Hi. I am new to this site and hope that someone can help me. On my 2004 Maxima, whenever I try to use the interior air recirculation button, I can not do so with the A/C off, no matter which mode I am using, even if the mode does or does not include the front defroster. Is this a problem with my vehicle or is this the way it is supposed to be? Thanks for your help.

 

Ahh... the infamous Max AC setup. That thing TRULY has a mind of its own.

It does this on its own. Some people say it's good (keep CO to a minimum because there's no fresh outside air), some hate it -- because the damn thing thinks it knows more than you. Damn stupid machines...

Whatever camp you fall in (and you probably should hate it, especially in the winter ), rest assured that your car isn't broken. It's just temperamental...

 

Unfortunately, I believe that's the case. Unless you use the AC or do not have the climate control on, the inside air button will never be lit. What's even worse is when the front defroster kicks on (in Auto mode) and suddenly your using the A/C. That'll just kill the gas mileage in the winter time. Thankfully I usually notice this and turn it off manually. Too bad their isn't a way to disable this "feature".

 

Just roll your windows down next time (mythbusters reference )

Better news for you... even after you turn off the AC the compressor is still running.

 

The AC compressor has been coming when you use the defrost in US cars for at least thirty years. It takes the moisture out of the air so that your windows doesn't fog up. Most previous vehicles didn't have a light that told you that. Didn't really affect my milage last winter because it's not like the compressor is running 100 percent of the time.