I have a 2003 OBW LL Bean with the auto climate control. Whenever I use the "auto" setting when A/C is needed, it goes into the recirculate mode. Even after driving for over 1/2 hour it does not switch over to the outside air mode. The manual says that outside air setting is the default, and also not to use the recirculate any longer than necessary as windows may fog. I also do not like the significant extra noise of the fan when in the "recirculate" mode. It also prevents me from using the "ECON" setting with outside air since as soon as you touch any mode function the auto function goes off and you cannot access the "econ" setting.
I complained to the dealer and they said that it was normal and they saw no problem - that the book was wrong. I had them start a 2004 with the auto system and it did the same thing. I called the Subaru 800 number and after an operator went back to a tech two or three times after I finally got her to understand what I was saying, she told me the tech said that the auto setting defaulting to "recirculate" is normal and that ended the conversation.
Has anyone else run into this problem and, if so, how did you get it resolved? I don't know what else to do since the shop says it is normal and I can't get past an operator at the Subaru National (USA) number.
Thank you in advance for any help.