Recirculation Door Actuator

Replace the recirculation door actuator in the HVAC system to restore proper fresh air/recirculated air operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Recirculation door actuator × 1 — Motorcraft YH-1933 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn off ignition and remove key
3. Allow HVAC system to settle for 2 minutes after shutting off engine
4. Gather all tools and parts before starting

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box
   Open the glove box fully. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward to release the stops from the dashboard. Lower the glove box completely down and disconnect the glove box light electrical connector if equipped. Remove the glove box from the vehicle.
2. 2

   Locate recirculation door actuator
   Use a flashlight to locate the recirculation door actuator on the left side of the HVAC case behind where the glove box was mounted. The actuator is a small motor with a gear mechanism and electrical connector. It is typically gray or black plastic and positioned vertically on the HVAC case.
3. 3

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the electrical connector attached to the recirculation door actuator and pull the connector straight out. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove actuator mounting screws
   Using a 7mm socket with extension, remove the three screws securing the recirculation door actuator to the HVAC case. The screws are typically arranged in a triangular pattern around the actuator body. Keep these screws in a safe location as they will be reused.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove actuator from HVAC case
   Gently pull the actuator straight out from the HVAC case. The actuator shaft engages with the recirculation door, so rotate the actuator slightly while pulling if needed to disengage the connection. Do not force the door position inside the case.
   ⚠If resistance is felt, verify all mounting screws are removed and rotate actuator gently - forcing can break the door mechanism
6. 6

   Inspect HVAC door mechanism
   Using a flashlight and inspection mirror if available, look into the actuator mounting hole to inspect the recirculation door. The door should move freely by hand if accessible. Check for any broken foam or debris that could prevent proper door operation.
7. 7

   Prepare new actuator
   Remove the new recirculation door actuator from packaging. If the actuator has a protective cap over the drive gear, remove it. Do not manually rotate the actuator gear as it may need to self-calibrate when power is applied.
8. 8

   Install new actuator
   Align the new actuator drive gear with the recirculation door linkage inside the HVAC case. Gently push the actuator into position while ensuring the mounting screw holes align with the HVAC case. The actuator should seat flush against the case.
9. 9

   Install actuator mounting screws
   Install the three mounting screws by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. If using a torque wrench, torque to specification. If tightening by feel, make screws snug but do not overtighten the plastic housing.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect actuator electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the new actuator, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Verify the locking tab engages fully.
11. 11

    Reinstall glove box
    Reconnect the glove box light electrical connector if equipped. Position the glove box into the dashboard opening and raise it into place. Push the sides outward so the stops engage with the dashboard slots. Close and open the glove box to verify proper operation.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and locked
2. Verify glove box opens and closes smoothly without binding
3. Confirm no tools or parts are left in the dashboard area

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn on the HVAC system
• Press the recirculation button on the climate control panel and listen for the actuator motor operation - a brief whirring sound is normal
• Toggle between fresh air and recirculation modes multiple times to verify the actuator responds correctly
• Check that airflow characteristics change between modes - recirculation mode should feel slightly different than fresh air mode
• Verify no unusual noises come from behind the dashboard during mode changes
• Confirm the recirculation indicator light on the climate control panel illuminates when recirculation mode is selected

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle