Can I force my broken recirc flap to fresh air and lock it there?

[scottm]

Almost a year old, three trips to the dealer for free oil changes. Cold weather arrived, and I can't seem to clear my foggy windows. Opened the cover and watched the recirc flap, it does not move when I select recirc/fresh air. I need to get it fixed, would like to wait until next oil change. In Michigan, I really never need recirc, would like to prop the flap in fresh position until next trip to the dealer, it will become undriveable soon in recirc.

This is the current position, but with the filter in place. It does not move. I don't want to touch it without knowing it won't break further and make me the one responsible for repairs.
.

 

[04UZJ100]

Wow. **** dealers.

I propped mine open with a credit card until I glued the assembly back together. Flawless operation since and I had a completely fractured hinge/rotating assembly.

 

[scottm]

Propped with a cut-down credit card. Thanks!

 

[bloc]

I’d try putting the button in fresh and at the same time gently pull the door back toward you to help it. If you feel any “crunchiness” stop.

If you look closely at the bottom right side of the door in like with the gray rubber gasket, there is a keyed pin that actually moves the door. This is driven by a servo outside the assembly to the right. If that pin isn’t rotating the issue is from the servo via the linkage.. if the pin rotates but the door doesn’t move, the door is cracked.

Really either scenario you are unlikely to damage it further by helping it move rearward.

 

[flyfish4life]

Just a bizarre design that we have to sweat bullets (hide key, post notes, stickers, etc.) every trip to dealer for service. I took mine to Lexus today hoping they would be more aware (I even warned them and they were seemingly in the know - said there have been many broken doors replaced). Thankfully, they didn’t try to open the locked glove box well as far as I know. So I live another day.

 

[Itsky]

Just a bizarre design that we have to sweat bullets (hide key, post notes, stickers, etc.) every trip to dealer for service. I took mine to Lexus today hoping they would be more aware (I even warned them and they were seemingly in the know - said there have been many broken doors replaced). Thankfully, they didn’t try to open the locked glove box well as far as I know. So I live another day.

Totally agree.

 

[hankinid]

I was lucky enough to pop the door back up to normal. I put a caution sticker on the door, but I still keep the key if the truck has to go back to the dealer..