Larry -

Yes indeed, the dash does need to come off to replace the recirc pods - there are two of them. They are tucked on the far side of the heater box, hard against the firewall. You can just see the passenger side pod with the glovebox out. There's another situated likewise on the drivers' side.

The 124 actually runs the a/c in recirc mode most of the time. There are two recirculation levels available - 80% and 100%. Most of the time the car automatically selects the 80% mode. If it's hot enough out - Texas qualifies - it will choose 100%. About the only time the climate control will choose fresh air with air conditioning is in very mild weather - less than 75 degrees, perhaps.

Good luck, keep us informed.

- JimY