Hello there. I am somewhat confused with the cabin filter operation in the LS460, it is 2017 LS460 SWB, RWD with single ac unit to be exact. I used to have 4 different Avalons before and in all those Toyotas all the air coming into the cabin would go straight through the cabin air filter located behind the glove compartment, end of story. On the LS460 (and on my previous ES350) there is a special option in the climate control menu which enables “MICRO DUST AND POLLEN FILTER” (see on the picture). It is off by default and when turned on manually it only stays activated for a short period of time and then turns itself off again. So, is there a second filter of some sort that operates independently from the regular cabin air filter? Or the air goes through the actual cabin filter behind the glove box only when that option selected from the menu and the rest of the time that filter is being bypassed and we getting unfiltered air in the cabin? Appreciate any info.

 

It changes the filtration mode to recycle and filter cabin air with no "fresh air" from the outside being added to the cabin. Since you need fresh air added to the mix no matter what that is why it only runs for a little while.

 

So it is running all the air through the cabin filter no matter what, but when this option activated it is just closing fresh air intake and recycles cabin air for some time? Isn't it the same as manually switching to the cabin air recirculation mode with the push of the button?

 

Better efficiency, it does it automatically, computer controlled.

 

That mode was called 'Anti dust program' in some markets.

 

Living in San Diego, it's dry and dusty. My 2013 is very clean inside. I credit using my climate system all the time.