a/c recirculation flap/motor clicking

[986 user]

Has anybody addressed this problem? 97 986 w 56k miles: I hear a loud clicking behind the a/c control panel. Underneath the cabin filter I can see the recirculation flap moving slightly back and forth in motion with the ticking sound. When you push the recirculation button the noise subsides somewhat. Whats the repair? Thx

[Wayne 962]

Hi there. The flaps for the A/C and heating system are electronically controlled with feedback switches / resistors to tell the computer where they are (closed-loop control). Sounds like one of the mechanisms for the system is either stuck or broken. Not an easy repair, I haven't tackled this myself. I suspect that the front A/C panel and dash needs to come out to access that. The good news is that you can probably buy the newer parts pretty easily, or get an entirely used system pretty cheap. The trouble is just accessing the area.

I believe the Bentley manual has some steps for removing the panel and accessing this equipment...

-Wayne

[Jamikest]

The recirc motor is on the far far right of the a/c case. It is accessible without pulling the dash or case. It is between the case and the sheetmetal below the passenger a-pillar. Not easy to do in the least, and you will have some skinned knuckles in the process.