Passenger side kick panel - what do these parts do?

[rwljpl]

The passenger side kick panel has never really been attached on my truck
The wires all seem to be there, but I guess the previous owner didn’t have the screws to get everything right and tight
Heat and a/c seem to work ok - blower motor seems strong
But what are these parts for - and what do I miss if I never reinstall them? Or take them out altogether? It looks like a trap door that opens to the blower motor? How does it work and how bad do I need it? What about the other thing with what looks like a red light cover?

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[WebMonkey]

i'm no expert so take what i say with a grain of salt.

the parts you're dealing with 'determine' whether the air source (for your heating or cooling) comes from inside the cab or outside the cab (re circulation or 'fresh' air).

the electrical wire/jewel is probably someone's idea of 'custom touch' for interior decor.

it serves no heating/cooling function.

good luck.

 

[rwljpl]

Yeah, that’s helpful. I wonder if the red light thing was part of an aftermarket alarm system. It doesn’t have any power going to it, but you can tell it once did.

Yes, that makes sense of the flap that opens snd closes on the kick panel. I wonder if it’s driven by which setting the climate unit is set on. Whatever the case, it doesn’t seem to work anymore.

 

[Craig 85]

The vacuum pod is T'ed in with a second pod located outside the cab and below the windshield, in the cowl area (yellow arrow). Both of these only work on Max A/C. The pod on the cowl closes down most fresh airflow and the kick panel opens and recirculates the interior air. There should be an orange tracer line on the hose.

The half dome cover fits on the bottom of the kick panel to cover the pod and spring. there is also a foam gasket on the back side of the panel. Make sure it's there or water can leak in behind it from the cowl.

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[rwljpl]

Great info, Craig. Thanks.