This is random, but it is an experience unlike I have ever had before in a car. Does anyone else feel the pressure in their ears when turning on the defrost? It's weird because it doesn't seem to happen with the AC, only with the ac off and turning the defrost on or occasionally turning just heat on.

I wonder if there is a remedy for this...

 

Another advantage of living in SoCal...

No need to turn on the defroster yet...

 

I have turned on my defrost/heat with no ear pressure experience. Could be your ears..??

 

When on defrost it draws air from the outside to aide in defrosting so there's actually a build up of pressure and maybe your ears are more sensitive than most, although I feel it too.

 

I'd say it was my ears if it happened in any other vehicle but it just hasn't. It's not a huge deal or anything, just something I've never experienced before...

 

This has happened to me! I live in San Francisco and hardly use my heat but I have also had this happen (multiple times) after a really hot day and I turn on my AC. I thought I was going crazy!

 

If you're feeling an increase in pressure the thing to do would be cause a decrease in pressure. Crack open a window.

 

The F56 is a small, well sealed car. If you have the 'recycled air' switch on manual you essentially closed off the outside air (and vents) and the HVAC system might make it feel like the car is being pressurized (it is a little). Normally you would leave the recycle switch in the A or automatic mode and let the system decide if it should be closed for more effective/efficient operation on start up. Manually using the defrost or AC switch kills the systems' ability to 'think' and you have to make manual adjustments for your desired comfort.


When I have gotten into my car on a hot day the system will switch itself to the manual mode on the recycle button as it wants to cool the air in the car to match the system temp setting before it goes to A to admit out side air.


This is same for most brands with automatic climate control.

 

Most cars have a valve or vent somewhere just for that purpose; when you slam a door or use the "fresh air" setting bringing air from the outside, it releases pressure in the cabin. Not sure where it's located on the F56, maybe yours is defective or stuck.

 

On my r56 there's a vent above the rear bumper where the hatch latches. Wen that was covered with stuff i had in the back I had the same problem.

 

Took delivery of my new F56 MINI today and found the same thing, but with AC. Take the same drive with previous cars and didn't get the ear pressure issues. Very odd...