Anyone recognize this sound?

K

keylay31

New member
I have a 2007 4Runner that recently started making a very odd sound. I believe it’s coming from the engine compartment but it’s best heard from inside the cabin on the passenger side while the vehicle is running. The sound does not exist when the engine is turned off. Here is a link to the sound, any ideas?

odd sound
 
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My 4R made this noise when I first got it, and it drove me crazy. Over time it evolved into a buzzing noise, and now I have bad HVAC actuator(s) in my truck and I sometimes get stuck on defrost. I have been told blend door actuator, but haven't had time to diagnose. How's your climate system working?
 
I don't know, but mine makes the same clicking sound like that. Not all the time. At first I thought it was an animal, but it also only happens to me when car on, not off. I am guessing it's HVAC related. I also get an intermitted squeaking noise from the blower that I can get to go away by cycling from defrost to floor vents. Try cycling all your blowers through each setting. I haven't heard it in my car for a while, but it will come back eventually, then go away so it has to be related to a setting or condition of some system in the vehicle that changes.
 
Mine did it today for the first time in a long time. I had switched my HVAC from Auto to low fan, and set the vents to defrost and floor. I heard the sound at a stop light. I cycled the HVAC through all the vent options and it went away. So it must be something loose, or maybe some actuator or motor not reaching the state it should be in so the logic keeps trying to actuate its control mechanism.
 
I would get inside the blower squirrel cage via the glove box to rule out something rattling around in there.
 
Thanks all for the replies. I’ve been messing with the HVAC and haven’t yet been able to perfectly correlate the sound with any specific setting. Right now it’s just in “inconsistent” territory.

How do I get inside the squirrel cage? Is that next to the mouse typewriter?! :D
 
sounds like the air recirculate flap trying to open or stay closed. mine makes a noise and ill open and close it and its stops.
 
Any chance it could be boiling coolant in the heat exchanger? This was a suggestion of my neighbor who is not a mechanic but seems to know more than me.
 
swo life said:
I don't know, but mine makes the same clicking sound like that. Not all the time. At first I thought it was an animal, but it also only happens to me when car on, not off. I am guessing it's HVAC related. I also get an intermitted squeaking noise from the blower that I can get to go away by cycling from defrost to floor vents. Try cycling all your blowers through each setting. I haven't heard it in my car for a while, but it will come back eventually, then go away so it has to be related to a setting or condition of some system in the vehicle that changes.
Click to expand...

Blend door actuator? Maybe?
 
Does anyone have instructions for how to take apart the passenger side dash so I can investigate this further? Would be nice to not just start removing bolts.
 
keylay31 said:
Does anyone have instructions for how to take apart the passenger side dash so I can investigate this further? Would be nice to not just start removing bolts.
Click to expand...

Did you rule out the blower motor and/or debris in the fan cage?

Instructions were linked in post #9
 
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keylay31 said:
Does anyone have instructions for how to take apart the passenger side dash so I can investigate this further? Would be nice to not just start removing bolts.
Click to expand...

My truck made a very similar noise and it was an acorn bouncing around as the fan turned. You can rule this out by turning the fan to off with the truck either running or in the key position that powers up the HVAC. If it stops when you turn off the fan, you've probably found the problem.

If you would prefer to look, or if the noise stops when the fan does, follow these instructions to remove the glovebox door and cabin air filter. In the video, the rounded white plastic housing under the cabin filter is the fan housing. You may be able to see in there but if not, just stick your hand in and feel around (with it off of course). If something has gotten past the cabin filter - I'm still trying to figure out how an acorn got in there - it will cause such a noise as the fan rotates. Good luck and let us know what you find.

Edit: Just remembered I had a pic.

6fyiP7ol.jpg
 
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Hah what a great photo!

I was thinking about this last night and it’s definitely not the blower fan as the noise isn’t as easy to turn on and off as changing an HVAC setting. I’m hoping to take the panels off and ID the location, and then figure out what it is. I’ll get back to the forum when I can. Thanks!
 
I have a very similar noise in my '08 T4R (V8). A very faint, but consistent ticking noise only when I have the airflow coming through the dash vents, happens whether the A/C is on or off and even with the engine not running. If I select the floor or defrost flow paths it ceases.

Anyone come up with a definite diagnosis and repair?

Thanks.
 
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