(Semi)Permanently closing and sealing the fresh air door
November 20th, 2020, 3:07 PM
#1
CF Active Member
Thread Starter
(Semi)Permanently closing and sealing the fresh air door
I am smelling exhaust even when the AC is on recirc mode. When I use the defroster in the cold, it also brings exhaust in. I don't ever want to bring in fresh air - if I want it I can open the windows. Is the fresh air door (blend door?) easily accessible? I did this in my old Subaru - waited until it closed and then unplugged the motor. However, in my van it seems to leak even when it's closed so I want to access it so I can put a new seal on it if possible.
November 22nd, 2020, 2:20 PM
#2
Leaking exhaust is exactly the reason to bring in fresh air. The inside of the vehicle is a gas chamber. One day you're going to start feel really sleepy and then you will never wake up.
Fix your exhaust leak.
Fix your exhaust leak.
November 22nd, 2020, 4:35 PM
#3
CF Active Member
Thread Starter
I don't have an exhaust leak. The only time I ever smell exhaust (with the AC on recirc) is if I'm behind a vehicle that is making alot of it - often diesels or other poorly-running cars. I then open my windows to get the exhaust smell out and once I get away from that vehicle, it's not an issue. I just drove 11 hours with the windows closed with zero issues. The issue is that the fresh air door is not sealing out the fresh air. My friend has the same issue with his Silverado that's gotten worse over the years.
November 22nd, 2020, 5:35 PM
#4
November 22nd, 2020, 5:43 PM
#5
CF Active Member
Thread Starter
If I'm on fresh air - either AC non-recirc or heat - I get alot more exhaust if there's a smelly or smoky vehicle in front of me. During the winter, there is no recirc on the heat setting so it's all fresh air.
I never get exhaust smells from my own vehicle - I've been through this van with a fine-toothed comb and it's not leaking exhaust.
It's a 2013 with vac controls.
I had a brand new Subaru that would force fresh air when I turned on the defroster. So in the winter, if I wanted to use the defroster while driving I had to smell exhaust. I simply closed the fresh air door and unplugged it. Never smelled exhaust again after that.
November 22nd, 2020, 6:36 PM
#6
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Just to be clear, we are talking about the "MAX" air delivery mode on the selector, right? That is the only one which recirculates the air. All others take air from the cowl. The temperature selector has no effect on air source. Even MAX takes in a bit of outside air by design. You'll notice that even if you switch the mode to the off setting, outside air still comes in (also by design). That's because there is nothing to block it. This is for safety reasons so people don't die.
Just to be clear, we are talking about the "MAX" air delivery mode on the selector, right? That is the only one which recirculates the air. All others take air from the cowl. The temperature selector has no effect on air source. Even MAX takes in a bit of outside air by design. You'll notice that even if you switch the mode to the off setting, outside air still comes in (also by design). That's because there is nothing to block it. This is for safety reasons so people don't die.
November 22nd, 2020, 6:47 PM
#7
CF Active Member
Thread Starter
Yes, MAX is the only recirc option. I was not aware that it brings air in by design, I've been thinking it was leaking this whole time. This is the first car I've had that brings traffic exhaust fumes in while in recirc mode. But it makes sense now that you explain it that way. If there was exhaust leaking from the engine, it would have no way to get out if the air system was sealed. Thanks!
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November 25th, 2020, 6:20 AM
#8
CF Active Member
Thread Starter
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Just to be clear, we are talking about the "MAX" air delivery mode on the selector, right? That is the only one which recirculates the air. All others take air from the cowl. The temperature selector has no effect on air source. Even MAX takes in a bit of outside air by design. You'll notice that even if you switch the mode to the off setting, outside air still comes in (also by design). That's because there is nothing to block it. This is for safety reasons so people don't die.
Just to be clear, we are talking about the "MAX" air delivery mode on the selector, right? That is the only one which recirculates the air. All others take air from the cowl. The temperature selector has no effect on air source. Even MAX takes in a bit of outside air by design. You'll notice that even if you switch the mode to the off setting, outside air still comes in (also by design). That's because there is nothing to block it. This is for safety reasons so people don't die.
November 25th, 2020, 2:37 PM
#9
Of course you could just prop open the recirc door. It should be vacuum actuated so it won't hurt anything. One caveat, when the vehicle is gets hot inside on a sunny day, it is going to take much longer to get it cool.
November 25th, 2020, 3:51 PM
#10
CF Active Member
Thread Starter
Just the opposite actually, I want to keep it closed as much as possible (like it is on recirc) all the time. So during the winter when I have the heat on, less outside are is coming in. Basically I want recirc mode to work on heat also.