Is it normal for the automatic climate control to turn off when I select or deselect the recirculation button?

 

I believe that is normal. If you push any button other than the temp or dual, I think it takes it off auto.

 

AMIC is correct.

If you press the recirc button the climate control still automatically controls every other aspect of the cilmate except for the recirculation door. Meaning the fan speed, air flow, and temp are all still automatically controlled. It works the same way for other functions too. If you happen to choose the air flow to come out at your face the "auto" will go off. The system will still automatically control fan speed, temp, and the recirc door.

 

Thats correct

 

when i'm in auto and the temp outside is 13 deg c, doesnt seem like it stops the ac or add heat inside to compensate for temp difference...is that normal?

GAWD

 

Think about it this way—by pressing the button, you're taking control of it yourself and are thus overriding the automatic function. I do this fairly frequently if I'm behind a bus or a truck belching out nasty black smoke, or if I'm driving past a construction zone with lots of dust, or if I'm driving in a particularly stinky area such as I-295 in DC, which passes the sewage treatment facility.

 

I usually prefer manual control except when Im on highway - I leave it on auto and it works good.