Causes And Fixes For Car Air Recirculation Button Not Working

When you have a problem with your car air recirculation button not working, this can be a nuisance. Also called the recirculation button, this is an essential feature on the climate control system of your vehicle.  With this function, you can easily switch from getting the outside air inside the vehicle and allow it to recirculate.

But if recirculation button is not malfunctioning, there are several issues that may come along. These include reduced fuel economy, poor air quality, or worse, mold growth. This is why it is important to know why this happens and what can be done to get it fixed.

Let’s jump right into it.

car air recirculation button not working

Why You Have A Car Recirculation Button Not Working

There are a number of reasons behind the car recirculation button not working. Here they are:

1. Actuator Issues

When your car recirculation button is not working, it is due to actuator issues. This component controls the recirculation door’s movement, which is in your climate control system. In the case of a faulty actuator, you may have a malfunctioning car recirculation button. Some of the reasons why this happens include a damaged linkage, poor lubrication, and wear and tear to the component itself.

You may want to get a mechanic to check your actuator and have it inspected. The solution may either involve lubricating the component. However, if it is broken, then it will need to be replaced or repaired.

2. Control Module Problems

This is the most common cause of the car recirculation button not working. The control module is basically a computer responsible for controlling your vehicle’s climate control system. When it is not working right, your recirculation button may fail, as well. Among the key reasons why it may have issues include a blown fuse, hardware or software issue.

Check for possible issues with the software or hardware, which you can either do yourself or by a professional mechanic. But if there is a need to get a software update, then you need to have it completed.

3. Leaky Hoses

A leak in the hose can cause the recirculation button to fail. Keep in mind that the hose transports air to and from your climate control system. So, if there is a problem with it such as wear and tear or it got disconnected, then the button will not function as it should. 

Have the hoses checked for damage. A mechanic should be able to determine the best course of action to take when there is damage to it, and in this case, it will either need to be reconnected or replaced, if the damage is quite extensive.

4. Air filter blockage

Your air filter helps to prevent dirt and debris from getting into your climate control system. This is why if there is a blockage, airflow to your recirculation door is restricted. Hence, it is unable to move properly and the button may fail. 

One of the most common fixes for this issue is to have the air filter replaced. You may either do this yourself if it is not complicated or you can have a specialist do this task for you.

5. Mold infestation

When molds are growing in your climate control system, then it can cause it to malfunction. The button may have been left on for quite some time, which results in a moist and humid condition that causes the recirculation door to malfunction or stick.

You will have to get the mold taken out by a thorough cleaning, which can be done by a specialist. Or, check for other possible issues that may have led to further problems with your car recirculation button.

Additional Points To Consider

The last thing you want to deal with when you are driving in a hot and humid area is to realize that you have a problem with your air recirculation. After all, this makes the drive not at all fun. So, it is best to have certain components checked, which can contribute to the damage. 

Your car air recirculation helps in cooling down the cabin as quickly as possible. This component also reduces the stress to your car blower motor and air compressor. Also, with this part of your vehicle, you can prevent nasty fumes or odors from getting into your vehicle. If you are an allergy sufferer, you can also benefit from this feature since it reduces the impact of hay fever due to pollen.

So, if you are having a problem with your car recirculation button, be sure to check possible components that contribute to this issue. Check the air duct or intake for blockage, as well as the vents. You will need to clean your air filter and get all the gunk or dirt out to prevent issues with your car air recirculation. Then, lubricating the filter is the last step to ensure its performance and lifespan.

Additionally, make sure your vent system’s fuse is in good condition. Your car air recirculation button may fair when the vent’s fuse has blown. So, it is best to get it checked or replaced to restore power to your climate control system. 

In case the belts and hoses are detached, this can cause an issue to the climate control system, as well. This is why it is good to change any damaged parts or fix up a leak to your hose if there is. Remove any grime or debris and if there is a hole, you will need to dry the area first before putting glue or cement.

If you are driving in hot weather, you will want to use your air recirculation to ensure the optimal temperature in the car cabin. Then, if you have a lot of passengers in your vehicle, switching the recirculation function is good to prevent you from getting stuffy. Driving in the cold weather is also best to do with the air recirculation button turned on. 

It is also worth noting that when you drive in the fog, it is easier to do this without the air recirculation turned on. So, be sure to deactivate it as needed.

Read More: Hyundai Sonata Push Button Start Not Working

Wrap Up

When you have a car recirculation button not working, it can most definitely be an inconvenience. This is why it is best to have the issue fixed sooner than later, as we have mentioned above to make sure this feature is functioning for your ease, comfort, and peace of mind.

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