Volkswagen PASSAT 2013 Manual page 246

Automatic air recirculation
In the setting, fresh air enters the passenger compartment. If the system detects an increased
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concentration of pollutants in the outside air, it automatically switches to air recirculation. As soon as
the pollutant level is back in the normal range, air recirculation is switched off.
Unpleasant odors cannot be detected by the system.
Air recirculation is not automatically activated under the following outside temperatures and
conditions:
The outside air temperature is colder than about +38 °F (+3 °C).
The cooling system and the windshield wiper are switched off and the outside air temperature is
cooler than about +50 °F (+10 °C).
The cooling system is switched off, the outside air temperature is cooler than about +59 °F
(+15 °C), and the windshield wiper is switched on.
Switching automatic air recirculation on and off
Switching on: Press the
Switching off: Press the
It is not possible to activate automatic air recirculation when the outside air temperature is colder than
about +38 °F (+3 °C).
Temporarily deactivating automatic air recirculation
Press the button once to switch to air recirculation temporarily in the event of unpleasant odors.
The left indicator light comes on.
Press the button again after more than 2 seconds to resume automatic air recirculation. The
right indicator light comes on.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents,
collisions and serious personal injury.
Never use air recirculation mode over an extended period of time, since no fresh air will
enter the passenger compartment.
When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly
form on the windows and greatly reduce visibility.
Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
NOTICE
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation system
can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, resulting in
permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
Climatronic: When backing up and while the automatic wiper/washer is working, air recirculation
is briefly activated to help keep exhaust fumes from getting into the passenger compartment.
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button repeatedly until the right indicator light under the button comes on.
button repeatedly until no indicator light under the button is on.