Steering column heater option

sleeper3

Member
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2008 Mazdaspeed 3 GT
I'm not sure where to post this, but I've been experiencing it, and I was wondering if anyone else was getting it also...

I was noticing that when I don't have the AC on, it felt like the vents were blowing hot air, and after feeling around the car a bit, I figured out that the entire steering column was radiating heat. I'm guessing it's heating up from the transfer of engine heat and then dispersing it into the interior of my car. just wondering if this was standard equipment or optional and I was lucky enough to get it without the dealer charging me for it.

(that last part is a horrid attempt at humor asking if I am the only one with this weird thing going on)
 
I'm not sure where to post this, but I've been experiencing it, and I was wondering if anyone else was getting it also...

I was noticing that when I don't have the AC on, it felt like the vents were blowing hot air, and after feeling around the car a bit, I figured out that the entire steering column was radiating heat. I'm guessing it's heating up from the transfer of engine heat and then dispersing it into the interior of my car. just wondering if this was standard equipment or optional and I was lucky enough to get it without the dealer charging me for it.

(that last part is a horrid attempt at humor asking if I am the only one with this weird thing going on)

Well i know the vents actually do blow out air when you turn it off, but just a little bit. The temperature of the air is blown out at what you last set your temp to. Could this be what you are talking about?
 
not sure about the 3's but on my 6 there is a button to select whether you want to cycle outside air or cabin air. Are you feeling the hot air coming in from the engine compartment?
 
it's NOT the air conditioning system. its the STEERING COLUMN.


am I not being clear about this?
 
it's NOT the air conditioning system. its the STEERING COLUMN.


am I not being clear about this?

At first you weren't in your original post because you said "it felt like the vents were blowing hot air". I haven't noticed radiating heat like you are saying. I'll check it out next time i go for a drive. Does it do it pretty soon or does it take a lot of driving first?
 
never heard of it or felt it.... maybe its the engine compartment blowing air through the steering column some how
 
drive around and wait for the engine to get nice and hot. like 15 minutes or so of driving. then feel your steering column. mine feels hot.
 
Maybe the rubber gromet type deal on the firewall under the driver side dash is allowing hot air to come in?
 
maybe... I wasn't really asking what people think is happening though I was just asking if anyone else was experiencing it.
 
blast, I guess I am the only one. I'll have to contort my body and look in there to make sure everything is sealed the way it should be.
 
Have someone shine a light under the hood at the firewall and just look for any light on the inside, or have someone use a blower and feel for the air. I checked for and TSB's but none relating to your issue
 
Maybe the heat is radiating from your pants. Next time it happens touch your groin to see if its too hot to handle :)
 
I always touch my crotch while driving and I noticed something radiating from my pants, but I think it was a heavenly glow.
 
thanks for the input. I just drove to lunch and didn't notice it. I'll try and remember exactly when it is happening.
 

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