How does the fresh air/recirculate actually work?

[MrSo0h0o]

I know by the title it sounds n00bish, but I am curious as to the operation of this action. When air is allowed into the vehicle from the outside, where is it being brought in from? The vents right below the windshield wipers? When recirculate is on, is there something that physically stops the air from entering? (possibly like a gate valve type setup?)

When I had my heat on full blast and i selected recirculate, I can hear that the air was being redirected somehow. Can someone clarify?

Reason: I want to see if putting the recirculate option on before leaving the car will help keep the car a bit warmer on re-entry

[njerald]

There is a damper that opens to allow air from inside the car and the same damper or a 2nd damper that closes the outside air intake from the vent below the windshield.

Closing the outside air intake damper when the car is shut down will make little difference in how cold or warm the car will get..........

Read your Service Manual for a diagram of your system.

[MrSo0h0o]

Originally Posted by njerald

There is a damper that opens to allow air from inside the car and the same damper or a 2nd damper that closes the outside air intake from the vent below the windshield.

Closing the outside air intake damper when the car is shut down will make little difference in how cold or warm the car will get..........

Read your Service Manual for a diagram of your system.

Thanks njerald!
I took a look at the Service Manual but you did such a better job at explaining! Anyways, I would much prefer to talk to you guys and see personal responses(possibly by someone who has taken apart the ducting) rather than just reading a manual and calling it a day.

P.S.- I appreciate your candor towards my question

[MrObvious]

Oh my mom's 98 Corolla I can see the lever push a little filter that if you go to fresh air you get reduced airflow. I think the little noises are just the mechanism switching these little filters or doors on or off.