This morning my truck literally decided to snap at me on the way to work.

Every time I turned the truck on today, I'm greeted with a sound within dashboard that sounds like a plastic gnashing/grinding/popping. Sort of like a pop-pop-SNAP, SNAP-pop-pop-pop. It goes on for like 30 seconds and then won't happen again until the next time I turn the truck on.

I'm thinking it's related to the HVAC system - gears controlling an airflow baffle or something? I know some cars switch to a default airflow setting when turned on (so you feel air on your feet for a moment before it shifts up to the main vents). Also I've noticed that if I rotate the dial to front defrost, I get air through the main vents but none from the vents near the windshield.

I'll be taking the truck in for the leather seat recall and other RRTs. Anyone else experienced this?

 

Was it cold this morning?

 

Not too cold. I'm in the East Bay - mid-50s this morning and got to 80 in the afternoon.

 

Some have reported a creek (including me) in cooler weather. Sounds like it is coming from the top part of the dash, passenger side. Some say it is the pillar, some say it is the black cowl cover on the outside rubbing against the glass (I think that is my issue). I know my cowl was not clipped in properly, which I fixed, but still creeks in the cold. Probably not your issue as mine happens when I hit bumps more so than a turn.

 

It's the actuator in your A/C system that has failed. Kinda sounds like some little critter is stuck in the system and wants out! Tap, tap, tap... mine would do that for almost a minute. Yep must be a very common problem as there were 240-something on back order back in June. I just got mine replaced two weeks ago... I can't believe Dodge's quality isn't better on this part. A friend of mine has an '05 with the same problem. Luckily for us, our center dash can be removed easily so they say it only takes 2-4 hours compared to removing the entire dash on an '05 (6-8 hours).

 

Mine just started the same thing last weekend, when you first crank it up sounds like someone is tapping on the dashboard with a small wrench. Took it to the dealer and he said it was the actuator in the A/C. He had to order the part and said it might be a couple weeks before it comes in. While I had at the dealer he also did a couple RRT's, I remember one was something about reprogramming the A/C. Ever since I got it back I haven't noticed the A/C kicking in and out constantly like it used to do before which is kinda nice.

 

actuator plastic wheel gears are stripped. Common problem with the gen 4s

 

Mine started a couple of days ago. I'm hoping to take it in next month to get it and the seats fixed.

 

My dial for air direction does not know the difference between the floor and the defrost.
Blower changes speed when it wants to also. And its a manual system.
Mine groans every now and then. No knocking or clicking. Groaning.

 

My truck was making the same sounds, told the same as others with ordering new part. My problem now that it was at the dealership is that now the fan speed is on low, then speeds up no matter the setting it is placed on (auto or number). It actually worked fine before I took it in to the dealership. Any idea how long the part takes to come in?