Hey Guys,

I just noticed the other day when i have the heat on in the car (and the top vents i believe it is selected) that the sides of the center console (by the shifter and a bit back) seem to get really really warm. If it was just really warm I wouldn't think much about it but it was really really warm.

Do the vents to the back run at the sides there?

Is this normal? or could it be possible that the vents aren't sealed properly?

It happens on both sides. And when Im using the dual zone it only happens on one side when that side has the top vents on.

 

If ur turn ur A/C on they get cold.

 

Yes, the vents run right by them.

 

yup he have heated and cooled cup holders. my coffee stays warm on those 3 hour drives. it just sucks when its cold out and you have a water and the heat on.

 

the rear vents blow the same as the front vents... if they are coming out of the floor in front, the heat comes out of under the front seats in the rear... from what I understand... but being in FLA I always have the A/C on snow so it's always a chill-fest in my car.... keeps my cigs, wallet and I pod cold....nice

 

I've found that I need to close the vents in the rear in order to keep my right thigh from getting frostbitten. Either that or put a piece of blanket there.

 

Good to know its not just me. It does keep my coffee warm too. But it also gets a little warm in the center console box. But on these cold drives though its a good thing as it warms up my thighs as well. Kind of like an added bonus.

 

Yea, I have this same thing happening with my 99 TL. In the 2G's the A/C vents run through the center console and go to the vents that are in the back on the back of the center console. I live in FL too, and when I have it on cold in the summer, you can almost feel condensation building up when you touch side of the console (on the left side of the console). So it's not just the newer TL's that do it, it may even be other brands too, depending if they have it set up the same way that we do.

 

It's amazing what one can find if you read the owner's manual. :wink:

The center console and drink holders are designed to cool when the a/c is on and heat when the heater is on. It's not really a refrigerator but does a decent job.

It's especially nice on a road trip.

I think you will find the same thing in the glove compartment, but to a lesser degree. Other premium marques actually DO cool the glove compartment and it's adjustable. I never had a use for it. Like a screen door on a submarine.

 

its normal

 

I love it- its a problem on the 2nd G cars- so we take it apart and insulate the air tube

The Gen 3- hey this is a feature!

If your cars are similar in the airflow- closing the rear ducts actually makes it worse because the air is pushed there and has no exit.
Leave rear vents open for full flow thruout car and less chilly legs.

I like seat heater- can always plug in the coffee cup if needed too!

 

Same thing in the summer....if you close the rear A/C vents, you will notice much better performance in the front