thanks guys.

here's a bit of mystery to add:

when i have the recirc on the blower never turns off.

so to recap....

if i have the fan/blower in 1/2/3 it will at random start and stop again for varying amounts of time... however if i recirc the air it will work 100%...

does this help in pinpointing where i need to look? its rather cold out and I'd prefer to get in, do the job and button the car back together in as little time as possible.