exhaust fumes entering tailgate window

dog-man · May 22, 2015

I have read a number of posts regarding the driving with the tailgate window open in warm weather.

If I do that I suffer from exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.
Why am I suffering this annoying problem?

GrumpyGel · May 22, 2015

We get it as well. Try lowering the window a bit to give the dog some air - but fumes come in. I think people say to put the blower (heater) on to sort of 'pressurise' the cabin - not sure if it works or not. I suspect not and also means no other windows can be open. Mines a '99 diesel.

Creeeg · May 22, 2015

It's less of a problem when said window is completely lowered.

freelance · May 22, 2015

Open a front window, and or open vents so air flows front to back

dog-man · May 22, 2015

I have tried with tailgate window partly and full and with side windows open Always the same. Seems to be sucking the fumes in.

htr · May 23, 2015

Yes it happens with mine as well. I find it both noise and too draft with the front windows open as well. Two possible solutions: First reroute the tail pipe out to the side, or fit one of those wind deflectors above the top of the rear door. It would direct a flow of air downward keeping the gases out and dust off the rear glass when the window is up.

Nodge68 · May 23, 2015

This is a problem on many vehicles with opening rear windows or doors. I get the exact same problem if I use my D3 with either upper or lower tail door open. I find the best solution is to put the blower on max and direct the face vents at the face. Redirection of the exhaust tail pipe doesn't appear to work as the standard D3 exhaust tails face the floor, so fumes are directed well away from my tail gate. The only cure for this is to increase the air pressure inside the vehicle, keeping the fumes out. The heater blower is the only way to do that in my Discovery.

GrumpyGel · May 23, 2015

If you can "pressurise the cabin" and its OK when your driving, the dog will probably still be dead by the time you get to the river!

dog-man · May 23, 2015

Perhaps we will all wear deep sea divers kit so we can breathe without inhaling the fumes.

blue beasty · May 23, 2015

Simple aerodynamics, unless you radically alter the body shape you will pull exhaust gases in through the rear window.

You might be able to prevent it by opening other windows to provide enough airflow and lessening it by moving the exhaust or using a screen but I'm not sure what your insurance company would say if you had a prang and there was a suspicion you had dozed off.

What does the handbook say about driving with it open?

bushwwacker · May 23, 2015

You are advised NOT to carryloads which require driving with ... the tail door window open - poisonous fumes will be drawn into the vehicle! If ... Unavoidable, switch the heater to face level vents with all the vents open, close the sunroof and windows and turn the air blower to position 4.

... Personally, I like the feeling of mild carbon monoxide poisoning...

dog-man · May 23, 2015

I wonder why the car has a tailgate window that opens then?

Seems a bit of a waste if it cannot be used whilst driving unless you want to end up unconscious.

NeedleNose · May 23, 2015

On a 5 door it's a bit odd but a 3 door with roof folded or hardback removed it makes more sense.

dog-man · May 23, 2015

I wonder if a tail pipe extension that threw out the gasses beyond the vehicle would stop this?

bushwwacker · May 23, 2015

I drive regularly with the window open but have never suffere d... :rolly:

Dougden · May 23, 2015

dog-man said:
I wonder if a tail pipe extension that threw out the gasses beyond the vehicle would stop this?

Was thinking that myself and was looking at purchasing one of these, although not too sure it will make any difference?

S/STEEL DROP DOWN CAR EXHAUST TAIL PIPE TRIM/TIP DIESEL | eBay

hd3 · May 23, 2015

Was thinking that myself and was looking at purchasing one of these, although not too sure it will make any difference?

S/STEEL DROP DOWN CAR EXHAUST TAIL PIPE TRIM/TIP DIESEL | eBay

can't see that working somehow ..

i find that dropping the rear window by about 3" lessens the effect a little
normally i only have the rear window fully open at low speeds ..
much depends on prevailing wind direction ..

at 40mph plus .. i usually close it .. the AC usually keeps the interior comfy
as for diesel exhaust fumes .. it's mainly the dog in the back that i worry about ..

anyhow i like the idea of a wind deflector for the rear window ..
but i've yet to see one advertised for the tailgate :-/
( i.e. not for a freelander1 )
i'd try one as the other wind deflectors work fine ..

htr · May 23, 2015

Air deflector: these used to be relatively common on Aussie Holden station wagons:

These direct air over the rear glass and aided in keeping exhaust fumes away when the glass was down, helped to keep dust ... of when the window was up too.

hd3 · May 24, 2015

Air deflector: these used to be relatively common on Aussie Holden station wagons:

aha !!

~~~~~~~

yeah .. did a bit of googling .. saw some pics ..
for the hippo1 looks like its going to be a d.i.y job ..

( weather here probably makes it a very very rarely used item

( not much of a market ..
( although some of the small hatchbacks now come with something similar
( and they don't even have a back window that opens ..
( styling come aerodynamics i suspect

teddywood1 · May 24, 2015

I do not suffer from it but are aware of it mind you when I have the glass down a bit I tend to have the sunroof open as well.

exhaust fumes entering tailgate window

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