Good for you! The recirc is seldom used so it may be a little slow. You could switch the recirc button several times to try to make it go faster. One of the codes is "recirc flapper too slow" and will turn on the flashing lights.
You can visually inspect the flapper, it is between the blower and the resistor. But be careful, the lever is quite fragile.

AC will not turn on below 50F. When you first turn the car on, the compressor will cycle for a system check. These cars are notorious for having evaporator leaks, and the fix requires removal of the entire dash down to the firewall. About 10 hours at a dealer. So I just keep several cans of R134a handy and charge it when it needs it.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)