tapping noise from dash?

[08 Hilux Surf]

I have 08 SE and been hearing a tapping sound from lower side of the dash(somewhere below the steering column, pedal, or door speaker on the bottom corner). Its not a clicking sound from the vent, but really sound like a tapping of a plastic or cardboard. (one pop sound like from a top plastic lid of can.) Originally thought I had something loose rolling in my door pocket or possibly from my speakers. I've heard it mainly driving slow and even after I turned off my engine. Anybody have this type of noise or know about this noise?? I don't have any problems yet, but it just bothers me. Only problem I've had in my dash/console area is a blown fuse from my power outlet (next to the gear) when I had to charge my cell phone. I must have some short in the wiring since I've changed/used a different power adapter but would still blow a fuse time to time... But I don't think the noise and fuse short is related. Comments appreciated.

 

[Tbennett13]

From what you are describing it may be a broken Temp/Blend door or a faulty ac door actuator. See if it changes or varies with AC controls

 

[jow]

Could it be heat related and coming from under the hood or front under side (as exhaust expansion)? Since it continues when you kill the engine, pop the hood and listen (listen under also). Good Luck!

 

[08 Hilux Surf]

Thank you for your feedback/comments. I've heard there's been issues about a clicking noise(ac door actuator?) from the vent, but this is a light pop sound like flicking a cardboard or a plastic lid of a can. I'll make sure later tonight by putting on the A/C since it's be several months when last used. Heater is definitely working. Actually I heard the same little pop sound today after turning off my engine with only the radio on. (before I thought it was a speaker but it made the noise few minutes after I turned off the engine/radio and everything off.) Although the noise seems to under the steering column or lower part of the driver's dashboard, I'll also search for the exhaust expansion which could be near that area... Thanks again guys.