Clicking noises in the dashboard can be a real concern, even when the car is off. If this is not taken care of in time, this noise becomes louder, and the clicking sound from the dashboard for a long time can distract the driver’s attention and cause trouble for other passengers.
In many cases, finding and troubleshooting the cause of a clicking noise in the dashboard when the car is turned off can be more complicated. In this article, we will learn in detail about the causes and solutions for clicking noise in the dashboard even when the car is off.
Why is Clicking Noise In Dashboard When Car Is Off – Causes
The main reason for a clicking sound in the dashboard even when the car is turned off can be a broken or loose part of the dashboard. Additionally, causes of a clicking noise in the dashboard when the car is turned off may include a bad blend door actuator, a damaged relay, a faulty stepper motor, a bad HVAC system, or a faulty blower fan motor.
Let us understand these reasons in detail, one by one, so that we can easily identify and solve this noise.
1. Damage Relay
Often, the cause of a clicking noise in the dashboard when the car is turned off can be a bad power relay. In cars, power relays are used to control the power supply to various electrical components of the vehicle. But sometimes a clicking noise can be heard in the dashboard when the car is turned off due to a damaged power relay. Sometimes relay-related functions also stop working.
2. Bad Blend Door Actuator
The most common reason for Clicking Noise In Dashboard When Car Is Off is a faulty blend door actuator. Often, a bad blend door actuator and other components that are worn or loose will cause a clicking noise in the dashboard. The Blend Door Actuator serves to control the heating and cooling ventilation in your car. The Blend Door Actuator is a small electronic motor that controls the climate control system inside the car’s cabin. This noise can also get louder when you start it or change the temperature in your car.
The blend door actuator motor is fitted with plastic gears. These gears control the doors that circulate heating and cooling. But a bad plastic gear can cause a clicking noise in the dashboard when the car is turned off. In the case of a bad blend door actuator, you can hear a clicking noise at the end of the cycle of the plastic gear, and due to a bad blend door actuator, the door is unable to turn on its own.
3. Faulty Stepper Motor
Stepper motors are small electrical components. Often, a bad stepper motor can also be the cause of clicking noises in the dashboard when car is off. Stepper motors are used in vehicles to more accurately measure engine RPM and miles or kilometres per hour. Stepper motors have small steps of rotation. You can often hear a clicking noise when a stepper motor skips a few steps of rotation.
The stepper motor has magnetic pins that record the speed of the car in the car’s odometer. An analog instrument is used with a stepper motor. You can hear a clicking noise from behind the speedometer when the magnetic pins in the stepper motor wear out.
4. Bad HVAC System
Often, clicking noises in the dashboard when car is off can also be caused by an inoperative HVAC system. This type of noise can be caused by the sensors, actuator motors, and plastic gears used in the HVAC control module system.
When a sensor in the HVAC system becomes faulty, it may signal incorrect readings, and the model of the HVAC system may miscalculate the position of the heating motor. For this reason, when changing the heating or cooling in a car, you may hear a clicking noise in the dashboard even when the car is turned off.
5. Faulty AC Blower Fan Motor
A faulty blower fan motor can also be the cause of a clicking noise in the dashboard when it is turned off. Sometimes, a clicking noise can be heard in the dashboard when the blower fan is running due to a worn-out bearing on the blower fan motor or the blower hitting a surface and this noise starts getting louder as you increase the speed of the blower fan.
Also, a clicking noise can be heard in the dashboard even when the blower fan motor is running due to some debris getting stuck in the AC blower.
How To Fix Clicking Noise in Dashboard When Car Is Off?
To fix the clicking noise in the dashboard, you must first investigate its cause. After this, you will be able to troubleshoot this issue.
1. Check Blend Door Actuator
- The main cause of a clicking noise in the dashboard when the car is turned off is the blend door actuator.
- So the first thing to check if the clicking noise is in the dashboard is the blend door actuator.
- If the blend of noise you hear is due to the door actuator, have it replaced by a professional mechanic.
2. Check Relay
- Cars have relays related to different electronic functions.
- But sometimes the power relay may fail to function due to a bad or short circuit and start making a clicking noise.
- So check the power relay when this happens. If the power relay is causing the noise, replace the bad relay with a new one.
3. Check Blower Fan Motor
- Sometimes a clicking noise in the car dashboard can be caused by a faulty blower fan motor or the fan hitting a surface.
- Hence, if such a noise is generated, check the blower fan and motor.
- If the noise is coming from the blower fan hitting, clean the blower fan and check its alignment.
- In many cases, the bearing of the blower motor may also be to blame for the noise.
- If this happens, replace the motor bearing. If replacing the bearing is not possible or is too expensive, replace the faulty blower fan motor.
4. Check Stepper Motor
- If the clicking noise is being generated in the dashboard of the car, it could also be due to a faulty stepper motor.
- For this, get the stepper motor inspected by a professional vehicle mechanic.
- If the noise is caused by a faulty stepper motor, have that replaced by a mechanic as well.
5. Check HVAC System
- Often, clicking noises from the dashboard when the car is turned off can also be caused by a faulty HVAC system.
- When the temperature is changed by the control panel to change the climate inside the car cabin, you may hear a clicking noise.
- If this occurs, have the HVAC system checked by a professional vehicle mechanic.
- If the noise is due to a faulty HVAC system, repair or replace it.
How Do I Stop My Car Dashboard Making Noise?
To stop your car dashboard from making noise, first identify the cause of the noise. Common causes of this noise may include loose components such as panels, vents, or clips. After identifying the cause, you tighten these loose components using a screwdriver or clips. If noise persists, use lubricant to reduce friction between parts. Also, make sure that there are no objects placed insecurely on the dashboard, as they can vibrate and create noise.
Troubleshooting Dashboard Clicking Sounds in Parked Cars
To troubleshoot dashboard clicking noises in parked cars, start by checking for loose objects in the glove compartment, center console, or dashboard compartment that may be causing the noise. Can. Also inspect the air conditioning vent for debris or loose components attached to the dashboard. Additionally, make sure all dashboard panels and trim are securely fastened and that none of the nuts and bolts are loose.
If the clicking noise still persists, check for electrical problems such as relays or actuators. If the problem persists, contact a mechanic to determine and resolve the root cause of the problem.
Common Solutions for Unwanted Clicking Sounds in Car Interiors
Unwanted clicking noises in car interiors can cause confusion for drivers. So check for loose objects within the dashboard or glove compartment to eliminate unwanted noise. Additionally, inspect the air vents and adjust them to ensure a comfortable fit.
These steps can reduce clicking caused by loose components. Additionally, tightening or replacing loose screws in the dashboard panel can also solve the problem of unwanted noise. Always keep in mind that regular maintenance reduces the cause of unwanted noise in your vehicle.
FAQ’s
Q. Why is my car’s dashboard making a clicking sound when it turns off?
Clicking sounds in a parked car may be caused by temperature-related expansion, loose components, or objects within the dashboard. Additionally, loose components can also contribute to this type of noise.
Q. Could loose screws in the dashboard panel be responsible for the clicking sound?
Yes, loose screws can contribute to clicking sounds. So regularly inspect the dashboard and other panels for any loose screws and tighten them if they are loose.
Q. How can I troubleshoot clicking noises in the car interior on my own?
Start by checking for loose items, securing the air vents, and inspecting the dashboard for loose screws.
Q. Is temperature-related expansion a common cause of clicking sounds in car interiors?
Yes, changes in temperature can cause expansion and contraction, resulting in clicking sounds.
Q. Should I be concerned about clicking sounds on the dashboard of my parked car?
If the noise is persistent or unusual, these sounds may be noticeable. Regular maintenance and addressing identified issues can prevent potential problems.
