I have a 2001 SE. The only time the recirculate light comes on (with the button depressed) is when the temperature control is in the max cold position (manual climate control). Shouldn't I be able to
recirculate the air at any temperature level?

Do other 2001's act this way or is my unit messed up?

 

i dont use the recirculation feature that often but when i have used it, im pretty sure it has been through all of the temperature ranges. i could be wrong but thats my experience.

 

Yes you should, but not when the windshield defrost position is being used. If you have it blowing out the front vents or foot well vents it should work. Don't know why that is but that is the way my car works. I also have a 01 SE.

 

If it works the same way it does in my Altima then yes, you need to have the dash vents pushing air in order for the recirculate to work, if you have it on dash only, dash/floor mix or floor only it will not recirculate. Dumb design IMHO but I guess its intended to keep people from recirculating moisture into their windshield.

It is not temperature sensitive though.

 

I also own a SE 2001 and Today just noticed a weird behavior of the Recirculate light. I'd like to be sure something is wrong before going to the dealer. Could you tell me how it works in your cars ?

I'm naming the Air flow buttons as follows, basically from left to right:
Air flows from center and side ventilators BUTTON 1
Air flows from center and side ventilators and foot outlets BUTTON 2
Air flows from foot outlets BUTTON 3
Air flows from defroster and foot outlets BUTTON 4
Air flows from defroster BUTTON 5

How does the Air Recirculate light is on these situations ???
A/C switch OFF, Air Recirculate Button ON, Air Flow Control BUTTON 1
A/C switch OFF, Air Recirculate Button ON, Air Flow Control BUTTON 2
A/C switch OFF, Air Recirculate Button ON, Air Flow Control BUTTON 3
A/C switch OFF, Air Recirculate Button ON, Air Flow Control BUTTON 4
A/C switch OFF, Air Recirculate Button ON, Air Flow Control BUTTON 5

Mine comes ON,ON,OFF,OFF and OFF.

Thanks

 

really????

i have a 2k se and my recirculate light comes on whenever it's pushed. regardless of whether or not the fan's even turning. so with the hvac off and the recirc off, then air just flows in from the outside depending on my speed. with the hvac off and the recirc on, then it closes something and no outside air. it work all the time.

 

The reason it goes to recirculate when you put the coldest position is because it's able to blow air faster if it's recycling it, thus cooling the interior quicker. It's the same way with the air conditioning-it starts off pulling air in faster (ie recirculating) so that it's able to bring the temperature down as fast as possible. I'm pretty sure on this one, but not 100%, so perhaps someone can correct me.

Also, have you checked the owner's manual? It may say in there how the system functions.

 

i'm wrong. on my drive home i played with the buttons and it does not work when my windshield vents come on.