Recirculation flap C4 1.6

[directorx]

I have a problem with the recirculation flap on my 2005 C4 (I) 1.6. I suspect it is stuck in closed position, there is no sound from a flap moving when I press the button and it get very humid in the car after 10-15 minutes
and lot of dew on the windows. This is happening only when its cold outside and the air-condition turns off, cold means below 3 Celsius. Is it possible to inspect the flap without moving any parts? Can I see it behind the pollen filter under the front window? I see something the looks like its closed behind there, but I am not sure. Can I get to the flap and make sure it stays in open position? I don’t need it to open and close just to stay open.
Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

Post up your VIN so I can I can identify your exact car.

[directorx]

VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Can you see the whole number ?

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi, sorry about the delay - I've been out doing a bit of work on the C5 today. Yes Staff can see the VIN thanks.

Ok, so you have the manual (single Air Conditioning) system. The air distribution flaps are mechanically controlled with cables. In your case, if I understand you correctly, the air intake flap is shut closed.

The Reduction Motor is item 3 on the diagram:

So the common problem with this is that it will be one of 3 problems most likely:

1) The gear or the spindle on the Flap Reduction Motor can snap off, so the motor will operate but will not open and close the flap.
2) The problem can be electrical - in that the pins inside the plug to the Reduction motor are corroded and not providing power.
3) The Flap Reduction motor itself is faulty.

In order to check this, you will have to remove the passenger glovebox to gain access to the motor. If you remove the motor, you will be able to see if the spindle or gears are broken or not. You should also be able to test the motor using a 12V external battery - connect it up and see if the motor turns, reverse the polarity to see if it reverses. If it does then you can go on and check the plug pins and clean them up or get another plug. But you will have to make sure that the gear teeth align properly when reassembling it.

If the motor doesn't work with an external battery, or the gears / spindle are broken, then a replacement is your best bet. Although there are some glue kits to repair these, I would just get another one to be honest.

Here's how to get access:

Remove the glovebox. (Let me know if you you need instructions on how to remove the glovebox).

C4 AC Reduction B.PNG (85.24 KiB) Viewed 150 times

Disconnect the connector at " a ".
Remove:

• The bolts (1)
• The air inlet flap reduction motor (2)

Refitting
Refit the various components in the reverse order to removal.

[directorx]

Thank you. I am trying to remove the glow box. I think I have removed all the screws, but it is still stuck. It would be very helpful if you can explain to me how to remove it.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, leave it with me.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, here you go:

Be aware that screw number 16 might be the one that is catching you out - it is hidden behind the Passenger's Airbag label, as you can see in the second picture 'C'. You may be able to carefully remove it for later sticking back on - gut that is where the screw is.

C4 GB A.PNG (104.32 KiB) Viewed 117 times

• Detach the glovebox lid ( 11) at "b".
• Remove the glovebox lid ( 11).

C4 GB B.PNG (157.03 KiB) Viewed 117 times

Unclip and Disconnect:

• The HiFi housing ( 14) (only if you have this option)
• The glovebox lamp (15)

Remove :

• The HiFi housing ( 14)
• The glovebox lamp (15)
• The screws (12), (13), (16) and (17)

Remove the glovebox (4).