does anyone know how to open the recirculation valve on the a/c system so that it runs on "max" a/c instead of on regular a/c at least until i get my new switch in?

 

The only way it opens is by vacuum. I guess you proved that the actuator was not leaking? Rig some way to get vacuum to the orange hose and it should work. Is it that big of a necessity?

 

not today it wasnt. but it doesnt seem to be cooling as well as it used to (even though ive had it reserviced recently). but traffic is real bad in this part of florida (too many tourists) and if you dont use that recirculate feature when its hot and the engine warms up, you might as well be riding with the windows down, not that that is so unthinkable if i'm going to the beach. but if i like to try to get to work without showing up like i just walked through the saharah.

and just to note: the problem was traced to the orange hose connected to the "round thing" behind the glove box. i have no idea how, but somehow it managed to get disconnected and since it was still strapped to the round thing on the back side, i didnt notice that it was when i looked behind there a million times before. oh well. i put it back together and its working now. i really do appreciate the help shoebox. maybe when i start my auto classes at UTI next year, i might be able to return the favor (i doubt it, you seem to know pretty much everything there is with these cars, but who knows). thanks again.
dave