I was explaining to my wife this afternoon how the LS430 automatically switches from outside air to inside air when it "smells" exhaust fumes, etc.

She asked, "What about a skunk?"

That's not too much a laughing matter in that there are a realatively large number of skunk-strikes on rural sections of the freeways here and you can suddenly get a powerful blast of wood ***** scent without warning. This always causes a mad rush to shut off the outside air until we pass the location followed by opening windows, roof, etc. to get the car aired out.

Anybody had any experience with this? Is the automatic switching only with exhaust products?

b.

 

I think it has to do with a certain amount of smog...

 

umm, this is a really interesting questio, not sure if anyone knows the answer though. maybe you can just try it and let us know. if it does switch, i thihnk it's pretty darn cool!

 

I know that you can change the sensitivity of the Auto switch.

With the ignition in the ON position (engine off) press and hold the recalculate button for a few seconds, until you see a number on the screen, you can then adjust this number with the temperature up/down buttons, the higher the digit, the higher the sensitivity. However, let me caution you, if you place it on the max (I think it was 3) you might not get much outside air, especially if you do a lot of city driving.

 

I think you will get the 'skunk' smell no matter what car your in.......yes, that includes the all mighty LS 430 I'm afraid as well. A skunk can make the paint peel in a men's public restroom it so potient!

 

Yeah and if you hold down the airconditioning button a few seconds, the 'Smog Filter' settings will come up.