This procedure replaces the recirculation door actuator in the HVAC system, which controls air recirculation mode.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Recirculation door actuator × 1 — 87106-06170 or equivalent
• Interior panel clips × 5 — As needed if broken during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and ensure engine is off and cool
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds
3. Remove all items from glove box
4. Position driver's seat back for working room in passenger footwell
5. Gather all tools and new actuator before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open glove box fully. Remove the two screws at the top edge of the glove box liner. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward to release the damper arms from their slots on both sides. Lower the glove box completely and disconnect any glove box light connectors if equipped. Remove glove box assembly from vehicle.
2. 2

   Remove lower passenger side trim panel
   Locate the lower kick panel on the passenger side beneath the glove box area. Use a panel removal tool to carefully pry out the retaining clips starting from the bottom edge. Work gradually around the panel perimeter. Once all clips are released, pull the panel away from the vehicle and set aside. Keep track of clip locations for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Access the HVAC unit housing
   With the glove box and lower panel removed, locate the black plastic HVAC housing unit behind the dashboard. The recirculation door actuator is mounted on the left side of this housing facing toward the driver's side. You should see a small rectangular actuator with an electrical connector.
4. 4

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the recirculation actuator. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight out from the actuator. Do not pull on the wires. If connector is difficult to access, you may need to feel for it and work by touch.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires themselves as this can damage the connector pins or wire harness
5. 5

   Remove actuator mounting screws
   Locate the three Phillips head screws securing the actuator to the HVAC housing. These screws are typically arranged in a triangular pattern. Remove all three screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Place screws in a magnetic tray or container to prevent loss. Note the orientation of the actuator before removal.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old actuator
   Gently pull the actuator straight out from the HVAC housing. The actuator shaft engages with the recirculation door mechanism, so you may need to rotate it slightly while pulling to disengage. Once free, remove the actuator from the vehicle. Inspect the door mechanism opening to ensure no debris has fallen into the HVAC unit.
7. 7

   Prepare new actuator
   Remove new actuator from packaging. Compare it to the old unit to verify correct replacement part. Locate the drive shaft on the new actuator and note its position. The shaft should rotate freely when turned by hand.
8. 8

   Install new actuator
   Align the new actuator shaft with the recirculation door mechanism opening in the HVAC housing. You may need to rotate the actuator shaft slightly to align with the door linkage. Once aligned, push the actuator firmly into position until it seats flush against the housing mounting surface.
   ⚠Do not force the actuator if shaft does not engage easily - rotate shaft position slightly until it slides in smoothly
9. 9

   Install actuator mounting screws
   Install all three mounting screws by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all screws are started, tighten them in a crisscross pattern using a torque wrench to the specified torque value. Ensure the actuator remains flush against the housing as you tighten.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector back onto the new actuator. Push firmly until you hear or feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked.
11. 11

    Test actuator operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. Turn the climate control system on and toggle the recirculation button several times. You should hear the new actuator motor operating and feel air delivery change between fresh and recirculation modes. Verify smooth operation with no clicking or grinding noises.
12. 12

    Reinstall lower trim panel
    Position the lower passenger side kick panel back into place. Align all clip locations with their mounting points in the body. Press firmly around the perimeter of the panel to seat all clips. Verify the panel is secure and flush with surrounding trim.
13. 13

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Reconnect any glove box light connectors if equipped. Position the glove box assembly into the dashboard opening. Squeeze the sides inward and lift the box into position, engaging the damper arms into their slots on both sides. Install the two upper mounting screws and tighten securely. Verify glove box opens and closes smoothly with proper damper operation.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all dashboard panels and trim pieces are properly clipped and secured
3. Replace any broken clips with new ones to prevent rattles
4. Check that glove box operates smoothly and all items have been removed from work area

Verification

• Start the engine and turn on the climate control system
• Press the recirculation button and verify the indicator light illuminates on the control panel
• Listen for the actuator motor operating smoothly without grinding or clicking sounds
• Feel air flow and verify it changes from fresh air to recirculation mode when button is pressed
• Test in both heating and cooling modes to ensure proper operation in all conditions
• Check that there are no unusual odors or air leaks from the HVAC system
• Verify all dashboard panels are secure and no rattles are present when driving

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