Recirculation Door Actuator

This procedure replaces the HVAC recirculation door actuator in a 2005 Dodge Viper, which controls fresh air vs recirculated air mode in the climate control system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• HVAC recirculation door actuator × 1 — Mopar 55056912AA or aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and allow engine to cool completely
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Open passenger door fully for workspace access
4. Set up adequate lighting to illuminate under-dash area on passenger side

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open the glove box fully and empty all contents. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward to release the stops from their slots, allowing the box to drop down past its normal open position. Locate the hinge fasteners at the bottom of the glove box - remove 3 fasteners securing the glove box to the dashboard structure. Disconnect the glove box light electrical connector if equipped. Remove the glove box assembly completely from the vehicle.
2. 2

   Access HVAC housing
   With the glove box removed, you now have access to the HVAC housing area. Use a flashlight to identify the recirculation door actuator location - it is mounted on the upper right side of the HVAC housing behind where the glove box was positioned. The actuator is a small rectangular motor with a shaft that connects to the recirculation door linkage.
3. 3

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the recirculation door actuator body. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight off the actuator. If access is tight, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to depress the locking tab while pulling the connector.
4. 4

   Remove actuator mounting fasteners
   The actuator is secured to the HVAC housing with 2 screws. Use a 7mm socket or nut driver with appropriate extensions to remove these fasteners. Note the orientation of the actuator and the position of the actuator shaft relative to the door linkage before removal - this will aid installation alignment.
5. 5

   Disconnect actuator from door linkage
   Carefully rotate the actuator to disengage its drive shaft from the recirculation door linkage arm. On this vehicle, the connection is typically a push-on clip arrangement. Gently wiggle and pull the actuator away from the linkage while supporting the door mechanism with your other hand. Remove the actuator from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Inspect door mechanism and linkage
   With the actuator removed, manually move the recirculation door linkage through its full range of motion to verify the door moves freely without binding. Check for broken linkage arms, disconnected clips, or obstructions in the door path. The door should move smoothly between the fresh air and recirculation positions. If binding is present, the door or housing may be damaged and require additional diagnosis.
7. 7

   Prepare new actuator
   Remove the new recirculation door actuator from its packaging. Before installation, verify the actuator shaft is in the correct position. Before installation, verify the actuator shaft position matches the orientation noted during removal. Manually rotate the new actuator shaft (if free-moving) to the recirculation position to match the door before mounting.
8. 8

   Install new actuator to door linkage
   Position the new actuator near the mounting location and align the drive shaft with the recirculation door linkage arm. Push the actuator shaft onto the linkage connection until it clicks or seats fully. Verify the connection is secure by gently attempting to pull the actuator away from the linkage - it should not separate.
9. 9

   Secure actuator to HVAC housing
   Position the actuator body against the HVAC housing mounting surface, ensuring proper alignment with the mounting holes. Install the 2 mounting screws and tighten snugly (approximately 2.0 Nm / 18 in-lbs) using a 7mm socket. Do not overtighten as the plastic housing threads can strip easily.
10. 10

    Connect actuator electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the new actuator until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
11. 11

    Test actuator operation before reassembly
    Before reinstalling the glove box, turn the ignition to ON position (engine does not need to run). Turn on the climate control system and toggle between fresh air and recirculation modes. Listen for the actuator motor operating and, if possible, visually confirm the door linkage moves through its full range. Verify the actuator stops clicking or buzzing, which would indicate binding or calibration issues.
12. 12

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Reconnect the glove box light electrical connector if equipped. Position the glove box assembly into the dashboard opening and align the hinge mounting points. Install the 3 hinge fasteners and tighten securely. Close the glove box partially and verify the stop tabs align with their slots, then test the full open/close operation.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is the reverse of removal as detailed in steps 10-12
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
3. Verify glove box operates smoothly and stops engage properly at full open position

Verification

• Start the engine and allow HVAC system to stabilize for 30 seconds
• Toggle climate control between fresh air and recirculation modes multiple times - there should be no clicking, buzzing, or grinding noises from behind the dashboard
• With system in recirculation mode, verify airflow changes character (typically becomes slightly stronger as outside air intake is blocked)
• In fresh air mode, verify you can sense outside air entering the cabin
• Check climate control display (if equipped) shows proper mode indication matching selected setting
• Confirm no error codes or HVAC fault indicators appear on the instrument cluster

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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