This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the recirculation door actuator in the HVAC system, which controls fresh air versus recirculated air mode.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Recirculation door actuator × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
4. Allow HVAC system to reach ambient temperature if vehicle was recently operated
5. Set front passenger seat to full rearward position for working clearance

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower passenger side trim panel
   Locate and remove the lower passenger side kick panel. Use trim removal tools to carefully pry the panel away from the dashboard, starting at the bottom edge. Release all retaining clips and set panel aside. Note the location of any wiring harness clips attached to the panel.
2. 2

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open the glove box and remove all contents. Locate the damper arm on the right side and disconnect it by squeezing the tabs. Press inward on both sides of the glove box to release the side stops, then lower the glove box completely. Remove the screws securing the glove box hinge and remove the entire assembly from the dashboard.
3. 3

   Access the HVAC housing
   With the glove box removed, you now have access to the HVAC housing area. Use a flashlight to locate the recirculation door actuator on the right side of the HVAC housing. The actuator is a small motorized unit with a white or black plastic housing and an electrical connector.
4. 4

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the recirculation door actuator. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the actuator. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If connector is difficult to reach, use a small flathead screwdriver to depress the locking tab.
5. 5

   Remove actuator mounting screws
   Locate the mounting screws securing the actuator to the HVAC housing (typically 2-3 screws). Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove these screws. Keep track of screw locations as they may be different lengths. The screws are similar to cover screws in the torque specification list.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old actuator
   Carefully pull the actuator away from the HVAC housing. The actuator shaft engages with the recirculation door linkage. You may need to rotate the actuator slightly while pulling to disengage it from the door mechanism. Note the orientation of the actuator and the position of the door linkage for installation reference.
7. 7

   Inspect recirculation door mechanism
   With the actuator removed, inspect the recirculation door linkage for any damage or obstructions. Manually move the door linkage through its full range of motion to ensure it moves freely without binding. If the door binds, investigate for debris or damage before installing the new actuator.
8. 8

   Install new recirculation door actuator
   Position the new actuator so the drive shaft aligns with the recirculation door linkage. The actuator should only fit in one orientation. Gently rotate the actuator to align the shaft with the linkage, then press the actuator into position against the HVAC housing mounting surface.
9. 9

   Install actuator mounting screws
   Install the mounting screws and hand-tighten them. Ensure the actuator is properly seated against the housing before final tightening. Torque screws to 10.0 Nm (8.0 lb-ft) in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the actuator.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the new actuator. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is properly seated.
11. 11

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Position the glove box assembly back into the dashboard opening. Install the hinge screws and tighten securely. Lift the glove box into the open position, press the sides inward, and engage the side stops. Reconnect the damper arm to the glove box.
12. 12

    Reinstall lower trim panel
    Reattach any wiring harness clips to the lower kick panel. Align the panel with the dashboard and press firmly to engage all retaining clips. Verify all clips are fully seated and the panel is flush with surrounding trim.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. Cycle through all HVAC modes and fan speeds to allow the actuator to calibrate and verify proper operation.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all dashboard panels are properly secured with no gaps or loose clips
2. Verify glove box operates smoothly and damper functions correctly
3. Test all HVAC controls return to center detents properly

Verification

• Start the engine and turn on the HVAC system
• Toggle between fresh air and recirculation modes using the recirculation button
• Listen for the actuator motor operating smoothly without clicking or grinding noises
• Verify airflow changes appropriately between modes (fresh air should bring in outside air, recirculation should use cabin air)
• Check that the recirculation indicator light on the dashboard functions correctly when the mode is selected
• Operate the system through several cycles to confirm consistent performance

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