04 T4R Running water noise near steering column

[Chickenlords]

As the title suggests, I've got an unusual problem noise near the steering column and best heard from the driver's side on our T4R that's just brushing 200k.

Started a few weeks ago, and I haven't been able to isolate when it's occuring. Ie: dIsable AC and other adjustable engine controls without any change in the sound when it's occuring.

Sounds like a very turbulent rushing water sound or potentially something relay related.

I will add a video below this as a comment. Hopefully it can be heard well.

Any starting point is helpful.

 

[y=mx+b]

I didn't see the video, but If you have an 03-06 v6, that sound is probably coolant running through the hoses to the heater core. Some say its am early sign of HG problems, but I've had that sound since I got my 4runner in 2016 and never had a startup misfire or any other HG problem signs until like two weeks ago and haven't had one since.

When engine completely cold, remove rad cap and ensure radiator is full of coolant, then burp as necessary. Then fill reservoir and monitor

edit: Nevermind I see the video now, what I'm referring to is water rushing behind the dash on startup

 

[Chickenlords]

dash sound - YouTube

 

[y=mx+b]

dash sound - YouTube

Ok so thats a different water sound than what I was thinging. Check your sunroof drains

 

[Drcoffee]

Your coolant is low and the gurgle is coming from the heater core. The heater hoses are in front of the steering column.

If its more of a clicking, it would be the vent blend door motors

 

[ctyoter]

Your coolant is low and the gurgle is coming from the heater core. The heater hoses are in front of the steering column.
...

check this. there may be a leak in the cooling system which can lead to overheating which can lead to bad things for the engine. this is what happened to my old Camry; long-term mysterious gurgling sounds that I couldn't pin point and finally turned into an active coolant drip that by then had apparently allowed the engine to get hot enough to warp and become toast. the drip became a constant refill and active overheating thing due to the warping. if it's not this then disregard my post

 

[Chickenlords]

Your coolant is low and the gurgle is coming from the heater core. The heater hoses are in front of the steering column.

If its more of a clicking, it would be the vent blend door motors

Thanks all for the feedback.

No sunroof- presuming no drains.

Did check the coolant. Was about halfway between full and low. Figured that was within normal operating spec.

I did top off coolant and try to manually pump the coolant line via soft hoses. There was a soft clicky noise somewhere near the engine. I remember in the past on other vehicles doing this usually provides circulation and haven't heard anything like this before.

I am considering running a coolant flush. With the routing behind the steering column I find some sort of blockage or air leak to be probable if this is not resolved. Will check back in the next couple days with a follow up.

Thanks all.

 

[metramm]

The clicking sounds like a vent blend motor when trying to adjust from head/top vents to lower/feet vents.

They are located behind the glove box on the left hand side.

Do you have the dual climate control?

I have mine set to the head/feet all the time and rarely change it except in winter when I have to for defrost.

Give that a check and let us know.

 

[Chickenlords]

The clicking sounds like a vent blend motor when trying to adjust from head/top vents to lower/feet vents.

They are located behind the glove box on the left hand side.

Do you have the dual climate control?

I have mine set to the head/feet all the time and rarely change it except in winter when I have to for defrost.

Give that a check and let us know.

Problem persists after the topping off.

I do have auto climate control with dual zone. I basically always run auto and when running, it doesn't allow me to pick air distribution, so it comes out at the head.

Would that make sense though if I notice it 5-10 minutes into driving? It typically still persists then. I could see on startup and when adjusting. But I don't believe it to be adjusting as much as I hear the sound.

Side note: when manually changing distribution, I am hearing the clicking mentioned, but it's not the same sound.

If I adjust the temperature drastically, 10+ degrees, it's sounding somewhat similar but less gurgley.

Thanks all for the suggestions. Wish I could get this thing to replicate when I actually have time to mess with it.