I dropped the blower (here again, the manual called for the removal of just three easily visible screws, but it turned out there was one more in a somewhat hidden location). From the footwell, I could reach the flap. I could slip the tips of my fingers under the flap. but it was quite securely held in the recirc position.

I went ahead and removed the top panel (I hope I can get it back in place). I can just barely see the linkage to the flap at the working end of the actuator, but I don't see how I would work on the linkage. I did confirm that when you press the recirc switch, the actuator's arm tries to pull in, but since things are stuck in the recirc position, it has no travel other than to deflect the actuator body towards the center of the car.

It turns out that I can get a small camera into a better position than I can get my own eyes. I've uploaded two views to my gallery. The photo named Recirc Flap Actuator 1 shows some detail for the white partially geared piece that engages the lever arm coming down from the end of the shaft around which the flap rotates. The photo named Recirc Flap Actuator 2 shows more detail in the black parts that work with the white piece.

If there is a diagram of this linkage in the service manual, I have not found it. I cannot determine what the gears on the white piece work against. I guess I'll have to see what else must be removed to get to the linkage. I hope I don't have to discharge the A/C to get there.

A related note: When I removed the top dash cover, I found a thin coaxial cable (brown in color) with an unterminated free end laying over the air ducting that feeds the center vents. Anyone have an idea what that is for?

As always, any thought would be appreciated.

- Bill