SW17LS

You have the HVAC on AUTO? What did it default to when you turned it on?

Toys4RJill

What you getting at?

SW17LS

If the AC isn't set to AUTO it doesnt keep it in recirc. The point is when in AUTO, it will always default to recirc when restarted and the outside temp is over ~75, and if you have the auto smog sensor activated it will never opt for fresh air over recirc unless the outside temp is below ~ 75 degrees. The general consensus is its to keep humidity out of the system so that you don't get that moldy smell Toyota HVAC systems can get.

Toys4RJill

Both my Toyota SUVs default to closed recirculation. Even if I don’t use AUTO which I don’t. It’s odd thing Toyota does

JDR76

I honestly don't even pay attention. Set it and forget it.

SW17LS

Yep, I think its because of the moldy smell issue

Striker223

Defaulted to Auto for reric control like it normally does, I just tapped it twice to set it to exterior only. Other than that it was set to 72 full auto, I normally leave both on full auto at 72 anyway but I did this to see what it would do. When I park I set the system manually off as well as the seats and lights on all my cars so I do have to decide to start it manually when I turn them on in the mornings.

SW17LS

But when you restart it it will default back to recirc (it will be on AUTO for recirc but it will be on and stay on recirc regardless of any present smog)

Striker223

Yes, but if it is manually set to outside only after I start it it didn't/doesn't change. If I just turn it on yes, it defaults to auto OR recirc if I didn't have auto selected when I shut it off but it doesn't override me if I tell it to remain on outside only after the initial power on command. If I had the system running and shut the car off and back on it will default to full auto on both temp and modes

SW17LS

The point is, thats an unusual behavior, always defaulting to recirculation like that. Put it in AUTO smog sensor and watch it, it will never select outside air over recirc if its above 75 or so outside.

No other car I have ever had, other than Toyotas, defaults that way.

Striker223

Its a bit odd, but also makes sense? They can likely run the compressors less and that keeps draws and duty cycle down and is a very Toyota thing to do IMO.

You are right though about full auto not liking outside air, my friends also all drive Lexus now (I swear I had nothing to do with it.....) and they mostly just have it manually on exterior air since they don't like full auto.

SW17LS

I think its to combat the musty smell issue that is prevalent in Toyota vehicles...

Striker223

So I paid careful attention today and for some reason even in full auto it never changed, might be a fluke but from starting, to the shop and back, and up to visit with my parents it never moved. I didn't shut the HVAC off manually like I normally do as well, just purely let it do it's own thing

SW17LS

Interesting. Is your AC compressor on? Meaning the AC light is on in the climate menu?

AJT123

I'm still not really following this thread what the problem is.. My own fault.

I keep mine on Auto and today it was on recirc the whole time. But they change from record to fresh in both our Lexus cars when on auto. I haven't noticed any pattern.