Body, generic

B0273 HVAC Recirculation Door Circuit

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

B0273 could not be traced in the code lists at hand, nor in any manufacturer publication. The title concerns the electrical circuit of the actuator that swings the intake door between outside air and cabin air. Saab uses its own numbers here: in the 9-3 climate module B0225 06 stands for an open or grounded recirculation motor circuit and B0226 01 for a line shorted to battery voltage; the 2011 Saab 9-5 (GM) reports the stepper command lines as B0223/B022A. Patents such as US5181553A and US8641490B2 show the intake door driven by its own motor on command of the climate controller. With the circuit dead the door stays where it last stopped, which can mean stale air, fogging windows or weak cooling. B0175 covers door performance rather than the circuit.

Likely causes

Recirculation door actuator motor burnt out or internally open
Actuator wiring behind the glovebox chafed, shorted or unplugged
Door jammed by leaves or debris so the motor stalls at high current
Driver stage in the climate control module defective

Symptoms

  • Recirculation button changes nothing at the air intake
  • Windows fog up or outside odours enter the cabin
  • Reduced cooling on hot days

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€60–400
Time0.5–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

hvac recirculation actuatorhvac control module

Related codes

B0175B0278

References: saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, patents.google.com.