popping noise from behind the ignition key area

Oct 24, 2013 | 10:35 AM

fmaalouf73

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Joined: May 2010

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2003 C240

popping noise from behind the ignition key area

2003 C240
heres my problem. Yesterday i turned on my vehicle and i heard a popping noise that sounded like it was coming from behind the ignition key area or maybe behind the radio. this lasts about 10-15 seconds then stops. Happened again this morning the same way.
Any clue what might cause this? I was thinking maybe it had something to do with the steering lock? or the vent motors?

thanks for your help.

Oct 24, 2013 | 11:53 AM

edgarinho10

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2013 UFO

Sounds like the stepper motor.

Look through this to make sure it's that;

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...g-hissing.html

Oct 24, 2013 | 12:59 PM

funnyent

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c230k

I have the same problem in my car, and like mentioned above, it's the stepper motors for the a/c vents. They're hard to reach so I've just learned to live with it and haven't really noticed it that much anymore.

Oct 24, 2013 | 03:28 PM

fmaalouf73

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2003 C240

thanks for the info guys.
I talked to my mechanic, he said that it could be anywhere from $206 to $609 depending which stepper motor is causing the issue. apparently there are several of these and the worse case scenario is having to remove the dash to get to it.

Does that sound about right?

Oct 24, 2013 | 03:41 PM

funnyent

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c230k

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmaalouf73

Does that sound about right?

Yeah that sounds correct. I DIY a lot on my car, but I won't even attempt to replace my stepper motor that is broken because I don't want to take apart the entire dash. I found that playing with the air selector can make it less noticeable for a while (make it blow at your feet, then move it to defrost, etc.). Eventually you'll be able to get the flaps stuck in a different location and the clicking may be less noticeable (at least for me).