So a day or two ago the recirc. function decided not to work anymore. I push the button and the light comes on, but I don't hear a door flop ...

So a day or two ago the recirc. function decided not to work anymore. I push the button and the light comes on, but I don't hear a door flop closed and an increase in blower noise anymore. According to my factory service manual, you have to pull the entire IP carrier, and then the air distribution duct to get to the recirculation actuator. Has anyone replace one of these? That sounds like alot of steps and I don't really want to deal with the airbags. Thanks to all. Scott

Same issue on my 2002 Sierra. The actuator and door sit behind the glove box on top of the blower motor. I could bearly get my hand back there to unplug the connector.

I believe it when the manual says to take everything apart. I'm a pretty decent shade tree mech......I think I may take this one in to the professionals when I get the extra cash

I have a 2009 Sierra and the recirculation actuator controlling the damper started making noises. There's a "whirring" noise as the actuator moves to recirc or fresh air. Sometimes it then makes a "banging" noise three times, quits, and repeats this cycle again and again. In my case, it's still working, but I know it's only a matter of time before this is going to fail. It actuallly has gotten better, because I force use of this. Perhaps it's because it was left in fresh air mode most often and I'm working it more often. I have seen other blogs and this function is independant of the air conditioner being on or off.

Does anyone know how to get at this actuator and is a relacement available?

I made a bad typo and I meant my truck is a 1999 Sierra! What's 10 years between friends?