The G Man

Does anyone know how the auto recir. button work on the HVAC system? Does it switch to recir mode when it senses smog or does it go thru some charcoal filter?

Thanks

flipside909

Yes, if the system senses any smog or particulates entering the system, it will automatically switch the system from FRESH into RECIRC mode and revert back once it's gone. This is also explained fully in your owners manual.

The G Man

So if the button's auto and outside air light is on, and it detects smog, it should switch to outside air and auto light stays on right? The reason I ask is that I was beside a SUV yesterday and I can smell his exhaust thru the vent, but the outside air light never switch to recir mode and I have the sensitivity setting on max. The manual does not explain this function too well and I had this car for exactly one day, still learning all the functions

flipside909

Yes that is correct. Once it's on auto, you will see it switch back and forth from FRESH to RECIRC from time to time.

wimbley100

ok... Now I have a question on this topic. Is there any way to have the auto setting as the default so it is always on ? That would make more sense to me.

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

It should be always on if you leave it on auto...

vladbph

What the temperature was outside? Mine stops switching when temp reaches 39F. 41F and up works just fine. I had a loaner couple of times - same story. I guess Lexus is hiding some major mulfunction or undocumented "feature" from us... I love auto mode when it works, because of long comute to work...

The G Man

Its winter here in New England, so the temp. is well below 39F. I have not seen it switch yet and my auto function shuts off everytime I shut off the car.

larrs

I think that the auto-recirculate will switch to recirculate only if the a/c compressor is running, to prevent the windows from fogging up on the inside. I also think that the a/c does not run below a certain temperature, so as a result I would expect that the auto-recirculate will not operate below that temperature.

I've had previous cars with automatic climate control that in cold weather will recirculate the air when first trying to generate heat; but my GS does not seem to do that, or at least not that I've noticed.

The G Man

It doesnt make sense, the auto recir should not be depend on temp. it should despend on the amount of smog.

spwolf

indeed, your windows should fog up and you shouldnt see anything through them :-).

I suggest that you put charcoal filter for AC, thats first thing I will be doing on next service.

mbasko

You can adjust the sensivity of the smog sensor. Just hold down the [auto, recir] button and it will take you to the adjustment screen. I just figured this out and changed mine to high to see if it actually works when smog is detected.

The G Man

I adjusted the sensivity yo high already, still no change. I thought the GS comes with the charcoal filter for AC already.

vladbph

I set highest sensitivity too - no help. Once temp drops to 39F smog is not detected.