01274 V71 recirc. flap motor fault

Hello folks. Haven't posted on here for aaagggees.

My Climatronic has thrown up a 01274 code via VCDS recently and the windows are building up a horrible film of recirculated fart and armpit smells, which isn't good at all. I have no response when looking at the measuring blocks for the V71 motor. Before I look into replacing the V71 motor (which looks like a right mission), is there a guide or a method of opening the flap manually so that fresh air comes into the cabin instead of recirculating the horrible air constantly and having to wear a gas mask?

Cheers for any help!