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I have Mazda5 2013, trying to fix an annoying issue - every time I set air to blow towards windshield, recirculation is turning off - and there is no way to turn it back on if selector is still in the "defroster" or "defroster and floor vents" position

The manual says "When selecting either defroster mode, the air conditioner and fresh air mode are automatically turned on by the system. This helps defrost the windows more efficiently by dehumidifying the air."

The problem is - I don't care if defrosting will take a little longer with recirculation turned on ( so I don't have to inhale exhaust fumes) - I can live with that

It's not just about defrosting - when my windshield is getting misty while I am on a freeway, I have no choice but to switch air to "defrost" position and recirculation is getting turned off automatically

So, here is the question - is there any way to manually override that "feature" and be able to set recirculation even while defroster mode is selected?

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    Don't know about your Mazda, but in most cars turning this off is not an option, short of completely rebuilding/re-engineering the HVAC system in your vehicle.
    – Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 ♦
    Dec 9, 2014 at 1:30
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    Welcome to new automobiles. Enjoy your stay! (I dread the day when I don't have control over stupid little things like this for absolutely no good reason).
    – Shamtam
    Jan 8, 2015 at 19:39
  • I vaguely remember from my '83 Mazda 626 (which did allow this combination) that recirculation+defrost options together would slowly build up mist even on a windshield that was clear at the beginning. In other words, defrosting would not only take a little longer, but would have opposite effect. Admittedly, it could be slightly better with A/C.
    – Imre
    Mar 10, 2015 at 14:29
  • My old VW Golf did this; workaround was to leave the air direction knob turned to just shy of defrost. Bonus points: it refused to run the A/C when it was too close to freezing, which in New England often left me completely fogged up and stuck in my driveway.
    – Daniel Griscom
    Nov 5, 2015 at 1:49

1 Answer 1

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Despite the apparent contradiction of it, using the AirCon and heater to defrost the windows is a very much quicker to clear the windows on a cold start. The Mazda is one of many cars that use this as a device to enable good visibility for a quicker drive away from starting.

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    The OP is worried about recirculating exhaust gasses. Even in their question it is stated, "I don't care if defrosting will take a little longer with recirculation turned on ( so I don't have to inhale exhaust fumes) - I can live with that..." With this in mind, I'm not sure how your statement provides an answer.
    – Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 ♦
    Dec 9, 2014 at 15:27
  • I take your point. But how will he draw in exhaust fumes, presumably, sitting on his drive waiting for the windows to clear before driving on the road.
    – Allan Osborne
    Dec 9, 2014 at 15:43
  • It's not just about defrosting - when my windshield is getting misty while I am on a freeway, I have no choice but to switch air to "defrost" position and recirculation is getting turned off automatically
    – Steve V
    Dec 9, 2014 at 16:55
  • @AllanOsborne ... What goes on in the garage should stay in the garage :P
    – Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 ♦
    Dec 9, 2014 at 18:15
  • I endorse the maxim 'What goes on in the garage...' In the UK it means you support and defend your colleagues, but I dont know what in means in the American version.
    – Allan Osborne
    Dec 9, 2014 at 21:43

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