Dash Ventilation/Fans making A Bothersome noise

Hey Everyone,

So the fans in my 2015 TRD Sport for the ventilation and climate control on the dash, make this subtle, but annoyingly noticeable 'whirring' type noise, it is a separate noise from the sound of the air from the vents.

Its a mechanical noise coming from inside the dash, it almost sounds like the type of sound that might be made by a leaf stuck in the spokes on the wheel of a bicycle. No matter what speed the fans are on, lo medium or high, the noise is there, although at high it is drowned out by the actual sound of the air.

I guess I'm just wondering if this is a normal sound and I gotta just deal with it, or If I should take it to the dealership while its still under warranty? Thanks

 

Check your cabin air filter. Something might be caught up in there.

 

Are you sure all your windows are completely rolled up? Yesterday morning I had a similar sound when I turned the heat on the heat, then later realized one of my windows was just slightly cracked open. Rolled up and sound went away.

 

bahaaa! that might do it

 

@R490 Thanks that is something I will have to look into, I've never checked the cabin air filter before, any tips on how that is done?
@At The Helm Yea I am pretty sure all the windows were rolled up, but it is something worth paying extra attention to next time, thank you.

 

Yoink the glovebox out, (push in the sides and pull on it) and the air filter is in the black thing with two clips directly in front of it.

May want to look at the HVAC blower motor as well. That's under the pass side dash, it's like a smashed can shape and covered in a black piece of plastic. Three screws around it, unplug some things and it'll just pop out. It's easy to get to if you move the pass seat back. You don't need to remove the glovebox, but you can if that's what you're into. Takes probably 10-15 mins.

 

Pull cabin filter in glove box and vacuum it and outtakes.

Drop fan (below glove box) and clean it out. Spin it by hand before and after.

 

i'm having the same issue, thought it was the AC actuator (toyota part #52411441, napa NOE 655-2283) but that wasnt it

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clicking-sound-behind-glove-box.137188/

 

I've had seeds from mesquite trees end up in the blower area which leads to annoying noises when they rub the fan blades. Somehow they sneak by the cabin filter. Probably have some sort of debris in yours.

 

So I took out the cabin air filter and it was full of leaves and dirt. I vacuumed it out and put it all back but it still makes the noise. Upon further inspection, the sound almost definitely is coming right from the fan motor like you mentioned. What am I looking for there? Just some leaves and dirt like the filter? Or could this possibly be something broken in there?

 

My 2009 had an annoying noise from the fan- I pulled the motor and oiled the lower bronze bearing a few years ago and it's been ok since

 

Its your blower motor. Buy a new one.

 

Yeaa I cleaned any debris out of both the filter and the blower motor fan and the noise is still there.. Its still under warranty, I bought CPO so i guess ill just have to take it to the dealer

 

Definitely worth a try since Ive ruled out any debris in the blades or filter being the issue, thanks Ill see if this helps.

 

Why don't you pull the motor out, plug in the wires, and have someone turn on the fan to see if the motor makes noise? Grab the motor with both hands while you do this. You don't want the motor to turn into a water weenie. Do they still make those?

 

Oh my dad actually suggested that to me and it totally slipped my mind! Thank you so much I will definitely be doing this before taking it to the dealer