Scratchy scratching type of noise coming from HVAC vents

MILLERS404

MEMBER
2020 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
700 MILES

I had the heat on today. I had circulate air on as well. I then parked and turned off the heat completely. Powered off heat/AC unit, but car was still running. After a few seconds I noticed a light scratching type of noise. At first I thought it might be a belt or something, but I have a feeling it's coming from the vents for some reason/how. It seemed to come from the right side and center at first. Then even on the left side of the dash. I just bought the car and it has less then 1,000 miles. Am I being paranoid or what could the noise possibly be?

Thanks,
Steven M

4 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

It possible the sound you hear might be coming from the electric actuators that control air flow throughout the ducts and vents. With a car brand new you might want to go back to the dealer or car lot you bought this and have them look at it. When it comes to diagnosing sounds we usually ask to use your cell phone and make a video of the sound and upload here. Hope this all helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 3:23 PM

MILLERS404

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Can the vent actuator continue to move or make noise after I turn off the AC/heat? How would they continue to move or make noise?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 6:13 PM

MILLERS404

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I tried to get some sound. It's very faint, but you can hear it slightly in the one video at the 23 second mark. That is the sound I hear and it repeats itself every few seconds. If it is the vent actuators, is it a serious issue or more of an annoyance. Again, it is new so the warranty should cover it, but just like to know if it's a serious issue. Thanks for your help.

Video (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

The sound in the video was so I faint I couldn't hear it.I wouldn't say that the actuator noise would be a serious issue but just an an annoyance. The car is so new I would have it covered under warranty. Keep us updated as to what the place that sold you the car can do for warranty. Out of pocket this would be around a $500.00 to $600.00 repair with parts and labor. Hope this helps and keep us updated. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 8:04 PM