Strange noise under dash

[Tacktack]

 

My Journey 2011 has a hiccup. I hear a noise, like tack tack tack (~10 tacks) ... apparently from under the dash on the passenger side. I hear it clearly when I am inside the car (while starting or stopping the engine), but I also hear it randomly outside the vehicle when the car is simply parked. It has been so for a few months.

It slowly drains the battery. Outside temperature now is below the freezing point and a fully charged battery is needed. Rear AC is disabled on the front screen. 

Is this a common problem?

Should I "show" a recording? Is it possible?

[5rebel9]

Yes, it is a fairly common problem. It is most likely a broken RECIRCULATION door ACTUATOR causing the clicking sound. MANY You Tube videos on how to determine and replace the part., and not too difficult a task to perform.

[Tacktack]

Thanks a lot. With your tip, I am on my way.

[2late4u]

yes the blend doors will make that noise during operation of the unit and after you shut the car off for a minute or two while it goes into resting position,,,but it shouldn't do it at random times while it drains your battery,sounds like you also have an other problem that is causing it to activate or short out,,as far as the rear ac being disabled have no idea on that problem

[John/Horace]

Yeah blender door actuator is a wear item. But not likely draining battery. Most cars to vent interior when car is shut off cycle actuator to not accumulate condensation on windows. After about 2 mins there should be no cycling, vent back in closed position.

 

Lower glove box door, remove HVAC filter door and paper filter. Blend door is now fully visible for operation. You are probably having issues with fogged up windows if your actuator is sticking. If you decide to change it, you need to remove the power fuse for the actuator before changing part. Other wise it will end up out of position when harness plug is removed (drops constant power). Or install part using bi directional scanner calibration procedure, which does it for you.

 

Most common parasitic drain on Journey is the Bluetooth module messing up (if you have the option). Pull fuse labeled hfm (hands free module) for a few days and see if drain stops. Fuse located in passenger front kick panel box. There are companies that rebuild the Bluetooth modules to fix problem. New they are crazy expensive. 

Glove box light staying on, stuff charging in car cig ports, bad alternator diodes other possibilities.

Edited Thursday at 12:54 AM by John/Horace