04 with compressor or electric motor sound at start

[dgbull3]

Just yesterday after a trip, I started my 04 V8 and noticed a loud compressor like sound that seemed to be coming from under the dash, just to the left of the glovebox. The sound lasts for about 20sec but varies in length each start up. After that it doesn't seem to come on again. At first I thought it varied with the climate control settings but after a could times playing with it, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Searching on hear, I read about air intake pump failure and the symptoms seem really familiar. However, from what I read, these are only on 05 and up 4Rs. Likewise I found the AIP on Toyota parts and matched it against my year/model and it said it didn't fit the vehicle.

So, a couple questions.
1.) Can someone confirm that the air intake pump (or some similar variant) really isn't on an 04?
2.) Any other thoughts on what it could be? There aren't any other symptoms other than the small air compressor-like noise at startup.

 

[AuSeeker]

Just yesterday after a trip, I started my 04 V8 and noticed a loud compressor like sound that seemed to be coming from under the dash, just to the left of the glovebox. The sound lasts for about 20sec but varies in length each start up. After that it doesn't seem to come on again. At first I thought it varied with the climate control settings but after a could times playing with it, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Searching on hear, I read about air intake pump failure and the symptoms seem really familiar. However, from what I read, these are only on 05 and up 4Rs. Likewise I found the AIP on Toyota parts and matched it against my year/model and it said it didn't fit the vehicle.

So, a couple questions.
1.) Can someone confirm that the air intake pump (or some similar variant) really isn't on an 04?
2.) Any other thoughts on what it could be? There aren't any other symptoms other than the small air compressor-like noise at startup.

You can rule out the AIP or similar pump since as your research stated, you don't have an AIP, only the 2005 and onward has such a pump, also if you had one and it was going bad it would sound more like a shopvac.

The typical items that could and sometimes go bad and make noise around the glove box would be the temp, air mix climate control servos, but they usually make a clicking sound when they have gone bad, the only other thing I can think of would be the HVAC fan going bad.

I have never read of a compressor sound coming from the glove box area.

 

[Goldish]

Have you tried having someone else start it while you listen from outside with the hood open? Possible it could be the ABS pump although it would be coming from the drivers side.

 

[dgbull3]

Didn't have a chance to try with someone else this morning, but will try tonight. It actually didn't make the noise when I started it for the first time today this morning but did during lunch.

I suppose it could be a servo for the climate controls, it just seemed louder than expected.

Here's a video I made with audio of the sound I'm hearing:
YouTube

 

[AuSeeker]

Didn't have a chance to try with someone else this morning, but will try tonight. It actually didn't make the noise when I started it for the first time today this morning but did during lunch.

I suppose it could be a servo for the climate controls, it just seemed louder than expected.

Here's a video I made with audio of the sound I'm hearing:
YouTube

From your video I think you have a leaf or something similar touching the HVAC fan blade and at times it gets knocked away from the blade and doesn't make the noise, it's too rapid of a noise to be one of the servos.

Do you change your cabin filter regularly, if not you should be doing so at least once a year?

Leaves, twigs, acorns, and many other types of debris get down on top of the cabin filter and if when changing it or in some other way any of that got past the filter it will fall down on the HVAC fan blade.

 

[dgbull3]

CAF was replaced last summer so it's about time for that. I took a look for any blockages and while in there did some more investigating. It appears to be coming from a black servo just to the left of the fan body, which I'm guessing is the air mix motor. Attached is a photo of the expected culprit. When I unplugged it and turned the key, no noise....plug it back in and turn the key, I hear the noise again. Most of the vibration appears to be coming from here too. Sounds like I'm off to search for a new servo and how to replace....

 

[4RunAmok]

Blend doors motor.

Had mine replaced recently, it's a PITA trying to align the doors with the motor apparatus when trying to fit it back in.

I didn't have the dealer do it, afraid of what they'd charge for this and went to SD truck shop instead.

 

[razzman1]

Ever since I have owned my 4Runner, I have noticed what I believe to be the ABS pump activate when I start it up. The noise it makes is best described as what an air compressor sounds like, but much quieter, and I can feel a very slight, matching, high-frequency vibration or pulse in the brake pedal. It only lasts for 5 seconds or so, then goes away. I've never had an issue with the brakes, nor have I received an ABS light at any time.

 

[AuSeeker]

Ever since I have owned my 4Runner, I have noticed what I believe to be the ABS pump activate when I start it up. The noise it makes is best described as what an air compressor sounds like, but much quieter, and I can feel a very slight, matching, high-frequency vibration or pulse in the brake pedal. It only lasts for 5 seconds or so, then goes away. I've never had an issue with the brakes, nor have I received an ABS light at any time.

What you've described is totally normal.