I have searched this forum and others a number of different ways and my problem does not seem to have been encountered and written about yet here, though there are many threads on climate control "whining". This problem only surfaced a week ago when it began to get cold and I began to use the heat. The whine did not present itself during the spring and summer when the A/C was engaged. The whine does not present itself when the defroster is engaged. The whine does present itself when the heat is engaged, though it seems intermittent. The whine is high pitched and seems to vary in volume sometimes starting out louder and then settling in to a lower volume high pitched whine. I have narrowed the source of the whine to an area behind the dashboard, far left drivers side climate control vent. The whine presents itself at startup on cold mornings now and then fades until I engage the heat and then the whine returns, as described above. It seems like at startup there is a start up sequence for the climate control system. You can hear small motors and perhaps a small actuator or pump click on opening climate control flaps behind the dash. If I had to guess I would bet that there is a small hose that actuates a flap that has popped either completely or partially loose and the whine is the sound made by the air escaping or the hose has sprung a small crack and the whine is air rushing through the crack. These are just my guesses and I would welcome any assistance that anyone who has been through this can give me.

Specifically:
1) I wish that I had a blow up schematic of what the system looked like behind the dash in this area. Can anyone assist and direct me to such a schematic?
2) Is there anyway to remove just that climate control module on the far left driver's side and get a look at what is behind there without taking the entire dash out? If yes, how difficult a job is that and are there any special tools or tips on how to remove and replace this module?

My hope is that I can get in there and simply re-connect and clamp a hose or patch it, re-connect the module and thereaftr crack open a celebratory beer for having avoided the expense and *** pain of going to the dealership. Again any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

A quick update: By accident I left the heat switched on the other evening and in the morning there was a quick whine and then silence for most of the ride. It seems that there is now only a periodic whine. I read in one thread that there is a temp sensor back there that "blows air" in order to measure the temp and in a few instances some think this is the source of the whine. Any light that anyone can shed on the temp sensor possibility would be appreciated.

 

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Hey CR,

The temp sensors are only inputs for the AC controller. The Aspirator motor for ICT does not live in the heat duct.

The Whine sounds like it might be a trapped leaf or receipt etc..., in the ducting area for the heat.

A cabin filter inspection might reveal some possibilities. Find a compressed air source with a blower and run the car. Try to blow the debris out if applicable.

Just a hunch, The debris might be trapped in the blower squirrel cage but usually adds vibration.

Gator

 

Gator,
Thanks as usual. Before I go down this road any legs to my earlier theory about the whine coming from a problem with vacuum hoses or flaps or is that a wild goose chase? Thanks.

 

Normally with a vacuum leak it is a hissing sound coupled with the actuator no functioning. I suppose a hairline crack in the tubing or an actuator diaphragm would produce a whining sound as well.


If all other vents are working properly then suspect actuator with a rare pin hole noise.
These are not great places to work with the dash installed, radio removal might help.


If it is a vacuum leak you can probe around with a 3' piece of tubing next to your ear and the other end fishing for the noise/leak.


Might have a drawing of that buried somewhere but will take some digging.


All the Best, Gator

 

Gator, a drawing or schematics would be excellent. Thanks.

 

A couple of pics from EPC.