[718S]

So I’ve had my 2019 718 for just over a month. Today my front window was fogging a bit. I clicked what was the front window defrost button and was thrown off a bit. The fan was on full blast and I couldn’t figure out why the fan speed switch wouldn’t slow it down. I pulled over and still couldn’t understand. Of course I was able to turn it off but I figured “what if it starts fogging again?” Once I figured it out I was embarrassed. I’ve never had a car do this before. am I the only one?

 

[jimmuller]

Apparently when Porsche thinks you need the defroster it gives you everything it's got. The heat come on, the ac comes on, the fan kicks up, and presto the window clears.

 

[johan]

Its more like a winter thing or use it when the car is cold and its raining.
At those times the front fogs up when you start the car.
If the front window fogs up while driving just turn on the AC.

 

[don]

I also tried the demister yesterday when it was about down to 9C/48F. It certainly has a ferocity to it! I guess it is an emergency type thing.

I also notice with the small cabin it does fog up a bit in the cold. Particularly when I tried out the heated steering wheel, lasted only a few minutes before it got too hot!

I ended up putting the AC on low on the upper vent and it kept the fog at bay.

 

[alf_17]

Just have the AC on at all times, it will dehumidify the air.
The front defroster is meant for de-icing windows in the wintertime or defogging on startup, and it is a pretty common thing on all the cars I have ever owned, I do however know that it is possible to get some cars with electric defroster which work like the rear defroster.

 

[718S]

Yeah I get it now. In the US we usually just set the heat/ac setting to the front window and adjust it with the fan setting. The super charged defroster was something I've never experienced! LOL

 

[jimmuller]

We've owned a string of Caravans for carrying our music stuff around. At least in the last two (and I don't remember before that) pushing the defrost button turns on the AC except in really cold conditions. Drying the air really makes a difference. Also turning on air-recirculate also turns on the AC.

 

[greywing]

It seems that my last few cars all had the defroster act in the hurricane mode - e.g. AC on and the big wind. If you are driving fast and are suddenly blinded by internal fog you want to get rid of it fast.

 

[jt4006]

My 993 and the 718 do the same thing; hurricane mode. Apparently Porsche has a thing with foggy windows.

 

[johan]

This is just hilarious !
All of you that are suprised should spend a week in the snow or cold rainy weather.
Also dont forgett that Boxster even with the top up still is an open car.
So if the drip pan has water in it it will fog as h-ll.

 

[718S]

This is just hilarious !
All of you that are suprised should spend a week in the snow or cold rainy weather.
Also dont forgett that Boxster even with the top up still is an open car.
So if the drip pan has water in it it will fog as h-ll.

Glad we're humoring you.

I certainly do have snow/cold/icy weather around here. However we don't usually have the hurricane defrosting mode as in this fine vehicle. It's usually just part of the regular heat controls that are on the right hand side of the Porsche. The button on the left threw me off. lol

 

[Barryng]

I seem to remember (but I am not 100% sure) a number of years ago (I am thinking 20+) the Federal Government mandated a very user friendly method of quickly defogging a windshield. Every car I have had with auto A/C systems for many years now has a button that does exactly what was described in the first message; max fan all air directed at windshield, max hot, and A/C compressor engaged for dehumidification if temp is above low 40s or so. It is nothing that cannot be manually configured and even modulated but just a single button to clear the windshield as quickly as possible. At least with respect to previous BMWs, Lexus's, and an Acura, with auto systems, they all have had that button. My 2002 Z3 with a fully manual A/C system did not have it.

 

[Wine.O]

I for one find added intelligence where none was needed a bit annoying. What if I want air coming from those vents but don't want it cold or need it dry? Why can I not select them w/ the A/C off? If it gets to be a problem, I'd change it. These cars won't even let you run with the air on recirc unless the A/C is running. I get that it *could* cause the window to fog but why do they not let me choose? Maybe I just don't want the exhaust of the truck in front of me blowing in for a bit. Last fall there were lots of fires in our area and the valley I live in filled w/ smoke. The car forced me to choose A/C on or blow the smoke in. At what point did drivers become so incapable that we can't be expected to work climate controls?

 

[johan]

Glad we're humoring you.

I certainly do have snow/cold/icy weather around here. However we don't usually have the hurricane defrosting mode as in this fine vehicle. It's usually just part of the regular heat controls that are on the right hand side of the Porsche. The button on the left threw me off. lol

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It might be a US vs EU kind of thing, all my cars have had that feature with or without AC

 

[johan]

I for one find added intelligence where none was needed a bit annoying. What if I want air coming from those vents but don't want it cold or need it dry? Why can I not select them w/ the A/C off? If it gets to be a problem, I'd change it. These cars won't even let you run with the air on recirc unless the A/C is running. I get that it *could* cause the window to fog but why do they not let me choose? Maybe I just don't want the exhaust of the truck in front of me blowing in for a bit. Last fall there were lots of fires in our area and the valley I live in filled w/ smoke. The car forced me to choose A/C on or blow the smoke in. At what point did drivers become so incapable that we can't be expected to work climate controls?

You can choose whatever vent you want to use, as driving top down in the cold, i use full heat, high blower and the air from the floor only.
But its correct that closed circulations means AC on.

 

[jimmuller]

FWIW, on our Caravan I can always turn off the AC which comes on automatically when I touch either re-circulate or defrost. On the 718C hurricane mode defrost does not let me change anything. But I don't mind because it is so danged effective.

 

[GregW]

I for one find added intelligence where none was needed a bit annoying. What if I want air coming from those vents but don't want it cold or need it dry? Why can I not select them w/ the A/C off? If it gets to be a problem, I'd change it. These cars won't even let you run with the air on recirc unless the A/C is running. I get that it *could* cause the window to fog but why do they not let me choose? Maybe I just don't want the exhaust of the truck in front of me blowing in for a bit. Last fall there were lots of fires in our area and the valley I live in filled w/ smoke. The car forced me to choose A/C on or blow the smoke in. At what point did drivers become so incapable that we can't be expected to work climate controls?

I thought the automatic air quality control would change to recirculate with poor air quality. Is this not effective for the conditions above? Page 47 | 2017-2019 718 Boxster Manual | Porsche iManuals

 

[Wine.O]

I thought the automatic air quality control would change to recirculate with poor air quality. Is this not effective for the conditions above? Page 47 | 2017-2019 718 Boxster Manual | Porsche iManuals

I think that may only be a feature if you have the auto 2-zone climate control. (Mine's got the simpler version.) Cool tip though.

 

[K2Kraze]

I was shown the secret ..... by pressing only the vent selector directing air UP (that’s the defroster route) and you then control the speed with the fan switch like normal .... and the temp you desire with the temp selector. ONLY use the (defrost) setting for those times it’s nearly an emergency

~ K.

 

[jdstein11]

I’ve experienced the same thing and asked my service technician about it. He told me the alternative is to direct A/C out the top vents (towards your face) and that will also direct air out through the vents against the windshield to keep it fog-free. I’ve tried this and it works, plus retaining the ability to control the air flow and temperature. He couldn’t explain why the defrost is programmed that way, so I can’t help there.