me cool without A/C if the outside temp. is under about 83F. Over that, I turn on the A/C and set the thermostat to 79 or 80 (or 74 if my wife's in the car).

 

[mmahaffie]

Pulsations....

I've noticed that phenomenon in other cars as well, not just my Prius (Green '01). I find that a littel finagling with where the windows are set will usually fix it, though as a general rule I prefer to keep the windows up once I'm cruising at over 40 or 45 mph anyway... road noise, etc.

Mike