There is a clicking or knocking sound around the dashboard when you start your automobile. Any new noise should be studied, and it’s natural to get a little nervous when we hear unexpected sounds. What exactly causes the dashboard to slam or click?
Let’s take a closer look at what may be causing the issue so that you can go on the right path to fixing it.
Air Conditioning System Issues
The A/C system is the most common source of dashboard noise. Because there aren’t many moving parts in an air conditioner, diagnosing the source of a clicking noise is straightforward. Problems with the compressor or the blend door.
Compressor Cycle
You may hear the A/C compressor cycle on and off from time to time, and you may even be able to see it. This isn’t always a sign of something more serious. It could also be a sign that there is a leak somewhere, generating an audible fluctuation on a regular basis.
Blend Door Actuators
When you open your vents, cool and warm air are mixed together by your blend door, also known as the vent door. Blend door actuators are the electric motors that regulate all of this.
Air might become trapped or even broken if an actuator fails to move in the appropriate direction. You may hear a clicking or knocking sound if there is no movement in the air. There is even a chance that the motor itself will fail altogether, and if it does, it will also click.
How to Tell if Something More is Going On
That clicking or knocking sound coming from your dashboard can be deciphered if you pay attention to everything else in the vicinity. As an example, when does it genuinely begin to click? You may hear it as soon as you turn the key in the ignition, or you may not notice it until you turn on the heat or air conditioning.
You can also check to see if the air conditioner is functioning properly. Is there a gust of fresh air flowing in? You may feel something, but the output isn’t as strong as it should be on hotter days.
Is Sound an Indication of a Problem?
Sounds alone are not usually indicative of a more serious problem. You may just be hearing the typical cycle of the compressor, as we mentioned earlier.
However, it’s always a good idea to get your automobile checked up to ensure it’s in top shape. The blend door actuators must be repaired if they are malfunctioning. It’s especially important if you’ve noticed any of the other concerns with your car described in the preceding paragraphs.
How to Fix the Clicking or Knocking Noise in the Dashboard
You (or your mechanic) need to know exactly what the problem is before you can fix it. In order to fix this, you’ll need to bring your car in for a thorough inspection by your technician. The problem can then be handled from there. The blend door actuators will need to be replaced if there is an issue with them. Before a leak can be stopped, the source must be discovered.
Final Thoughts
There is no need to panic every time you hear a noise, but it could be a clue that something is wrong. There isn’t much you can do to stop the dashboard from making clicking or knocking noises. However, it’s a good idea to keep up with your routine checks.
There may be anything wrong with your dashboard when you bring your car in for a basic check-up at the mechanic’s shop. The faster a problem is discovered and addressed, the better. Avoiding further damage and expense is advantageous in situations like this.
Don’t wait to have your HVAC system checked out by a trained repair if you hear more pounding and clicking from your dashboard or detect other issues with your HVAC system before they worsen.
