Noise inside the dash
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Amateur
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 46
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From: New Hope MN
Noise inside the dash
I have a 2004 D.D. It has about 40,000 miles.
I need help from a mechanic.
Two problems:
1. When I turn the blower vent from dash to floor and back- it makes a creeking sound. A lot like the actuator and mechanism is sticking and needs to be lubricated.
2. The blower is not putting out much heat on low, but as I drive faster, the air comes out faster. Apparently, this only happens on heat and not cold. This is bad, because it is now winter in Minnesota.
The issues:
The dealer says they have to take out the dash and heater mechanism.
If it is mechanical- the warranty company is paying.
If it is a rodent that has built a nest- I am on the hook for 520.00-just for labor then more for parts.
Is there anyone that can help diagnose the problem, tell me if they have had this too, and what my chances are. It is a lot of money to spend at this or any time.
I need help from a mechanic.
Two problems:
1. When I turn the blower vent from dash to floor and back- it makes a creeking sound. A lot like the actuator and mechanism is sticking and needs to be lubricated.
2. The blower is not putting out much heat on low, but as I drive faster, the air comes out faster. Apparently, this only happens on heat and not cold. This is bad, because it is now winter in Minnesota.
The issues:
The dealer says they have to take out the dash and heater mechanism.
If it is mechanical- the warranty company is paying.
If it is a rodent that has built a nest- I am on the hook for 520.00-just for labor then more for parts.
Is there anyone that can help diagnose the problem, tell me if they have had this too, and what my chances are. It is a lot of money to spend at this or any time.
Record Breaker
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 20
From: Clermont, Florida
If this were my truck I'd crawl under the dash on the driver and passenger side with a good light and see if I could shoot some silicone lubricant or WD 40 on to the actuator rods for the external blend door controls while a helper operated the HVAC selector control on the dash. There are actuators in the HVAC enclosure too but I wouldn't think you would be able to hear them if they were noisy. You can remove the glove box and make sure the flap on the blend door behind the glove box isn't binding up and causing the squeak noise too.
With the heat not working so well at idle speed, I would first flush the heater core and then do a complete flush on the entire cooling system. If that hasn't been done yet, 40K and 4 years is definitely time for it. Dakota's are kind of known for problems with the heater cores getting gunked up and causing a no-heat condition. I'd take a good look at the blower motor too. On my 2001 it just drops out from the HVAC housing under the passenger's side of the dash with 3 bolts. Yours may be the same. Make sure there are no leaves in it and it turns freely on the shaft. You might be able to reach into the motor housing area and see if there's any animals or whatever taken up residence there.
I have not personally had these problems, but I'd try those few things first before having the dealer do it when you have no idea how much it might cost. I have heard that up north critters like to make nests in the engine area and HVAC box and they like to chew on wires too. We don't really have that problem here in Florida..
Jimmy
With the heat not working so well at idle speed, I would first flush the heater core and then do a complete flush on the entire cooling system. If that hasn't been done yet, 40K and 4 years is definitely time for it. Dakota's are kind of known for problems with the heater cores getting gunked up and causing a no-heat condition. I'd take a good look at the blower motor too. On my 2001 it just drops out from the HVAC housing under the passenger's side of the dash with 3 bolts. Yours may be the same. Make sure there are no leaves in it and it turns freely on the shaft. You might be able to reach into the motor housing area and see if there's any animals or whatever taken up residence there.
I have not personally had these problems, but I'd try those few things first before having the dealer do it when you have no idea how much it might cost. I have heard that up north critters like to make nests in the engine area and HVAC box and they like to chew on wires too. We don't really have that problem here in Florida..
Jimmy