air con stronger w/ roof down?

[tranquility]

I've always heard this (i.e. the AC detects that the roof is down and blows harder, I assume) but never tested/felt it: is this true and how exactly do you know?

[nicknaz]

Maybe open and close roof with AC on and put your hand by the vent?

[jparnes1]

Just the opposite. when I turn on the car with the HVAC on, it's blowing pretty strong but as the roof closes into the trunk, the HVAC air flow drops significantly. Makes sense since you wouldn't run the AC with the top down (or maybe you want to)

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Just the opposite. when I turn on the car with the HVAC on, it's blowing pretty strong but as the roof closes into the trunk, the HVAC air flow drops significantly. Makes sense since you wouldn't run the AC with the top down (or maybe you want to)

Really? Maybe I misread previous posts then? Actually, I rarely use AC when the top's down but wonder what should be the logic re top up/down vis-a-vis AC?

OT>
As a side note, it is true that males prefer windows down more than females when the top's down? My wife almost ALWAYS wants the windows up and I want them down, makes the car look weird. Argh.

[DACZ4]

When it is hot an humid down here in south eastern pa I always run the AC when the top is down with mid vents and lower vents. Keeps you cool.

My woke always has her window up. Says it reduces the wind in her ears. Must be a female thing.

[tranquility]

^Yes, must be a female thing; her reason is not to mess up her hair. Still, I don't get having a convertible and not lowering the windows unless it's crazy windy.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Just the opposite. when I turn on the car with the HVAC on, it's blowing pretty strong but as the roof closes into the trunk, the HVAC air flow drops significantly. Makes sense since you wouldn't run the AC with the top down (or maybe you want to)

Maybe it is situational? On a recent 90F day, I drove on the freeway and the AC was blowing at a low speed, then when I opened the roof when I got to local roads the AC started blasting.

In any case, I have lately found myself using the auto setting for the HVAC when the roof is up, and switching it to manual to get exactly the airflow and temp I want with the roof down.

[Lurcher]

I most always am running the AC with the top down. Sitting at a red light baking is not my idea of fun...

I'm not one of those "soft" folks living the life on the west coasts with there 80 degree summer days...

[jparnes1]

Does anyone notice, like me, that it's harder to get a smooth shift (6MT) with the AC on? It always seems to buck just a little bit when the clutch engages.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Lurcher

I'm not one of those "soft" folks living the life on the west coasts with there 80 degree summer days...

[Kessler35is]

This is in the manual.

Both the AC and the Stereo have top up and down modes that auto switch.