Yes, it will shut recirc off by itself. You can turn it on or off as you please, it turns off after like 10 min or so, it turns on when you put the washers on and when you go into reverse. ( the last two does NOT illuminate the light)

 

I'm going to have to investigate this more closely in a quiet environment I guess - I can't tell the difference with it on or off when driving. I'm not used to having a car where everything is interconnected like this.

 

i have a similar questions, regarding the AC unit, is it normal to have to press the A/C button EVERY time i turn the ac fan on? or should it turn on automatically whenever i turn the fan speed nob

 

I think that's normal behaviour. The AC would normally only be on if you specifically told it to be, or if you let the defrost setting do it's default behaviour.

 

2006 Rabbit @69,000miles, climatic

My cabin recirculation motor assembly failed a few days ago. Initially the sound looked like something screeching/grinding. From the driver's seat it sounded like the location of sound coincides with the ABS module in the engine bay. It would happen when I reverse out of the garrage. I thought it might be the ABS. I accidently switched on the recirculation button and there it was again. Then I realized it was the flap that switches outside / recirculation from cabin. I wanted to see if it was just stuck or more trouble was imminent. It was a pain to take that motor off, especially when I was not sure how to reach it.
So, I went ahead to remove the glove box.

Step one is remove side panel where the door opens.

Remove molding above ash tray/storage box.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LCKynyniFeXUjwStm6AWsdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
pry out downwards. There are two clips holding it.

The glove box has three screws on top and three on the outside at the bottom and the one hidden which you would have seen in the step before.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AUjTVnO6D8vf6WGYbUQTldMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

It has two cables attached to it.

Once removed you will see the housing of the blow motor. There is some kind of an module with a bunch of connectors. Remove it without unlugging the cables. Two M10 mm plastic nuts hold it up there. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2kb0UIKYGgwuQoesX1fZjtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

Once that is out of the way. there are two clips that hold the motor in place. This is the picture of it. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2qZi7jF99kqdPTC9v3g7itMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

Here is what the motor and the transmission gears look like. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/asSswlL2etAbtvmsBHKNENMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

The VW part number is 0 132 801 336. It is a BOSCH unit. The dealer has it at $124.00

Does anyone know where I can find it cheaper?