On my road trip with my new FIT Sport I was curious as to whether the rear windows roll all the way down since on some vehicles they only go half way down, supposedly as a safety feature if kids are fooling around.

One window rolled all the way down created an air resonance that just about sucked your ear drums out to the point of pain and with both open it was so bad that the car was shaking. This was at about 40 mph and just got worse as speed increased.

Granted, it's not normal to run with only the rear windows open, but I've never experienced anything like this in any car I've ever owned. I find it difficult to believe that Honda isn't aware of it and, quite frankly, it dispels any faith I had in their products to let something like this slip by. I can honestly state that it's a major safety issue. Is anyone else aware of this and is there any fix for it?

bob

 

The thing that's happening with just the one window open reminds me of riding in a car with just the sunroof open. It kinda makes a suction effect, and messes with your eardrums. Not sure about with both open. So what was the verdict about the back windows rolling down all the way?

 

Most newer, aerodynamic cars have this problem: they are designed to run with the windows closed and the A/C on to reduce wind resistance. I first experienced this on my '97 Catera and it really surprised me. It will be a little better with all of the windows open, but keep the windows closed above 35 mph.

 

I noticed this effect too. You can roll the rear windows down about 3 or 4 inches and its ok, but anymore then that and its very annoying.

 

Have had this problem in all my previous 4 door cars starting with my 1990 Honda Accord. The service guy told me it was normal. You can minimize the buffetting by slightly opening your front windows. I don't think it's a safety issue. Sure I feel the buffetting but will it cause me to swerve out of control? I doubt it.

 

People,

You have discovered the helicopter noise. The first time I heard it was on my fathers 1967 Ford station wagon.

This is nothing new. Happens to some degree or another with most four door cars.

When I worked for cadillac stores, we used to have to take customers out about once every six months to show them theirs was not the only car that made the noise.

You should have seen their faces when we showed them how the windshield wipers could shake the car from side to side when they were turned on high speed.

 

Reminds me of the old story -
Patient: " doctor it hurts when I do this"
Doctor: "easy just don't do it"

My CRV did the same thing and I used it to shut up noisey passangers in the back seat.

Big Deal...

 

What he said, it's the price you pay for effeciancy.

 

the toyota yaris did the same thing when i test drove it.

 

Thanks for the replys...this is the first 4 door car I've ever owned, and most of those prior to it were sports cars so I never came across this effect. It's good to know that this is a recognized phenomena. An old dog can certainly learn new tricks.

bob

 

I agree that this would not cause anyone to swerve out of control, but the distraction (and in my case, at least, the ear pain) could certainly take its toll. In any case, I'll not run around with my rear windows open.

bob

 

My 1998 VW Jetta did it if you opened one rear window. But once both opened it disappeared.

 

I had this effect on my 2003 Matrix and now on my FIT. I find it goes away if I just slightly lower the front passenger window.

 

i call it INSTANT BASS!!! I sometimes drive like that cuz i miss my subs that i had in my 92 civic hatchback. I know i know, the suction noise doesn't go w/ the music, but who cares it sounds dope! newayz its my only alternative before i start building my custom trunk enclosure which i will have pix up n stuff and MAYBE mass produce it.

 

You are in Phoenix...what the hell are you doing with your windows open?

Seriously, I noticed it on about the second day I owned the car. I couldn't believe how bad it was. I did notice that just opening my drivers side front window about 1/2 an inch solved the problem.

 

It really wasn't that hot out, only about 114.

 

Its 102 here in texas. My nipples are pokey.

 

just crack the front windows a little bit. Instant change in air flow in and around the car. Problem solved. :P

 

I had the same issue in both of my VW's, if I opened the sun/moonroof all the way at about 35-40 mph with the windows up.

I plan on installing the Mugen visors to allow for cracked windows/big airflow/no resonance.

Slightly differenct subject, and maybe for another thread/topic, but has anyone seen any nice windshield bands for the fit? I would love to get one that says, SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT in big reverse type like the ambulances. I am not a horribly aggressive driver, but I wish the cops would ticket people for impeding the traffic flow in the "fast" lanes like they do in the UK.

 

Completely normal.

I drive for a limo company and every single one of our sedans and suv's do this, and even on of the stretch limos does too (imagine how bad it can get when the sound can resonate through 20 feet!). Keep in mind that all of our sedans and suv's are top of the line, expensive, luxury vehicles.

It used to happen in my moms grand prix as well... it is just a problem with most 4 door vehicles...