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Is the recirculator working?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by RoscoePico, Dec 28, 2018.

  1. Dec 28, 2018 at 3:08 PM
    #1
    RoscoePico

    RoscoePico [OP] New Member

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    This is my first Toyota, so maybe it’s normal, but with previous vehicles I could always tell whether the cabin recirculator was working. On my 2018 it doesn’t seem to matter whether it’s on or off. I still smell outside odors.

    I’ve searched the forums and don’t see any others with this issue. If I’m overlooking a thread please point me in the right direction. Otherwise, any suggestions would be appreciated! Maybe an aftermarket cabin air filter? Thanks much!!
     
  2. Dec 28, 2018 at 5:23 PM
    #2
    acmesupply

    acmesupply New Member

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    There is bleed air coming in still from the outside I believe around a ratio of 80/20. There has to be some fresh air to reduce moisture and harmful gasses.
     
  3. Dec 28, 2018 at 10:12 PM
    #3
    RoscoePico

    RoscoePico [OP] New Member

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    Thanks! I’ll try that. To be honest, it’s probably working as designed and my issue is more about the effectiveness of the system at eliminating external odors. I’m used to being able to more or less fully eliminate external odors (exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, etc) by turning the recirculator on. My wife’s Lexus, for example, works really well (I’m assuming the systems are similar, like many others between the two).
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  4. Dec 29, 2018 at 11:17 PM
    #4
    acmesupply

    acmesupply New Member

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    Funny you mention that. I had a 2015 Tundra until last week and now a 2018 Tundra. I had looked at both cabin filters on my 2013 Lexus RX350 and the 2015 Tundra prior to getting rid of it. The Lexus filter is carbon impregnated and the Tundra is plain but good paper. And yes the Lexus holds out odors better than the Tundras but bleed air is still allowed inside the cabin. I use recirculation 99 percent of the time in the dry southwest desert. My filters stay pretty clean with little debris rather than leaves etc.
     
    RoscoePico[OP] likes this.
  5. Dec 30, 2018 at 8:08 AM
    #5
    Ronin73

    Ronin73 New Member

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    Do you use it even when using the heat, or just AC?
     
  6. Dec 30, 2018 at 9:20 AM
    #6
    RoscoePico

    RoscoePico [OP] New Member

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    I’m going to try an aftermarket cabin filter (K&N VF2000) to see how it works. Ultimately it’s not too big a deal for me, but anything that improves my wife’s experience on a road trip is worth at least a little effort!
     
  7. Dec 30, 2018 at 9:56 AM
    #7
    acmesupply

    acmesupply New Member

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    Yes we us recirculate almost all the time. I find the extra cooling and quicker heating to be more comfortable for passengers and myself. I have been buying the carbon filters only for the Lexus. With the soft start up and individual controls it's nice. In both vehicles I'd rather breathe the filtered air and keep the dust out as much as I can.
     

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