My recirculation button lights up when pressed but does nothing, eventually the light goes out on its own. I did notice a vacuum line in the back right corner or the engine bay that is dry rotted nd goes no where, I can't find where it's supposed to go and I think that's the vacuum line that controls somethin with the hvac system, not sure if it's related or not

 

What mode are the HVAC controls in when you are trying to use the recirculation function? If I remember correctly, the HVAC system needs to be in either auto, panel, or bi-level (feet & panel) mode for the recirc to work properly (I'm actually not sure if it works in bi-level either...). If you are in heater (feet), blend (windshield & feet), or defrost, I think it operates as you have stated.

If you've found a rotted vacuum line, I'd recommend replacing it. Vacuum does a lot for the HVAC system.

 

Post a photo of the rotted vacuum line.