04 TL lot of miles.I get outside smells even in recirc. mode.I really notice it behind diesel pickup trucks.Is my fresh air vent not closing?Did a search cant find any known problems.Recirc light is on.

 

You may need to change your cabin air filter. There are tons of threads on this procedure. You should probably turn off the recirculation feature and get some fresh air till you actually need to recirculate.

 

+1. there's a diy in the 3g garage. in cabin air filter's an easy swap. it's in the glove compartment (behind).

 

I disagree. If the OP is smelling exhaust from cars ahead of him, then his recirc is not working.

As the OP has guessed, the recirc door is allowing outside air to enter into the system. If the recirc door was working properly, he would not be smelling fumes from traffic regardless if the filter is new or old.

OP - I agree that something might be preventing your recirc door from sealing closed.

The arrows point to the HVAC Fresh Air Inlet. This air inlet has a motor-driven door (aka, recic door) to control the air entry.





See this thread below for instructions on how to inspect your recirc door.

Dead animal in AC / Heating vents, HELP! (click here)


Please post back to let us know what you found. Just curious.

 

Thanks Inaccurate just what I was looking for!