When I looked at this before, I think there was a design change at some point. Nothing seems to come apart at the air flap mechanism on mine, and it's vacuum actuated. The thermal switching takes place higher on the box. It looks like a simple temperature activated shut off for the vacuum. I haven't bothered to try testing that, as it's irrelevant if the flap won't move correctly.
Good idea. I will do that.I should add that it may be worth trying spraying the throttle cable return spring with WD-40. They can get sticky and in cold weather it will amplify the issue.






