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what is going on inside my dashboard?

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  • #1

    what is going on inside my dashboard?

    Okay, something weird is happening inside my dashboard after I drive my car, and I can't figure out what could be causing it. It's tough to describe, and does this consistently, so here it goes...

    Background: My car is garage kept. Top down most of the time. 2004 Premium. 29,800 miles. Had it for almost a year now.

    After driving the car for a bit, and shutting off the engine, in about 2 minutes, a noise comes from somewhere behind the top vents (above the stereo) that sounds like a squeaking noise. Best way to describe it, is like a mouse is behind the vent frantically "chewing" on the plastic" making loud squeaking/chewing noises. It lasts for abut 2 minutes then goes away.

    It does not do that before I go for a drive. It does not do it at any time during the drive, at all. It only does it, a few moments after the drive, every time. The key is out, the steering wheel is in pre-drive position, everything is off.

    I'm thinking some electrical actuator or something? Maybe the plastic is heating, or cooling inside the dash? Anyone else ever notice this?
    Last edited by blue731; Sep 20, 2009, 03:23 PM.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

    Originally posted by blue731 View Post
    like a mouse is behind the vent frantically "chewing" on the plastic" making squeaking/chewing noises.
    Maybe it is that.
    Sometimes Birds travel far...
    Dutch T-Bird
    tbirdregistry.com No. 27947

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    • #3
      Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

      Could it be the actuator doors on the air conditioning system changing position???

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      • #4
        Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

        Originally posted by Icebluebird View Post
        Could it be the actuator doors on the air conditioning system changing position???
        yeah, i'm thinking this might be something like that. It's too consistant to actually be a mouse, though the first two times, I was like... "awwww crap, how am i getting the interloper out?".

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        • #5
          Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

          It is the actuator doors. You may have a vaccum leak or it is simply a noisy door. I think to fix that, you will have to pull the dash apart.
          Unbelivable TBN trips including ALL of the lower 48 States plus 9 Canadian Provinces, 8 European Countries, 3 Caribbean Countries, Countless National Parks and have attended well over 100 TBN Events since 2001 and counting. Best of all ... fabulous friends.

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          • #6
            Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

            Originally posted by blue731 View Post
            yeah, i'm thinking this might be something like that. It's too consistant to actually be a mouse, though the first two times, I was like... "awwww crap, how am i getting the interloper out?".
            How about the electrical relay / time delay on your courtesy light ?

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            • #7
              Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

              It is the actuator door opening up. Vacuum pressure will be released once the car is shut off. On some cars, upon shutoff, the door opens up so the car will breathe when it sits in the sun.

              Your door may be a little noisier than other ones, but mine also opens when I shut the engine down.

              CV


              Originally posted by DavidA View Post
              It is the actuator doors. You may have a vaccum leak or it is simply a noisy door. I think to fix that, you will have to pull the dash apart.
              CVCashmere

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              • #8
                Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

                One way to test for sure is to shut off the climate control a few minutes prior to your destination. Then see if it still does it or not.
                ScottyNeutron
                Previous 'Birds:
                2005 Inca Gold
                1994 Super Coupe (Black) , 1957 D Model(Flame Red) , 1989 Super Coupe in Twilight Blue , 1965 Hardtop

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                • #9
                  Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

                  Dave:
                  About a month ago I too had a weird noise coming from under the dash. Except it sounded like something turning with a squeak, when everything was off.
                  I ejected two CD's and the noise stopped. Then re- inserted them and haven't heard the noise since.

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                  • #10
                    Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

                    thanks for the ideas. I'll investigate more this weekend and let you know what I think is going on!

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                    • #11
                      Re: what is going on inside my dashboard?

                      Hello

                      I am by no means a mechanic but... If it is the climate control system can you not pull the fuse or relay to the entire system preventing the actuator doors from reacting in order to see if it is indeed that?

                      THe CD comment is also a good thought. I had a similar noise from a previous vehicle and it always happened when I turned off or on the vehicle with CD's still in the radio unit. Lived with it for three years until the time came to return the lease. After removing all my belongings the week it was being returned, including all my CD's it was gone. Was I ever pissed knowing the issue after all that time......

                      Good luck

                      Max

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