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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Recirculation door actuator × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification
• Plastic push pin retainers (assortment) × 1 — Replace any damaged clips during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes
3. Remove contents from glove box and passenger side floor area
4. Verify replacement actuator matches the existing unit before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Glove Box Assembly
   Open glove box fully. Locate stop arms on both left and right sides of glove box. Squeeze inward on both sides to release stops and allow glove box to drop down. Disconnect glove box light electrical connector if equipped. Remove glove box hinge pins by pulling box forward and downward to completely remove from dashboard.
2. 2

   Access Lower Dashboard Panel
   With glove box removed, locate the lower dashboard trim panel beneath the glove box opening on passenger side. Remove three screws securing lower panel using Torx T20 driver. Carefully pull lower panel away from dashboard, releasing any remaining push pin retainers. Set panel aside.
3. 3

   Locate Recirculation Door Actuator
   Using flashlight, locate the recirculation door actuator on the HVAC housing behind where glove box was mounted. The actuator is a black plastic motor unit approximately 3 inches square, mounted on the right side of the HVAC housing with the electrical connector facing outward. It controls the door that switches between fresh air and recirculated air modes.
4. 4

   Disconnect Actuator Electrical Connector
   Press down on the red locking tab on the actuator electrical connector. While holding the lock tab depressed, pull the connector straight off the actuator. Do not pull on the wires. If connector is difficult to access, use needle-nose pliers to depress the lock tab.
5. 5

   Remove Actuator Mounting Screws
   Locate the two or three mounting screws securing the actuator to the HVAC housing. These are typically T15 or T20 Torx screws. Using appropriate Torx driver with extension if needed, remove all mounting screws. Keep screws organized as they may be different lengths.
6. 6

   Remove Failed Actuator
   Gently wiggle the actuator while pulling it away from the HVAC housing. The actuator shaft engages with the recirculation door, so it may require slight rotation to disengage. Once shaft is clear of door linkage, remove actuator completely from vehicle. Note the orientation of the actuator and position of the shaft for installation reference.
7. 7

   Inspect HVAC Housing and Door Mechanism
   Using flashlight, inspect the recirculation door shaft and mounting area on HVAC housing. Check that door moves freely by hand and is not broken or binding. Remove any debris or foreign objects from the area. Verify foam seal around door opening is intact. If door is damaged or binding, additional HVAC repairs may be required.
8. 8

   Install New Recirculation Door Actuator
   Position new actuator with shaft aligned to engage recirculation door linkage. The actuator may need to be rotated slightly to align shaft splines with door shaft. Gently push actuator onto HVAC housing until it seats flush against mounting surface. Do not force - if resistance is felt, verify shaft alignment.
9. 9

   Secure Actuator Mounting Screws
   Install all actuator mounting screws and hand-tighten first. Once all screws are started, tighten evenly in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Final torque should be snug but do not overtighten as the HVAC housing is plastic. Typical torque is 2-3 Nm (18-27 lb-in) for plastic housing screws.
10. 10

    Reconnect Electrical Connector
    Align actuator electrical connector with pins on actuator. Push connector straight onto actuator until it clicks and the red locking tab engages fully. Gently tug on connector to verify it is locked in place. Ensure wiring is not pinched or stretched.
11. 11

    Test Actuator Operation
    Reconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Set HVAC controls to fresh air mode, then switch to recirculation mode. Listen for actuator motor operation and verify door movement by listening for airflow change. Cycle through modes several times to confirm proper operation.
12. 12

    Reinstall Dashboard Components
    Position lower dashboard trim panel and secure with push pin retainers and screws. Reinstall glove box by inserting hinge pins into dashboard brackets. Connect glove box light connector if equipped. Close glove box and verify stop arms engage properly to prevent over-extension.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before final testing
2. Verify glove box operates smoothly and stop arms function correctly
3. Replace any broken push pin retainers with new ones to prevent rattles

Verification

• Start engine and turn on HVAC system with blower on medium speed
• Toggle between fresh air and recirculation modes using climate control button - indicator light should change appropriately
• Listen for actuator motor operation during mode changes - should be smooth and quiet
• Feel for airflow changes at vents - recirculation mode should feel slightly stronger as air path is shorter
• Test all HVAC modes (defrost, floor, panel, mixed) to ensure actuator replacement did not affect other functions
• Verify no air leaks or whistling sounds from behind dashboard

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