Recirc questions.

Ok other than everyone’s preference to use or not use recirc.
Can someone definitively answer whether or not outside air is always filtered or not? Regardless of recirc.

 

It is filtered through the cabin air filter but that's about it.

 

Actually, it very much does. Did you not see it linked in the Products Discussed box?

 

No interest in an oiled filter, they always filter worse than comparable paper element filter.

 

It is not an oil filter.

If you want to actually filter the air, it is the only option I am aware of. Take an actual look at your stock filter if you don't believe me or my pics.

 

I had no issues with it, I replaced the simple paper filter with the updated carbon one.
Looks like K&N is electrostatic, still not super interested in that to be honest.

 

Third bullet is what I always do when I’ve used AC, change to outside air a little before shutting engine off. Lot of good info in the manual on AC operation, suggested reading.

 

All good points. I almost never use recirc unless I’m driving by a cow field or an extremely hazardous air sitch.

 

I keep my 2021's dual zone system on auto and set the temp I want. Here in south FL it has used re-circ every time since I bought the truck in May. I leave it to it's own devices and don't mess with it because it keeps my cab meat locker cold even when it's in the high 90s outside. It seems that your re-circ is working as designed, but I can override it by turning auto off an pressing the re-circ button. I've just chosen not to because it's doing a great job using the technology it has.

Regarding your filtering question, I found this:

"The cabin air filter is located either behind the glove compartment, under the dashboard, or under the hood of your vehicle. In most cases, it will be located behind the glove box. Just like engine air filters, cabin air filters in your 2021 Toyota Tacoma are designed to clean the air as it moves through your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system. The cabin air filter removes allergens such as pollen and dust. It will also trap pollutants such as smog & mold or supplemental hazardous fumes."

While it doesn't give a direct answer to your question, it does say "as it moves through your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system". It doesn't specify that the air has to be coming from outside, so my assumption is that the answer to your question is yes. However, I am no mechanical expert, and we all know what assuming does.

 

i have had recirc on since i bought the truck, never even thought about it. i have done this with every car i have ever owned and never had any issues with odors.

 

Anyone know how to default to fresh air unless recirculate is selected? Fairly big annoyance for me. 2nd gen always defaulted to fresh, push button for recirculate.

 

No solution so far... recirc seems to be a default.

 

Balderdash is what it is!

 

At least in my '21 OR with the digital dual-zone temps...

As long as your AC is on and the temp is set lower than the outside air temp, the truck will use Recirc.

Mine will change from Recirc to Fresh air all on its own once the outside temp matches the temp I have the AC set at. The air quality change is often noticeable when the changeover happens and the Recirc light goes off.