It may be just the Mode doors or actuators creaking, but more than likely one of the actuators are bad. When you change between floor, dash and defrost, does the air flow from where it's supposed to? If not, it's a bad actuator. They're acceded from below.
2002 DTS has clicking noise in the instrument panel
2002 DTS 225,000 miles.
Whenever I start the engine, there is a clicking/tapping noise for about 5 seconds. It is coming from behind the center vent and a little to the left. I removed the radio and climate controllers, but it is behind those units and maybe above. There are things in the way, so I can't see beyond the brackets.
After playing with the climate controls, I suspect it is a damper or some unit that controls the doors in the vents. Whenever I turn the AC off, then turn it back on then there is a clicking for 5 seconds. It is about 2 -3 clicks per second. Also if I change the mode to have the air blow on the floor, then back to the vents on the dashboard, the clicking starts again.
Is there a motor that opens and closes the damper in the vents (or is it vacuum lines?) I suspect maybe the valve in the vent may be "creaking" and it sound like clicks when the door tries to move? Maybe something is gummed up or lint is on the door and causes it to get stuck, so it pops a little at a time when trying to change positions?
How hard is it to remove the top of the dashboard? If I had to guess, it seems like the noise is about 3 inches below the top of the dashboard and maybe 2 inches to the right of the fuel gage. (or maybe 6-8 inches behind the Hazard button and 1/2 way to the left towards the Instrument panel.
Any other ideas?
Thanks!
Whenever I start the engine, there is a clicking/tapping noise for about 5 seconds. It is coming from behind the center vent and a little to the left. I removed the radio and climate controllers, but it is behind those units and maybe above. There are things in the way, so I can't see beyond the brackets.
After playing with the climate controls, I suspect it is a damper or some unit that controls the doors in the vents. Whenever I turn the AC off, then turn it back on then there is a clicking for 5 seconds. It is about 2 -3 clicks per second. Also if I change the mode to have the air blow on the floor, then back to the vents on the dashboard, the clicking starts again.
Is there a motor that opens and closes the damper in the vents (or is it vacuum lines?) I suspect maybe the valve in the vent may be "creaking" and it sound like clicks when the door tries to move? Maybe something is gummed up or lint is on the door and causes it to get stuck, so it pops a little at a time when trying to change positions?
How hard is it to remove the top of the dashboard? If I had to guess, it seems like the noise is about 3 inches below the top of the dashboard and maybe 2 inches to the right of the fuel gage. (or maybe 6-8 inches behind the Hazard button and 1/2 way to the left towards the Instrument panel.
Any other ideas?
Thanks!
1 - 20 of 31 Posts
The air flows where they are supposed to after changing settings (clicking only happens when I change settings). I am assuming it will only get worse, then break. Best to change it now when it's not too hot or too cold!
Is the actuator above the panel that is above the brakes? Then why is the noise at the top of the dashboard?
Is the actuator above the panel that is above the brakes? Then why is the noise at the top of the dashboard?
There are several recent threads here in Deville - with diagrams of the HVAC system, actuators and doors.
Get into www.nalleygmc.com, parts, Your make, year, model system, subsystem - it's all there, with approximate line drawing locations.
Get into www.nalleygmc.com, parts, Your make, year, model system, subsystem - it's all there, with approximate line drawing locations.
How many actuators are there? I would think 3, (1- hot/cold, 1 - vent, floor, 1 - passenger and or others).
Different models vary. Please consult the recommended diagrams in post #4.
Ok thanks for the info at Nallygmc. From the diagram, it really looks like it could be part #44 or #46 and that looks like I can remove the top trim from the dashboard and access those parts.
Only one way to find out!
Thanks again
Only one way to find out!
Thanks again
Clicking sounds like a missing gear tooth to me.
===============================Ok thanks for the info at Nallygmc. From the diagram, it really looks like it could be part #44 or #46 and that looks like I can remove the top trim from the dashboard and access those parts.
Only one way to find out!
Thanks again
you need to spend a few minutes -
and isolate what is causing the noise -
there are several electrically operated actuators -
they all use plastic gears - and when the gear teeth break/strip -
they make the noise you are describing -
on that side of the dash -
it's either the MIX DOOR ACTUATOR -
that one controls the temperature of the air delivered from the vents -
and is relatively easy to replace -
the MIX door actuator is ACDELCO 1572974 - $62.76 - with free shipping -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016IL0GS/?ie=UTF8&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER
-----------------
or the MODE DOOR ACTUATOR -
that one controls where the air blows from -
and is a real pain in the butt to replace -
the MODE door actuator is ACDELCO 1572654 - $45.17 - with free shipping -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016IGVQM/?ie=UTF8&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER
------------------
the actuators are next to each other - way up under the dash -
the FSM - Factory Service Manual -
wants you to completely disassemble the entire dash -
to get to the HVAC stack -
you CAN get to the actuators from the underside -
IF you can lay on your back -
both arms above your head -
and your head wedged between the brake pedal and gas pedal -
check this out -
http://www.sparkys-answers.com/2010/12/2002-cadillac-deville-b0248-b0249-no-ac.html
Thanks for the replies. I will have to get my son to listen carefully again (I have a hearing loss). He said the clicking sounds like it is just to the RIGHT side of the fuel gauge just under the top of the dashboard.
I hope that's the easy one to replace! Looks like I might be able to remove the top trim of the dashboard and access from above? Apparently there are 3 total.
I hope that's the easy one to replace! Looks like I might be able to remove the top trim of the dashboard and access from above? Apparently there are 3 total.
The actuators are accessible from underneath.
=====================Thanks for the replies. I will have to get my son to listen carefully again (I have a hearing loss). He said the clicking sounds like it is just to the RIGHT side of the fuel gauge just under the top of the dashboard.
I hope that's the easy one to replace! Looks like I might be able to remove the top trim of the dashboard and access from above? Apparently there are 3 total.
Looks like I might be able to remove the top trim of the dashboard and access from above?
did you read any of post #9?
Yes, I read #9, it just doesn't make sense to access it from WAY underneath, when 2 of the actuators are at the top (according to some diagrams I see on google and Nallygmc).
I will take a look this weekend. But for some reason, the noise did happen yesterday or today. But no worries, I know it will come back...
I will take a look this weekend. But for some reason, the noise did happen yesterday or today. But no worries, I know it will come back...
A rhythmic ticking sound coming from the area behind the radio that lasts 5 or so seconds when you first start the car... Is most likely coming from the mode door actuator that has lost a couple of its plastic teeth. The actuator runs full travel when you first start the car. Of the 3 Deville's I've owned, I've had the pleasure of changing the mode door actuator 3 times.
The "easiest" way to make sure the actuator is bad... access the mode door actuator from laying on your back on the drivers side floorboard... you will need to remove the knee bolster. Find the actuator with the big white cam as pictured in the amazon link in post #9. Remove the electrical connector from the actuator and see if the clicking stops. You can leave the connector off and turn the big white cam by hand with the HVAC blower running to redirect air out the dash, floor or defrost vents... to make sure your on the right actuator.
Warning- Do not attempt to remove the mode door actuator before studying the replacement tutorials on this board.
The "easiest" way to make sure the actuator is bad... access the mode door actuator from laying on your back on the drivers side floorboard... you will need to remove the knee bolster. Find the actuator with the big white cam as pictured in the amazon link in post #9. Remove the electrical connector from the actuator and see if the clicking stops. You can leave the connector off and turn the big white cam by hand with the HVAC blower running to redirect air out the dash, floor or defrost vents... to make sure your on the right actuator.
Warning- Do not attempt to remove the mode door actuator before studying the replacement tutorials on this board.
OK 00 Deville... so you are saying that I could just disconnect the mode door actuator and it will stay where ever it is? I can turn the white cam and the air will come out the floor or the vent? Does this same actuator control the Defog? I don't mind disconnecting it and turning it by hand (floor for winter and vent for summer), but I will need the defogger.
YesOK 00 Deville... so you are saying that I could just disconnect the mode door actuator and it will stay where ever it is?
The mode door actuator moves the mode doors inside the HVAC stack to redirect air out the floor, dash, or defog vents. With the connector off it should stay in what ever position you leave it in by turning the big white cam. It's a pain in the arse to access the cam to change position if you need defog, if it where my car I would change the actuator. Just make sure you study the tutorial before trying a swap out.I can turn the white cam and the air will come out the floor or the vent? Does this same actuator control the Defog?
Here's a couple of the many threads on the subject, if you determine your actuator is indeed bad.
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...-including-1985/176367-2003-deville-hvac.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-tech-tips-how-fix/211863-mode-door-actuator-fix-how.html
Well, it finally broke and it is stuck on vent, which is OK, but I noticed that the Defogger does not work. Does this actuator also control the defogger? Or does this mode have to be on floor for the defogger to work? I was hoping to maybe go in there and turn the wheel or whatever and make it come out the floor. if i do that will the defogger work?
As it's name implies, the mode door actuator controls the modes (defog, vent and floor).
Darn it! OK thank you everyone, I guess there are no short cuts!... gonna try starting this weekend...
OK, starting on this now (a little at a time), got all the covers removed. Will cut the lower vent tonight or tomorrow. then maybe Friday or Saturday try to replace the actuator.
Couple of questions...
1)O'Reilys sells actuators only, or as a kit (with the white part that turns). If I buy the actuator only, how hard is it to pry the actuator off the white part while it is in the car? I have no way of knowing since I might buy the actuator only.
2) I plan on turning on the air and make it select VENT, then disconnect the wire to the actuator so that it will not move. When I get the new actuator, what is the default setting? I hope its VENT!
Couple of questions...
1)O'Reilys sells actuators only, or as a kit (with the white part that turns). If I buy the actuator only, how hard is it to pry the actuator off the white part while it is in the car? I have no way of knowing since I might buy the actuator only.
2) I plan on turning on the air and make it select VENT, then disconnect the wire to the actuator so that it will not move. When I get the new actuator, what is the default setting? I hope its VENT!
1 - 20 of 31 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Cadillac Owners Forum
Cadillac Forums is the perfect place to go to talk about your favorite Caddys including the ATS, CTS, SRX and Escalade.
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
hightech-guy
338 Replies
NorthernSRX
320 Replies
Jimpilot
214 Replies
Recommended Communities
