Tapping noise in passenger dash linked to air recirculator

[jackru]

Yesterday my 2014 SEAT Ibiza FR Edition 1.4 TSI ACT started to make a strange noise when I turn it on. It's fairly quiet and sounds like it comes from behind the glove box. The tapping noise sounds like an actuator or something similar has gone wrong. It only lasts around 20 repetitions of the noise and then stops. When I put it in reverse it makes the same noise but much louder and again, stops after around 20 repetitions.

I read that my car turns on the air recirculator on automatically when you put it in reverse. So, I tried turning the recirculator button on and, the noise started immediately, turned it off and the noise stopped.

Has anyone got any experience of fixing this fault? This is my first post so sorry if I've not given enough info.

 

[JonnyH]

If you remove the glovebox you will see a big black plastic box at the back it is possible to change the motor found on the left hand side without removing the whole box. But when fitting the new motor there are two half cogs that have one larger cut out that must line up with the opposing cutout on the cogs of the flap it’s self. The cause of the noise will be due to the housing of the motor separating causing the cogs to no longer seat correctly. The cogs then jump teeth causing the noise.


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[u8myufo]

If you remove the glovebox you will see a big black plastic box at the back it is possible to change the motor found on the left hand side without removing the whole box. But when fitting the new motor there are two half cogs that have one larger cut out that must line up with the opposing cutout on the cogs of the flap it’s self. The cause of the noise will be due to the housing of the motor separating causing the cogs to no longer seat correctly. The cogs then jump teeth causing the noise.


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Hope you do not mind me dragging up this old thread @JonnyH , But my wife seems to have the exact same problem with her car,and after taking out the glove box yesterday and switching on the ignition, it confirmed it. What I would like to ask is, if I was to get the motor out to make sure I am ordering the right part,would it cause any problems if she still used the car whilst it was off? Cheers for any info.

 

[Lee_FR140]

I have a similar issue however the garage checked and mentioned that the Climatronic unit was faulty - it keeps losing the positions of the flaps and is stuck in a constant cycle - but as with all electronics, it can be hit & miss as to how it works.

I guess this depends on whether you have the digital climatronic unit or not - it may be something to explore or it may not..

 

[RUM4MO]

Normally, it is the positional feedback that is causing trouble and not letting the controller know where the flap motor is relative to its end stops. This has been an issue with VW Group and maybe many other car manufacturers that use these parts, the moving flap element has a wiper that contacts a track and that lets the controller know where the flap motor is relative to its end stops and the theoretical correct demanded position. If there is a build up of dust/dirt on that wiper and/or track, then its game over and the controller looses feedback and the motor starts to hunt back and forwards. At initial assembly, "basic settings" is run and that allows the controller to store voltage values for fully open and fully closed, then it uses these values to control the actual position that it drives the motor to.

If possible demand recirculating and switch it off, and cycle that leaving it for maybe 10 secs on each demanded position, do that for maybe 20 times and that might just clean the track/wiper up enough for it to start working correctly - for a while.

 

[Lee_FR140]

If possible demand recirculating and switch it off, and cycle that leaving it for maybe 10 secs on each demanded position, do that for maybe 20 times and that might just clean the track/wiper up enough for it to start working correctly - for a while.

I can fully support that as if I use the recirc function and then switch is back to external air, it settles the 'Hunting' for a while - sometimes longer than others.

Is the 'Track Contact' that you mention accessible from underside of glovebox or...?

 

[RUM4MO]

Unfortunately not, you would need to remove the assembly and open it up and hopefully not destroy it or its casing.

Many years ago, there was a guy based in Europe, that was almost on demand removing and opening up these flap motors and getting them to work again, but I'd think that he will have moved onto more satisfying projects now!

It seems that most of these flap motors are from the same manufacturer and so the internals are the same, so maybe there is some mileage in buying the cheapest available via places like ebay, and harvesting the potentiometer from it. Searching using Google might drag up some useful links.

 

[Lee_FR140]

I kinda figured it would be closed off but worth an ask. Not surprised to hear that they are delicate items also...

Presumably, you meant:
Recirculate On - Hi Vent, Mid Vent, Foot Vent, Windscreen and cycle in that sense?

Or was it as simple as Recirc On then Off and cycle that way?

I've typically found it to be enough to cycle between Recirc Air and External Air flow a few times to get decent spells of working well..

 

[RUM4MO]

Yes only cycling the associated/affected flap motor - which is what it sounds like you have done.

 

[Deleted member 103408]

Just for my info I see there are some basic settings in VCDS for this setup, do they help in any way.

The ones I can see on OBD11 that look relevant are

Adapt flap end stops
Reset to factory setting

 

[RUM4MO]

They let you do this as it essential to do that when fitting any new parts that have built in feedback system, so that controllers can "calibrate" them or themselves, I hate using that word "calibrate" as it is not correct here but seems to be in general use by car techs that don't normally ever need to calibrate anything.

 

[Spike]

Seems this is a common problem
If I took my car to a garage to fix this how much do u think it would cost?

 

[Gatesmire]

Just took my glove box out found the said switch that clicks and you can see the body moving. Just cabled tied mine in place and hey presto….all fixed!!

 

[loadbang]

I had the same issue. Click click click when engine started. Replaced the recirculation flap motor.

 

[Shon]

Hi
I have the same issue with SEAT Ibiza 1.4 petrol 2014. After so many hours I guess I find out. Is the part Number is 6R2907511A?? Thank you

I had the same issue. Click click click when engine started. Replaced the recirculation flap motor.
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[Jay6565]

Just had this issue with my sons 2015 Ibiza 1.4 petrol. As above is it definitely that part number? If so will get one

 

[Jason Phillips]

Hi, how is this motor fixed in? Is it just the screw and electrical connector? Got my daughters glovebox out but cant quite squeeze it out.

 

[lewisbuchanan6]

I had the same issue. Click click click when engine started. Replaced the recirculation flap motor.
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Hi looking for websit with part availability can’t seem to fine the correct one any help appreciated thanks.

 

[Klimaxx]

Im sorry for posting on this old thread but i have some wierd sound coming from the glovebox area when i put in reverse, could this be the same issue for me?

I have recorded my problem: https://youtube.com/shorts/7tiSzX12_-A?feature=share

 

[RUM4MO]

Im sorry for posting on this old thread but i have some weird sound coming from the glovebox area when i put in reverse, could this be the same issue for me?

I have recorded my problem: https://youtube.com/shorts/7tiSzX12_-A?feature=share

Your one sounds like it is again the recircl/free air flap motor assembly, but in your case the motor is just running for ever, which could mean that the mounting bracket has come loose or is now broken, someone a lot earlier in this thread fixed this by using a cable tie, probably to get the flap motor COG back in contact with the RACK of the recircl/fresh air flap, so maybe you will also find that your car can be fixed without buying a new flap motor assembly - good luck!