Clicking noise behind the glove compartment: causes and solutions
If you hear a clicking noise coming from behind the glove box, it is most likely that one of the electric actuators in the HVAC system is broken. However, if you’re not familiar with what an actuator is, read on to learn more about this part, what causes it to fail, and most importantly, how to fix a clicking noise behind your glove box.
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Clicking noise behind the glove compartment: causes and solutions
The most common cause of the clicking noise behind the glove box is a broken electrical AC actuator.
Get a new blend door actuator.
Remove the glove compartment.
Locate the faulty blend door actuator.
Remove the broken blend door actuator by removing the two screws.
Install the new blend door actuator.
Reinstall the glove compartment.
What Causes the Clicking Noise Behind the Glove Box
Car noises can be one of the most frustrating and perplexing issues when it comes to car ownership. In some cases, like a clicking noise behind the glove box, it can be difficult to locate the source without the help of a professional mechanic.
The most common cause of the clicking noise behind the glove box is a broken electrical AC actuator. The AC actuator is an electrical component that controls the airflow in the cabin of your car. It has gears that allow the blend door to be moved open or closed. When these gears break, you will hear a clicking noise behind the glove box.
The actuator consists of two components: an electric motor, which drives a mixing wheel or rod attached to internal fins that control airflow. In response to commands from your climate control panel, this mechanism rotates or slides to change modes and mixes quickly and quietly. However, when the blend door actuator breaks, it will cause a clicking noise in the nose. Since it’s located behind the glove box, that’s where you’ll hear the noise from.
Removing and inspecting the AC actuator with a flashlight can often reveal broken flex links or frayed wires, which are signs of a faulty component. If you suspect this could be the problem, you should have the part repaired or replaced before further damage occurs and contact your mechanic for further assistance if necessary.
What does your blend door actuator do?
Automotive air conditioning blend door actuators are essential when it comes to maintaining a comfortable climate inside the vehicle. While they may look small, they play an important role in controlling airflow. These actuators are usually located behind the center console or glove box and close the air vents inside the cabin.
A blend door actuator is usually a motorized device that is powered by electricity and is connected to an arm attached to the air vent doors, which open and close accordingly. When you want more airflow in your car’s cabin, such as to cool down or warm up faster, these actuators move these arms to regulate the temperature by regulating the amount of cool air drawn into your vehicle’s cabin.
The average automobile blend door actuator contains two sprockets, one that drives a shaft assembly connected to an electrical switch, as well as another sprocket that comes with various gears coming off of it.
Depending on the type of car you drive, these AC blend door actuators can come in various shapes and sizes, but they all contain integral components like gears and motors that do their part to open and close the vents behind the dash that cool. those long summers road trips, or heat up those frigid winter road trips!
All things considered, understanding how this simple but essential component works can be invaluable if you’re looking for ways to customize your vehicle’s climate control system.
How to fix clicking noise behind glove box
A clicking noise behind the glove box is coming from a broken actuator trying to move the blend door to adjust the climate control panel commands. If you’re having this problem, here’s how to fix the clicking noise coming from behind your glove box:
1. Required materials
Blend Door Actuator
Screwdriver
Pliers
2. Remove the glove box
The broken blend door actuator is located behind the glove box. That’s why we have to remove the entire glove box. To remove the glove box from your vehicle, you need to follow a few steps. The first is to consult your owner’s manual for instructions from the manufacturer. If no instructions are provided, it’s important to note if there are any fasteners holding the glove box in place, such as screws or clips.
If so, these must be carefully removed with the appropriate tools such as a screwdriver or pliers. Once these fasteners are removed, the next step is to open and extend the glove box to the outside. If necessary, use both hands while extending so nothing moves out of position prematurely.
This will give you an opportunity to access any additional connectors or fasteners that may need to be disconnected before removing the tray completely. Lastly, be careful when removing or lifting the case as it may contain additional items or cables that need to be removed first.
3. Locate the blend door actuator
Locating your blend door actuator can be easy, especially if you ordered a new one and already know what it looks like. Once you remove the entire glove box compartment, you will gain better access and be able to find it. The blend door actuator is usually located next to an air duct.
4. Remove the broken blend door actuator
The blend door actuator is held in place with one or two screws (depending on make and model). But, most of the time it’s just a screw. The hard part is here to reach in and remove the screw. That’s why you may need a short screwdriver. Unscrew it slowly. Look at the wiring and make sure you are not starting anything.
Once you remove the screw, pick it up and store it safely. At this point you should be able to pry the broken blend door actuator out. There will be a wire connected to the blend door actuator. It can be removed by pressing and pulling on the plastic connector. Remember which wire it was so you know which one to connect to the new blend door actuator.
5. Install the new blend door actuator
Installation of the new blend door actuator is a reverse operation to installation. First, connect the wiring to the actuator, then fit and secure with the same screw you removed earlier. When you are done, move the actuator from left to right to see if there is any play. The actuator must be firmly in one place. At this point you can test and see if the new actuator is working. To do this, start the car and adjust the temperature on the air conditioner. The operation of the new blend door actuator should be quiet.
6. Reinstall the glove box
To reinstall the glove box, you need to do everything you did in reverse. Lift the glove box up against the dash and slowly secure it with one clip and one screw at a time. Once again, when you’re done, there should be no game. The glove box should be firmly in one place.
