Possible to turn off vents to windscreen?

[JeffM]

Stupid sounding question, I know, but it's one I haven't been able to answer by searching or reading my owner's manual. Anyone know if it's possible to adjust the Auto A/C system to blow air ONLY on the feet? I used to be able to do this on my Alfa 164, and I miss the ability in my new '04 Cooper S. I don't like having hot air blowing into my face after the car is warmed up, so I turn off those vents, but that seems to direct the air back up onto the windscreen. When it's not raining but the roads are wet, this heat dries the road spray onto the screen necessitating frequent sprayings (and since the washer bottle is so tiny, this is undesirable as I run out frequently). If I could keep the hot air off of the screen, the spray wouldn't dry and could be removed by wipers alone. Am I missing something obvious, or must the air go somewhere?

[mcglothh]

Jeff,

No, it is not possible to redirect the air manually when in AUTO mode. Once you make any adjustment to fan speed or air distribution, you exit the Auto-AC mode.

Your only solution is to simply press the air direction button with the icon showing an arrow pointing down toward the feet if that is where you want it. I think it is the bottom right button on the Automatic Climate control panel fascia.

Also, see page 72 of the '04 manual: available here as a pdf
- Mitch

[JeffM]

Yes,
That's what I do. I push the button to direct air to my feet alone, but there continues to be a small amount of air directed up onto the windscreen which keeps it warm. Only when I push the button to get air on my face do the screen vents close off completely. Perhaps there's a seal in the system somewhere which isn't sealing properly?

[mcglothh]

Jeff,

It appears that the feature of reduced air flow on the windscreen from the dash vent while directing air only to your feet is as intended by design, as my MCS works exactly the same way as you described (I checked mine this morning).

Anyone else care to comment?

- Mitch

[JeffM]

Crap. That's what I suspected, but not the answer I was hoping for. I guess I'll just have to carry a bottle of washer fluid in the boot for top-ups. I can live with it, but wouldn't choose it to be this way. Thanks for confirming that they're all this way.

[GBMINI]

I think the design intent is to ensure that the windscreen never mists up by always directing a bit of airflow upwards. When you have it on face, I imagine the center vent in the top of the dash gives some windscreen airflow too.

But I agree it is annoying sometimes that you cannot choose what you want from a cars heating system - this is a pet peeve of mine. Fords are worst IMHO - you can only have the a/c on if it blows on your face.