alfdoc -

I can't thank you enough for staying with me on this project.

Since I'm more familiar with working on older cars and intimidated by the warnings about accidentally setting off the air bag(s), I've kept the battery disconnected while trying to get the output connection off of the valve so that I could apply vacuum from a Mityvac to see what the actuator does.

This morning, I went ahead and did the three electrical tests specified on pages 24 - 47 and 24 - 48 of the service manual. All of the tests were within spec, so the manual tells me to replace the control module but the manual completely ignores the possibility that the valve may have continuity but still not operate, the possibility that the actuator is faulty, the possibility that the linkage is not correct and the possibility that the flap is jammed.

Next, I started the engine and operated the recirc switch. When set to recirc, I can see the back (the end facing the back of the car) of the actuator move to the left (toward the center of the car) as if it's straining against something that won't move. This seems to confirm that vacuum is available to the valve and is being passed along to the actuator.

The manual does not seem to discuss the operation of the flap with respect to its default status. Do you know if it is held in the fresh air mode by the vacuum actuator or does the vacuum actuator hold it in the recirc mode. From the reaction of the actuator, I would guess that it is only supplied with vacuum when recirc is called for, but I'm not sure.

From the foot well, I cannot see or reach the linkage between the actuator and the flap, nor am I sure exactly where the flap is.

Would I be able to see the linkage and flap if I went ahead and removed the top of the instrument panel?

To avoid removing the top of the instrument panel, I'm thinking of dropping the blower assembly to see if I can view the flap by looking up through the opening where the blower goes.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.

- Bill