B0273 code meaning
HVAC Recirculation Door Circuit
What B0273 means
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.
B0273 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0273
- Recirculation button changes nothing at the air intake
- Windows fog up or outside odours enter the cabin
- Reduced cooling on hot days
Common causes of B0273
- Most likelyRecirculation door actuator motor burnt out or internally open
- PossibleActuator wiring behind the glovebox chafed, shorted or unplugged
- Less likelyDoor jammed by leaves or debris so the motor stalls at high current
- Less likelyDriver stage in the climate control module defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hvac recirculation actuatorHvac control module
What each part of B0273 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 73 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0273 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about B0273
What does B0273 mean?
B0273 means "HVAC Recirculation Door Circuit". B0273 could not be traced in the code lists at hand, nor in any manufacturer publication. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0273?
B0273 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0273 fail an emissions test?
B0273 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is B0273 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0273 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.