Impala Loud Clicking Noise in Dash – Car Repair Article
August 12, 2010 12:40 pm Air Conditioning, Chevrolet, noises
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Car repair tips article related to loud clicking or popping noise in the dash of a 2007 Chevrolet Impala SS with dual climate control. Article covers how to quickly troubleshoot and pinpoint the noise. Included are basic instructions and tools required to repair this particular problem. Click on images for a larger view.
The car in this article has been featured on DenLors Auto Blog before… it’s one of my cars! The custom interior blog, was written when we first purchased it and had the two tone leather installed – look for the related link at the end of this article. Back to the particular issue at hand. We were driving right along, when I pushed the recirculate button on the HVAC (Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning) controls. A LOUD clicking and clacking began immediately. I’ve heard many actuators in the dash of other cars make noise before, but this was by far the loudest one I remember. Since it started making noise as soon as I selected recirculate, I was fairly certain the recirculate door motor was the source. Just to make 100% sure, I had to check.
With the glove box door opened and swung down the actuator can be seen.
While feeling the actuator, operating the fresh air and then recirculate button, it was easy to pin it down as the culprit. The next step was to remove the HVAC motor by removing the two 5.5 mm screws. It’s a tight area to work in, however it can be changed without removing any other trim pieces for access. A 1/4″ ratchet and a 5.5mm socket is all that is needed to change the part – no specialty automotive tools.
Two screws, one electrical plug and out it comes. Also called a Fresh air door actuator.
It’s best to remove the actuator prior to going to the dealership. For some reason HVAC solenoids can be difficult to look up. The number “52409974” that is on the white barcode strangely does NOT crossover at the dealer. The current GM# is 15844096. At this time there’s no aftermarket ones available so the dealer is the only option.
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. This Chevy part is made in China.
Sad to say, but lower quality in American cars is one reason so many people only buy foreign. Our previous car was a Mitsubishi Diamante – driven for 10 years with the only maintenance performed; regular oil changes, a set of tires and a couple of batteries.
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Jenn :
Date: December 15, 2015 @ 5:41 pm
Hi!
Click clack for a few minutes is all too familiar, I had the actuator replaced where the glove compartment is 5 months ago. The terrible knocking noise is back…
When I lock my car or open my door it seems to start, it is so annoying. I noticed lately that my heat is not working 🙁 It will be getting very cold here soon, is this preventing my heater from working?
I have 4 yr old so the knocking and no heat is just a nightmare. Please help!
Thank you in advance.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: December 15, 2015 @ 6:10 pm
Could be the cause or could be something else. Good Luck.
Laurie :
Date: December 26, 2015 @ 9:48 pm
Hi, my problem started a few weeks ago, at first it was intermittent and only when I started the car, now it is just about every time you open any door on the car, even the hood will cause it to start if you pop it, and again when starting the vehicle. The Heat and A/C work fine. It’s just the annoying noise that goes on for about a minute. My Impala is is 2011 LT.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: December 27, 2015 @ 9:20 am
Sounds like the problem is progressing. I’d replace the noisy actuator, or actuators if more than one is noisy. Good Luck.
Clifford F :
Date: January 4, 2016 @ 10:48 am
I have Chevy Impala SS 06 the problem I’m having is there is no heat on the driver’s side of the car. I do not have the clicking noise that everyone one else is complaining about and most of the videos out on this subject is on the passenger side. I can do the work myself the dealership wanted 600 dollars to fix the problem for a part costing 50 dollars like that was going to happen. I there any manuals out there to fix this problem that I am having.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: January 4, 2016 @ 11:03 am
No manual for this specific issue. But sounds like one of the actuators is bad. Good Luck.