97 850 NA - Regular soft knocks/clicks -- repeated pattern of movement

[xHeart]

The intermediate arm was replaced, BUT was it installed correctly?

In preparation for summer and air conditioning, the REC switch for air recirculation is causing strange behavior. Key in POS II, REC ON (light ON) it has motor rotation and thump of vent door -- it cycles. REC OFF (light OFF) it clicks and thumps repeatedly.

The climate control is without ECC.

Install orientation is same as in this diagram #18:

[xHeart]

Removing the six 25T screwed and pulling out the glovebox gives access.

I couldn't understand the motor's rotation for the REC switch ON/OFF -- it cycles with ON, and clicks with OFF. So, I decided to take off intermediate lever/arm from the motor. It disengaged the vent door opening/closing function. Left the REC switch is ON (light ON) to avoid the clicks of OFF position.

Is the vent closed when REC is ON (light ON) -- #6 flap in closed position -- recirculating cabin air? How does cabin air flows with REC switch at ON/OFF?

[xHeart]

Removed the cowl to check the flap position under the cabin filter assembly. The blower fan being visible and flap down means the ambient air is entering the cabin -- which is preferred/standard.

I'll leave the arm/lever disconnected to keep the outside air flow in to the cabin for now, but later look for ways to repair before the winter weather. ALSO keeping RECIRC switch to ON position so motor can stay quiet -- motor clicks when switch is OFF.

Why would motor turn and make clicking noise if the RECIRC switch is at OFF position?

[abscate]

OFF doesn't mean motor off, it means it is trying to return the flap to the ambient air position. I think the motor is encoded on both ECC (Electronic climate control) and MCC (Manual climate control) so if the encoder doesn't report the right position it keeps trying to position it.

Does that make sense ?

[xHeart]

OFF doesn't mean motor off, it means it is trying to return the flap to the ambient air position. I think the motor is encoded on both ECC (Electronic climate control) and MCC (Manual climate control) so if the encoder doesn't report the right position it keeps trying to position it.

Does that make sense ?

It does!
I'm able to pull the link arm #21 to move the flap to recirc position, releasing link arm returns flap to ambient air position.

It would then make sense to connect link arm #21 to lever #18 AND then hang it at motor with switch at OFF and engine OFF. BUT the square male connector at motor doesn't sync with female connector at lever -- where to reconcile.

[abscate]

It would then make sense to connect link arm #21 to lever #18 AND then hang it at motor with switch at OFF and engine OFF. BUT the square male connector at motor doesn't sync with female connector at lever -- where to reconcile.

You have to drive it to the OFF position with engine on and make sure the motor reaches the recirc damper is OPEN

[xHeart]

It would then make sense to connect link arm #21 to lever #18 AND then hang it at motor with switch at OFF and engine OFF. BUT the square male connector at motor doesn't sync with female connector at lever -- where to reconcile.

You have to drive it to the OFF position with engine on and make sure the motor reaches the recirc damper is OPEN

Seeking clarity.

With cowl removed, and cabin filter pulled, I can see the fan motor -- that is fresh air entering the cabin -- right?.
recirc damper is OPEN would mean damper up and closed, I should not see the fan from the cowl/filter assembly, yes?