Recirculation Button not working

If your AC recirculation button works (lights up or clicks) but the internal air flap (blend door or recirculation door) doesn't move, it's likely one of these common issues:

1. Blend Door Actuator Failure
   • Symptoms: Button responds, but no sound or movement from inside dash.
   • Fix: Replace the recirculation/blend door actuator (a small motor under the dashboard).
   • Location: Usually behind the glove box or center console (varies by vehicle).
2. Stuck or Broken Flap (Recirc Door)
   • Symptoms: Clicking sound or no airflow change when recirc is pressed.
   • Fix: The flap might be jammed, disconnected, or broken — this requires opening the HVAC box (dash disassembly in many cars).
3. Electrical Issue (Wiring or Control Module)
   • Symptoms: Button lights up, but no action or strange behavior with other AC controls.
   • Fix: Check fuses, wiring to the actuator, or climate control module (a scan tool may help here).
4. Vacuum System Issue (Older Cars)
   • Some vehicles use vacuum lines to move the flap. If you have an older car:
     • Check for disconnected or cracked vacuum hoses.
     • Listen for a hissing sound under the dash.

• Listen carefully under the dash when pressing the recirc button.
  → No sound? Likely the actuator is dead.
  → Clicking sound? Gears inside the actuator are stripped.
• Access the actuator (often behind the glove box), unplug it, and check:
  • Power at the connector using a multimeter.
  • Try swapping it with a known good actuator (if you have dual zone HVAC).
• Use scan tools (for newer vehicles) to check if the HVAC system reports actuator movement or errors.

Search your car’s make/model/year + “recirculation door actuator” to find the exact part and location.

If you give me your car make, model, and year, I can give exact diagrams and steps to help you find and fix the issue faster.