Air Recirculation Not Working

[C1ph3r]

interesting. makes me think my servo is indeed bad then. i use the function a lot in all my cars. usually set to recirculate. and I hate this auto climate control mess. volvo seems to think this can cause an increase in carbon monoxide inside the car and forces the fresh air vent to be open by default. according to the owner manual anyway. safety first

I have the manual controls in my 850, so there is a difference there.

I JUST picked up an S70 today that has the auto system, and I'd be happier with manual.

congrats on the S70. And me too. I am a manual controls kind of guy. I really miss cable operated climate controls.

[scot850]

Now, as you have a 99, it should have a cabin air filter just above the cold air flap. That should keep crap out of that area, but I have found dirt is still able to get down there.

Does the motor move smoothly in both directions with the rod disconnected? I think that is what you say.

You may have to re-calibrate the motor. There is a process which I have long ago forgotten to how to do that. You are 10% certain the motor is in the correct position when you installed the rod?

A spare motor would obviously make a simple fix if you had access to one assuming that is the issue.

I would suggest however, that it may be worth removing the fan motor and checking there is nothing jamming the flap from moving.

There must be a member nearby (relatively speaking) who has a spare motor. I have a bunch but it would be a couple of weeks getting to you from here.

Neil.

[454cid]

I would suggest however, that it may be worth removing the fan motor and checking there is nothing jamming the flap from moving.

I was able to see the flap pretty well from above on my 850... would that also be the case on the OP's V70?

Does the motor move smoothly in both directions with the rod disconnected?

I think moving the actuator without the rod would be a good idea, as you suggest.

[C1ph3r]

Now, as you have a 99, it should have a cabin air filter just above the cold air flap. That should keep crap out of that area, but I have found dirt is still able to get down there.

I have replaced that filter. when I bought the car last december that filter was filthy. I vacuumed out the area as well. I will pull it again and take a look

Does the motor move smoothly in both directions with the rod disconnected? I think that is what you say.

Yes

You may have to re-calibrate the motor. There is a process which I have long ago forgotten to how to do that. You are 10% certain the motor is in the correct position when you installed the rod?

i am 99% sure. I set the position to the fresh air option and connected the rod while the flap was in the fresh air position

A spare motor would obviously make a simple fix if you had access to one assuming that is the issue.

I would suggest however, that it may be worth removing the fan motor and checking there is nothing jamming the flap from moving.

i can move the vent door easily by hand. doesnt seem to bind on anything. the default resting position for that door is in the fresh air position. so i would think it would be very easy for the servo to move it in that direction. but thats where it has the stutter.

There must be a member nearby (relatively speaking) who has a spare motor. I have a bunch but it would be a couple of weeks getting to you from here.

i'll have to see. i dont really know anyone and I have asked on the Carolinas Volvo group on Facebook but nothing yet.

Neil.

[scot850]

Sounds like you have covered most of the bases. Does your fan work quietly and strong? Reason I ask is that I had one fan which the motor was not fitted correctly and sat too far back which allowed it to hit the back of the casing and close to the flap. Unlikely but worth a check.

If you don't hear anything in a couple of days, if you can get a part number off the motor I can see if I have one the same. Most are the same but Volvo changed the number multiple times over the years for some reason.

PM me and I will get one off to you to see if it fixes the problem.

Neil.

[C1ph3r]

Sounds like you have covered most of the bases. Does your fan work quietly and strong? Reason I ask is that I had one fan which the motor was not fitted correctly and sat too far back which allowed it to hit the back of the casing and close to the flap. Unlikely but worth a check.

If you don't hear anything in a couple of days, if you can get a part number off the motor I can see if I have one the same. Most are the same but Volvo changed the number multiple times over the years for some reason.

PM me and I will get one off to you to see if it fixes the problem.

Neil.

Thanks a ton. I’ll check on those things as well.

[BEJinFbk]

Volvo's Advocate -

FWIW, in the winter, I may run recirc for a bit when
warming up the car, but not only are these rigs pretty
tight and changing air is a good thing, moisture build
up when it's cold out starts causing problems.
Most notably, fogging or icing up windows.

[C1ph3r]

Oh yeah. There are plenty of times I only use fresh air for sure. But there are plenty for recirc too. Seems silly for it to not just stay where it put. And not being able to close it literally stinks some times LOL

[abscate]

Volvos version of manual control (MCC) is only cable operated for temperature dampers via mix doors. The climate system direction and fresh/recirc function are handled by motors like the automatic system (ECC)

Hoard those MCC control units like hens teeth. They don’t break often , but they aren’t in US junkyards and eBayers want $400 for them

[crlande]

'94 Volvo started making a clicking noise when that arm and servo broke. I pulled glove box and attached string to recirc flap. Installed glove box, fed string around/over it. Left it hanging inside box. Pull on it when I want recirc flap open or closed!
Now I will sit back and wait for a ACA comment. (Abscate Cheapism Award)!!!