This is REALLY important, it affects how well your system defogs in winter and cools in summer, and if a small amount of damage is caught early it could save you MANY hundreds of dollars. My door hinge is busted, probably by somebody who forced it open, not understanding how to correctly access the cabin air filter.
Even if you think your door is working fine, it only takes a minute to check it and please answer the poll. Multiple answers are OK - for example "door hinge broken" and also "actuator buzzes".
Turn ignition ON.
Switch the Recirculate button ON. This _should_ raise the rotating door to the up position, you will hear a soft "bzzzzzzt" sound from the glovebox area.
Remove the stuff from the top glove box tray and remove the tray (pull out).
Remove the rectangular access panel for the filter (two clips on top, pull toward you).
Inspect the recirc door, it should look like this, the cabin filter is visible below it:
Turn ignition ON and operate the door by cycling the Recirc off and on. You should see this when Recirc is OFF, the door has rotated down:
If the door operates smoothly without any problems, great. Change the filter if it is dirty and put it back together.
If the door sticks or binds there is a problem with the linkage.
If the door does not move the outboard hinge hole or linkage shaft is broken or stripped. Grab the upper edge of the door and move it full travel, and you should be able to get an idea where the problem is. Push the door DOWN and leave it there if your door is screwed up!!! That will give you the best defrost operation in winter.
If your door is screwed up you will have to remove this blower assembly, on the right:
It might be possible to repair the damage. The street cost of a new assembly including fan and motor is $425+. I am researching whether or not sub-parts are available.
Finally, write a warning on the filter cover, to prevent the next clueless drone from destroying the door:
I contributed to this thread with some questions:
Cabin Filter Change and the Recirculation Flap Issues FIXED
I will start a brand new thread with lots of pics when I get around to changing out or fixing the busted door.
If your door is messed up (or has been and was fixed) please add a comment below with year and description of the situation.
Thanks,
John Davies
Spokane WA
Even if you think your door is working fine, it only takes a minute to check it and please answer the poll. Multiple answers are OK - for example "door hinge broken" and also "actuator buzzes".
Turn ignition ON.
Switch the Recirculate button ON. This _should_ raise the rotating door to the up position, you will hear a soft "bzzzzzzt" sound from the glovebox area.
Remove the stuff from the top glove box tray and remove the tray (pull out).
Remove the rectangular access panel for the filter (two clips on top, pull toward you).
Inspect the recirc door, it should look like this, the cabin filter is visible below it:
Turn ignition ON and operate the door by cycling the Recirc off and on. You should see this when Recirc is OFF, the door has rotated down:
If the door operates smoothly without any problems, great. Change the filter if it is dirty and put it back together.
If the door sticks or binds there is a problem with the linkage.
If the door does not move the outboard hinge hole or linkage shaft is broken or stripped. Grab the upper edge of the door and move it full travel, and you should be able to get an idea where the problem is. Push the door DOWN and leave it there if your door is screwed up!!! That will give you the best defrost operation in winter.
If your door is screwed up you will have to remove this blower assembly, on the right:
It might be possible to repair the damage. The street cost of a new assembly including fan and motor is $425+. I am researching whether or not sub-parts are available.
Finally, write a warning on the filter cover, to prevent the next clueless drone from destroying the door:
I contributed to this thread with some questions:
Cabin Filter Change and the Recirculation Flap Issues FIXED
I will start a brand new thread with lots of pics when I get around to changing out or fixing the busted door.
If your door is messed up (or has been and was fixed) please add a comment below with year and description of the situation.
Thanks,
John Davies
Spokane WA
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