Thumping noise near the passenger side of the dashboard?

LADYVIBE

MEMBER
2005 PONTIAC VIBE
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
294,000 MILES

I'll start off by saying I'd rather fix my vehicle than put money into another cash car. When I push the airflow button on the inside of the car, there's a thumping noise on the passenger side of the dashboard. The A/C doesn't blow cold air, but the heater works. I'd like to see if I can replace or fix something myself. Any thoughts?

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KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Yep, this happens when the recirculation actuator goes out. Here is the location and how to change it out in the images below. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response to the problem so we can see what's going on. Please start a new thread for the A/C system not working.

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Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 AT 10:51 AM

LADYVIBE

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6 POSTS

Thank you, Ken. Total girl question, is the control panel access from inside the car?

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Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 AT 11:47 AM

KEN L

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Yes, from inside the car, if you have problems, please upload images or a short video so I can see and help you through the repair. It looks like you will need to remove the instrument cluster. These images should help you. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.

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Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 AT 12:26 PM

KEN L

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Anything?

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Saturday, May 11th, 2024 AT 12:01 PM

LADYVIBE

MEMBER
6 POSTS

I was finally able to get the actuator changed out. My back is fused so I had trouble getting my hand in there from the front. I got creative and laid my ironing board on the seat and scooted up under the dash. It was a challenge to get the new actuator on and the screws in the right holes without being able to see it. I used a lighted dental mirror and was able to get the screws in and tightened. The noise is gone but it still wasn't blowing very cold. I used an ac spray cleaner, a soft dryer vent lint remover brush and the soft spray on a power washer to clean the condensor. It's blowing cold now with no noise.