Bad climate control unit?

Hey folks, first post on this forum, although I reference it frequently. Thanks to all the contributors...what a tremendous resource!

I have a 2003 Tacoma double cab, and I often hear a noise coming from the directly behind the climate control knobs. About the best comparison I can make to describe the sound is that it is similar to the noise the CD player makes when it is accepting and ejecting a CD (although it is clearly NOT coming from the CD player). It will do this intermittently, often, and for several seconds at a time. I'm fairly certain that the noise is coming from the climate control unit, but I'm wondering if replacing this unit might be enough to fix the problem, or if there is some other electrical component upstream that could cause the unit to act up. It does seem like the AC won't blow as cold as it should until I turn the knob to warm and then back to cold again, but that may just be my imagination.

Thanks for any input!

 

Hello crumii........not sure if it's the same issue, but take a look at the link below. I had the same problem on my '03 PreRunner. Applied the trick in the link and knock on wood, it's no longer making the noise.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/2...inding-clicking-under-dash-air-mix-servo.html

 

Thanks for the link, Jammer! After searching around for the servo (which is the culprit in that thread), I found it was in fact the source of the noise. And best of all, it is accessible in the 03 Tacoma from the passenger floorboard, without having to remove the glove box or any console or dashboard components. One of the screws provided a challenge, but a stubby philips head got it done. I applied the fix, and have my fingers crossed that it was really this simple.

Thanks again!

 

This is awesome. I've had this noise for a little while now. It only happens occasionally so I haven't given any time to find out what it is, but this definitely hit the nail on the head. Good link for the fix too!

 

I've priced a replacement and about the cheapest I can find is $100 on Ebay (OEM Replacement). Doesn't appear to be an aftermarket part.