Pontiac Vibe fresh air vent actuator malfunction causing clicking noise and intermittent air circulation issues on Pontiac Vibe

Some Pontiac Vibe owners report experiencing a clicking noise and intermittent air circulation issues, likely due to a malfunctioning fresh air vent actuator. This clicking sound is often caused by broken plastic gear teeth inside the actuator unit, which prevents it from closing the air duct recirculation valve properly. Additionally, misalignment of the vent doors can lead to the actuator continuously trying to move the door against its stops, contributing to the noise. While temporary fixes, such as unplugging the recirculate mechanism, may provide brief relief, the problem typically returns, indicating the need for a more permanent solution. To effectively resolve these issues, owners may need to repair or replace the broken actuator or the vent door itself to restore proper air circulation and reduce noise.