2 quick HVAC questions

[Big Red 4Runner]

Hi folks. I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend! Here are my 2 quick HVAC questions:
1. On a 4th gen, is there a way to have the fan/blower on without either the A/C or heat on? I.e., just blowing the ambient air temp?

2. For some reason, the recirc button is on whenever I start my '08, regardless of how I had it set before turning off the truck the time before. I could be wrong, but I don't think it's always done that. I'd prefer the "default" position be to have fresh air coming in. Is there a way to set that?

Thanks in advance!

 

[CookieRoe]

1) set temp to outside temp
2) this is normal operation. System takes outside temp/humidity into account, thus decided weather to keep the recirc door open or closed. There is no way to defeat this, just live with it. Most (all) Toyota/Lexus are like this.

 

[CookieRoe]

Hey man, personally I don't have a 4th generation and I don't know exactly what buttons you have there, but in my car there is the button just for fan, without A/C. If you don't have this button, I think there is a function to blow the air from outside, but I don't know how efficient it is. Maybe you can find a number of local services and ask them about this, they should know more. Also there is a website, a company specialised in A/C and I think they can install you a new A/C system with more functions.

With all due respect, how is someone supposed to "add functions" to an already sophisticated air cabin system? All 4th gen 4Runner come with A/C and since you don't have a 4runner, how can you comment?

The A/C can always be turned off and recirculation function be overrun (defeated) by simply turning the RECIRC air button on or off. I do it constantly when I want fresh air in the cabin. To directly answer the OP's question, yes, you can have the system just blow "ambient" air temp, set the thermostat to the outside air temperature and done. If it is too cold (the thermostat only goes down to 65, I think), then turn the system off and turn the RECIRC button off. Having that said, the HVAC system will always try to have the cabin at a "comfortable" temperature. I've notice this during the winter when the heat is seemingly coming from the vent even though the system is off. The engineers at Toyota want you comfortable. Live with it.