CABIN AIR EXTRACTION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE

A cabin air extraction assembly for a vehicle that utilizes an air extractor input port disposed in the rear portion of the cabin of a vehicle that conduits cabin air to a snorkel assembly disposed within a sealed or substantially sealed body panel or side structure near the rear wheel well of the vehicle, for example. This snorkel assembly includes a one-way pressure relief valve. Because the snorkel assembly is positioned such that it is not prone to obstruction or the intake of water in a wading application, there is no risk of water intrusion into the cabin of the vehicle, even if the bottom portion of the snorkel assembly is disposed below the wading line during vehicle operation. Thus, the cabin air extraction assembly and associated method promote passenger comfort by allowing the HVAC system of a vehicle to be operated using fresh, outside air without cabin pressure problems, even during a wading application.