Driver side dash ticking upon start help please

[Dylan J Holley]

Whenever I start my car there is a slight ticking that will continue for a few second stop and the continue again, just wanna know what it is so I can fix it. I already have replaced the blend door acuator on the passenger side because that was giving me the clicking.

 

[shaker281]

I used to hear what sounded like a hard drive "seeking" from the area to the right or behind my nav system (I believe). I don't think I hear it anymore, but I have replaced both the climate control actuators on the passenger side at some point. I also mainly noticed it at startup.

Just noticed you said "driver's side" , the sound I heard was more centered and possibly to the right. Not sure where the actuators on the driver's side are located.

 

[GongSho]

Sounds like the drivers side actuator. I've replaced my passenger side already as well, I suspect the drivers side lifespan isnt that much longer

 

[shaker281]

I do not recall anyone posting about replacing a driver's side actuator. I do wonder where it is and how hard to gain access. I am envisioning having to remove the driver's seat, unless you happen to be this guy:

 

[SHOdded]

Moving the seat all the way back at a minimum From a 2010 manual

Removal and Installation

NOTE: The LH temperature blend door actuator can be accessed from below the LH side of the instrument panel.

1. Remove the 2 LH temperature blend door actuator screws.

1. Disconnect the LH temperature blend door actuator electrical connector.

1. Remove the LH temperature blend door actuator.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

1. NOTE: The purpose of the module actuator position calibration is to allow the HVAC module to reinitialize and calibrate the actuator stop points. To carry out calibration, carry out the following steps.
   
   Remove Smart Junction Box (SJB) fuse 15 for at least one minute.

1. NOTE: When the ignition switch is switched to the ON position, the HVAC module will initialize and calibrate the actuators. Calibration of the actuators will take approximately 30 seconds.
   
   Reinstall SJB fuse 15. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait 30 seconds before verifying correct LH temperature blend door operation.

 

[shaker281]

Excellent! I wonder if the clicking/ticking sometimes heard behind various dash points might be a faulty actuator attempting "calibration".

 

[SHOdded]

Could be. Not sure there is a way to tell without a teardown.