software bug in controls for air system controls; recourse? I also want permanent recirc mode

i was hoping you were back with a solution. my advice would be to find a good lawyer who works on commission and sue them for everything they've got. i think you have a great case, but i'm not a lawyer, i only play one on the internets. unfortunately, the screenshot only shows that it's on outside air mode. maybe we can get a CLASS ACTION SUIT GOING?btw, are you using the charcoal cabin filter in the meantime?

 

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

 

i certainly would show it to your service manager and see if he will bring in the toyota regional rep to look at it. in the meantime, i would be using the best charcoal filter i could get, and keep hitting the pollen button.

 

local dealer should have a genuine, or you can buy through online dealers at a discount.

 

I would think you'd have a tough time in proving Toyota responsible for customizing the air inlet system to behave in a manner outside the commercial norm.

But if it has a bug and is NOT behaving normally, I think you'd have a strong case they should fix it so it behaves normally.

If you need it customized? I think you're on your own. But if it has been done...in Mexico or Korea or anywhere, then I would think it is possible. There are a lot of brilliant minds here at Prius Chat. Somewhat surprised nobody gave you more specific instructions on how disabling or modifying the inlet system might be done. Unfortunately, I'm not that brilliant mind.

I hope you do find some solution. If you otherwise like the vehicle it would be a shame to not be able to enjoy it, or have to make a change just because of the automatic air inlet and how becomes an asthma trigger. But breathing is pretty important,- it could be a deal breaker. There are occasional stories of people who have liked their Prius but ultimately had to make a vehicle change for whatever reason. The most common one is a bad back and the Prius seats.

Let us know if you ultimately find resolution. Good Luck.

 

From reading this thread, and looking through the older original issue referenced in the other linked thread, I wonder what's so different between your Prius and my own. My 2013 P3 will stay at whichever mode was last set, even between shutdowns. The only time it switches from recirc back to fresh without my intervention is when I select front defrost. Otherwise, when I set recirc, it stays recirc until I actually switch it to fresh.

 

There are a couple of things you need to be aware of before you take this any farther:

Even in recirc. there is about 20% outside air. That is to keep a slightly positive cabin pressure as a safety measure against exhaust leaks in your own car. ALL cars are designed that way.

Under certain conditions, your windshield can fog over REALLY fast in recirc. mode.
I suspect that the environmental system was trying to tell you that your inside humidity was WAY high and that being in recirc. under those conditions would be a really BAD thing to do.

Aside from the charcoal filter, which does not remove all of the contamination, I think that tinkering with the car's design is NOT a good solution to your problem.