I have a 2012 Toyota Camry and there’s a buzzing & clicking sound coming from my dash. The noise is present even when I cut off the engine. The noise is present even when the AC is turned off. This model has EPS or electric power steering, but the steering is fine. The noise maybe gets louder when I steer to the left, but I’m not sure that has anything to do with it.
Any insight will be much appreciated.
Any mechanics on here?
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marko69
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Re: Any mechanics on here?
Didn't see this. Sorry. ...., and err, can't help.ITFC2024 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2025 12:51 amI have a 2012 Toyota Camry and there’s a buzzing & clicking sound coming from my dash. The noise is present even when I cut off the engine. The noise is present even when the AC is turned off. This model has EPS or electric power steering, but the steering is fine. The noise maybe gets louder when I steer to the left, but I’m not sure that has anything to do with it.
Any insight will be much appreciated.
It would be GREAT if Bluemike could help with his pals......
Mike & The Mechanics.
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ITFC2024
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Re: Any mechanics on here?
Haha thanks! I think I've sussed it. It's sounding like it's the blend-door actuator, but I'm not positive.marko69 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 24, 2025 1:43 pmDidn't see this. Sorry. ...., and err, can't help.ITFC2024 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2025 12:51 amI have a 2012 Toyota Camry and there’s a buzzing & clicking sound coming from my dash. The noise is present even when I cut off the engine. The noise is present even when the AC is turned off. This model has EPS or electric power steering, but the steering is fine. The noise maybe gets louder when I steer to the left, but I’m not sure that has anything to do with it.
Any insight will be much appreciated.
It would be GREAT if Bluemike could help with his pals......
Mike & The Mechanics.
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marko69
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Re: Any mechanics on here?
The blend-door actuator??ITFC2024 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 24, 2025 1:48 pmHaha thanks! I think I've sussed it. It's sounding like it's the blend-door actuator, but I'm not positive.marko69 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 24, 2025 1:43 pmDidn't see this. Sorry. ...., and err, can't help.ITFC2024 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2025 12:51 amI have a 2012 Toyota Camry and there’s a buzzing & clicking sound coming from my dash. The noise is present even when I cut off the engine. The noise is present even when the AC is turned off. This model has EPS or electric power steering, but the steering is fine. The noise maybe gets louder when I steer to the left, but I’m not sure that has anything to do with it.
Any insight will be much appreciated.
It would be GREAT if Bluemike could help with his pals......
Mike & The Mechanics.
Sounds like something you've just made up! Confirmed though ---->> I DEFFO can't help.
Sometimes I get this....., "You repair heating boilers. Fix my car!"
I look under a car bonnet with a blank stare. A dipsh!t checking the dipstick and that's me maxed out.-
shabba
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Re: Any mechanics on here?
AI tells me:
It sounds like you might have an issue with one of the blend door actuators in your climate control system. Here’s why:
The noise continues even after the engine is off – Many blend door actuators remain powered for a short period after shutting off the car.
The AC being off doesn’t stop the noise – The blend doors still function even when the AC is off, adjusting airflow direction.
Clicking & buzzing sounds – A failing actuator often makes a clicking or buzzing noise as its small plastic gears wear out.
Possible relation to steering – If the sound slightly changes when turning, it might be due to the shifting weight or vibrations affecting the failing actuator.
What You Can Do
Locate the faulty actuator
There are multiple actuators in the dashboard: near the driver’s side, passenger’s side, and behind the center console.
Turn the key to "ON" without starting the car and adjust the temperature or airflow direction to see if the noise changes.
Check for the sound source
Try listening under the dash on both sides.
A mechanic’s stethoscope or even a simple hose can help pinpoint the noise.
Replace the faulty actuator
The most common issue is stripped gears inside the actuator.
Toyota blend door actuators are relatively cheap ($20-$50) and not too difficult to replace if you’re handy.
If you want to be sure, you can pull the HVAC fuses one by one (with the car off) and see if the noise stops. If it does, it's almost certainly an actuator issue.
It sounds like you might have an issue with one of the blend door actuators in your climate control system. Here’s why:
The noise continues even after the engine is off – Many blend door actuators remain powered for a short period after shutting off the car.
The AC being off doesn’t stop the noise – The blend doors still function even when the AC is off, adjusting airflow direction.
Clicking & buzzing sounds – A failing actuator often makes a clicking or buzzing noise as its small plastic gears wear out.
Possible relation to steering – If the sound slightly changes when turning, it might be due to the shifting weight or vibrations affecting the failing actuator.
What You Can Do
Locate the faulty actuator
There are multiple actuators in the dashboard: near the driver’s side, passenger’s side, and behind the center console.
Turn the key to "ON" without starting the car and adjust the temperature or airflow direction to see if the noise changes.
Check for the sound source
Try listening under the dash on both sides.
A mechanic’s stethoscope or even a simple hose can help pinpoint the noise.
Replace the faulty actuator
The most common issue is stripped gears inside the actuator.
Toyota blend door actuators are relatively cheap ($20-$50) and not too difficult to replace if you’re handy.
If you want to be sure, you can pull the HVAC fuses one by one (with the car off) and see if the noise stops. If it does, it's almost certainly an actuator issue.
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ITFC2024
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Re: Any mechanics on here?
Thanks! Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's what it is. I'll eventually replace it.