Air recirculation keeps switching on

**adstalker** · 19-01-2009,09:50 PM

I have a problem where the air recirculation keeps switching itself on. The switch does not light up, but the system is recirculating. I have tried switching the switch on and off, but to no avail. The system stays in recirculation until it switches itself off. Even then, within minutes (sometimes seconds) the system switches itself back on.
The only way to reset the system is to switch off the ignition and then re-start the car. This does not cure it long term, as within minutes of driving, it has switched itself on again.
It only appears to be happening when the car is being driven. I have tried playing with it for 15 minutes when I first switch on the ignition, but it does not do it.
Has anyone had the same or a similar problem? I would appreciate any help anyone can give.
Thanks in advance.
Anthony

**Crasher** · 19-01-2009,10:47 PM

A fault code scan would be a good idea and I wonder if the reversing light switch is playing up.

**adstalker** · 20-01-2009,09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Crasher

A fault code scan would be a good idea and I wonder if the reversing light switch is playing up.

Getting it read by a dealer on Thursday (still in waranty).

I have already thought about the reversing light switch, but not sure where to find it. Any ideas?

Cheers
Anthony

**Crasher** · 20-01-2009,12:56 PM

It is on the box but as it is under warranty leave it to the dealer.

**adstalker** · 22-01-2009,10:19 PM

Car been into dealer today to try and find the problem.

They read the fault codes only to find none. Did a reset of the heating system and was told that that has sorted out the problem.

Drove the care home from the dealer and within a mile the recirculation system kicked back in. Phoned the dealer and they said that there is nothing that they can do as seen as there is no fault code.

Is there any way of disconnecting the recirculation system as I would like to stop it from happening while they try and find out what is going wrong?

The problem is, whenever it is wet outside and the system is in recirculation mode, the windows steam up and it is very difficult to un-steam them even with the air conditioning on.

I have to say that I have found the dealer very unhelpful and about as much use a chocolate fireguard. I feel that they are not prepare to do any work to try and find out what is wrong with the car.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Anthony

**radox** · 22-01-2009,10:37 PM

Sorry to hear about your car's problems. Unfortunately I don't have any suggestions how to fix the problem but I'd certainly make a formal complaint to your dealer. You have a warranty and a valid fault with the car and as you say, it's dangerous when it's raining. Even if it is difficult to investigate and fix, they have an obligation to do so.

Good luck and keep us informed how you get on,
Stuart
http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5

**Hurdy** · 23-01-2009,01:02 AM

Do you have the manual air con or the dual zone climate?

If you set your heater to the windscreen setting, then this should automatically set your recirc to off.

I would still go to the dealer for a cure as in the manual (3.1 section pages 95 onwards) it specifically tells you as a warning not to keep the heater on recirc. With this being the case it is a safety issue and should be a priority for the dealer to find a cure. If they fob you off again phone customer services and state clearly that they have refused to successfully deal with a safety issue as written down in the hand manual. Then sit back and watch the dealer come back to you!!

HTH

**radox** · 23-01-2009,07:54 AM

Just thought I'd mention it (in case you don't already know) the other time the heating also switches into air recirculation mode is when you use the windscreen washers (http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfm...ts.php#washers). I'm not suggesting that your problem is caused by you continually using your washers but it could be a fault in that system rather than the reversing system.

As far as I know there are only these two systems (washers and reversing) which can cause the heating to switch to recirculation mode by itself and so I can't imagine it would be so hard for a dealer to check out these two areas.

Hope that helps,
Stuart
http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5

**adstalker** · 23-01-2009,10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Hurdy

Do you have the manual air con or the dual zone climate?

If you set your heater to the windscreen setting, then this should automatically set your recirc to off.

HTH

I have the manual air con. When I switch the heater to the windscreen, it should switch off, but it doesn't. It just stays in recirculation mode.

Spoke to the dealer on my way home last night and they said that they would speak to the technician this morning and get back to me.

If I have not heard from them by 10am, I am going to be giving them a ring and enquring as to why they arn't dealing with this as a matter of urgency.

Will update when I have mre information.

Cheers
Anthony

**adstalker** · 26-01-2009,01:23 PM

Visited the dealer on Friday afternoon and discussed the problem with them. The Waranty Manager came out on a drive with me where I demonstrated the problem.

They have now accepted that there is a problem with the recirculation system, even though there are no faults showing.

The car is ging back to the dealer on Tuesday for them do try a more thorough investigation.

I explined the ideas that you have put forward ie reverse switch and windscreen washer switch. The dealer have said that if these were faulty that there would be a fault code logged, but have said that they will investigate.

Have requested that if they can't find an imediate resolve to the problem, that they should deactivate the recirculation system until they can. They have said that they don't think that is possible, but will also investigate.

Will update again once it has been back into the dealers.

Cheers
Anthony