Recirc button on blower doesn’t work; will it negatively affect a/c performance?

[dclowd9901]

I recently updated my a/c system to r134a for ease of service. It had been completely nonfunctional before. Because I’d essentially never used it, I found out after the fact that my recirc button didn’t actually even work (even though it lights up and gets power). I’m guessing the actuator is toast.

I’m entertaining ripping out the dash to service the blower assembly but first I want to make sure it’s even worth doing. Right now, if the outside temperature is below 100, the a/c works very well. But I live in Phoenix, so it’s actually quite often that the temperature is higher than that. When it is, the a/c just doesn’t really keep up.

I have it in my head that the air recirculator will help my car achieve lower temps from the a/c. Is that a fallacy? Is there any compelling reason to fix the recirc actuator?

[tomstin]

On the real hot days here in NC, or if the car has been sitting in the sun closed up, the recirculation button does come in handy as you are cooling the already cooled air in the cabin. I've been to Phoenix in July, and you all know HOT!

[95BMWIC]

The fresh air blower assembly is located in the engine bay -not under the dash. It is real easy to access and if needed to replace. There are two flaps (on each end) that that close for re-circulation.

I believe there are 2 control rods that can be adjusted, under the dash that connect with the flap motors, that go through the firewall to the flaps. The 2 flap motors are mounted in the cab under the dash - (on the heater box ) and the re-circ relay is also behind the instrument panel.

I would check this relay - I don't think this is too tough of a job - but I can't remember if you have to remove the center console or if you can access it through the vent controls / instrument panel.