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Loud clicking noise when AC/Heater/Fan is turned on

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NjTexan

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited by Moderator)
2012 Patriot 113K miles.

Whenever I turn on any of the heater/AC fan functions I get a very loud clicking noise from under the passenger side dash. Clicking really doesn't describe it properly since it's loud. The best way to describe the sound is it sounds like plastic hitting plastic, almost as if you would strike the dash with a plastic dowel.

I've also heard the noise when the car is shut off and I'll bump into it. If the fan is left on when I shut the car off, it will start clicking as soon as I start the car.

What the heck is under the dash that could be making the noise?
I know someday something will stop working but for now, everything works, just the noise.
 
#2 ·
Thats the blower motor/interior fan, Its located above the passenger footwell behind the glovebox, so that would be what youre hearing. Mine made that noise before but it eventually went away. It's relatively easy to replace though if you have to, only 3 screws and remove one electrical connector. I think its $40-50
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Cool. I'll have to turn the blower on and see if I can feel the motor clicking. I was afraid it was some solenoid that would require taking the entire dash apart. Thanks for the tip, I'll report back when I've had a chance to check it out.
 
#4 ·
Just started having a similar problem. Whenever I place the a/c in the off pos. I hear a pronounced clicking noise I hadn't heard before. Just started today. 9-7-17, 2016 high altitude with 3.5k miles suggestions?
 
#6 · (Edited)
Welcome to the forum Tatanka! Our Patriots have 3 blend door actuators (motors) to redirect the heating/cooling vent air movement. There is one directly right of the glove box HVAC fan assembly, tucked under the dash board. That motor moves a "door" every time you start your Patriot and it switches from outdoor air to re-circulation air. It is often the first one to break of the 3 motors (plastic gears).

Here's an excellent Youtube with replacement instructions- is this your noise?:

The OEM replacement motor is over $80. Because this is a non critical part and somewhat easy to replace, I went with the Korean made Dorman one in the video (Sometimes $25 at Advanced Auto with discount code). I ended up putting my seats down as much as possible and I laid with my head underneath the glove box area to remove/install the 2 screws (quite the sight for sore eyes).

Very easy DIY. $25 +/- vs. probably $200 at the dealer. The Dormans have a lifetime warranty. Lots of options on ebay and elsewhere too. Dorman link:Dorman Products - 604-029 .....CAREFUL - PRE - 2010 HAVE A DIFFERENT PART NO., I THINK.

Dorman is questionable quality overall, but this part looks good and I doubt that others are any better.
 
#8 ·
I'll be exploring this fix for the blower fan soon, here's praying it's all I need to do. The A/C blows cold and the heater works fine too, but lately, the "defrost light" blinks for a few seconds while it clicks right after I turn on the Jeep. I just use remote start so I let that pass and that's all I've had issues with.
 
#10 ·
TGGearhead98 said:
Thats the blower motor/interior fan, Its located above the passenger footwell behind the glovebox, so that would be what youre hearing. Mine made that noise before but it eventually went away. It's relatively easy to replace though if you have to, only 3 screws and remove one electrical connector. I think its $40-50
Click to expand...
$13 on rockauto and amazon. It's a small.part that goes directly above fan, behind glovebox. 3-4 acres and an electric connection.
 
#11 ·
TGGearhead98 said:
Thats the blower motor/interior fan, Its located above the passenger footwell behind the glovebox, so that would be what youre hearing. Mine made that noise before but it eventually went away. It's relatively easy to replace though if you have to, only 3 screws and remove one electrical connector. I think its $40-50
Click to expand...
$13 on rockauto.com or Amazon
 
#17 ·
sjk231711 said:
Ok so this only happens when I turn the heat on? I replaced the blower motor and still the same issue! Should I replace what?
Click to expand...
Clicking is often from one of the three actuators, or the fan motor.

If you're sure it's not the actuators (see video in post #6 above) or the fan motor, it may be a piece of debris (leaf, paper, etc.) inside the HVAC in such a way that it only moves / clicks when the blend door is moved (by adjusting the air temp control) to channel air through the heater core.
 
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