Customizable Settings- Air Inlet Mode???

[Porsche998]

I have noticed on our Prius that each and everytime it is started, the recirc. mode is selected and the HVAC system stays in recirc. unless manully changed to fresh air. The automible HVAC systems that I have dealt with on other cars only go to recirc when either manually selected or when the temperature is significantly different from the set point.

Looking further - I see that there is a customizable setting for "Air Inlet Mode" that one can set on Manual or Auto. It appears that in the manual mode - one has to select recirc or fresh air manually (and the system should remember the last setting). Since auto is the default and I did not ask the dealer to change anything, I assume that what really happens is every time the car is started with the A/C on, the recirc mode is automatically selected and it stays in recirc. Is this correct? It just doesn't seem right.

I am very concerned about the system automatically selecting recirc. and in particular, staying in recirc. since no fresh air would be entering the cabin.

Is there a way to automate the recirc. mode such that once temp. setpoint is reached, it goes to fresh air?
Help

[patsparks]

I know this isn't the answer your looking for but I just touch the button low on the right side of the wheel, it's half a circle and stands a little proud so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.

[efusco]

There's gotta be some sort of bug. Our Highlander Hybrid does the same thing, I've seen reports of occasional other Prius doing this, but my Prius doesn't and most people's don't.
The air inlet custom setting just controls whether cool air is let in at the feet and is unrelated to the recirc thing.
It's worth bringing it up with the dealer when you have time...would love to hear if they have a solution.

[Porsche998]

Thanks - I am concerned that they will just change the air inlet mode setting from Auto to manual (which would be better than it is now) Will take the car in some time in the future and let you know what happens. Over all impressed with the vehicle and the technology.

[Highly ImPriused]

Originally Posted by Porsche998

I am very concerned about the system automatically selecting recirc. and in particular, staying in recirc. since no fresh air would be entering the cabin.

Just as a point of clarification, I'm pretty certain that there is some percentage of fresh air that is introduced to the system in recirc. mode. Not sure what the actual amount is, but I don't see any reason that you should need to be worried about continually breathing in stale air or anything like that. It should be perfectly safe to stay in the Prius (or any car) for extended periods of time while in recirc mode (which is what you want for max air conditioning efficiency on hot days). That said, I agree that it shouldn't continually default to that mode.

[bbald123]

Mine is totally automatic. It generally starts in recirc and switches to fresh. So, if yours isn't behaving have the dealer check it.

[Huntceet]

Mine does too. Starts out in recirc but as the temp begins to get near the target set it reverts to outside. Actually I think it's pretty smart. I've been involved with repairing automatic temperature control systems in cars since the early 70's and this one is pretty neat.

Rod

[KayakerNC]

Mine usually starts in recirc with high fan speed, parking in the N Carolina sun, but after 5 to 10 minutes the fan speed slows and the recirc symbol goes away.
Thinking window tint would be helpful.