2006 impala has clacking noise under the dash.
persevere1
Member Posts: 10
I dis-connected the power to both the fresh air and recirculating actuators, but the clacking noise remains. What else could be causing the noise ?
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imidazol97
Member Posts: 27,154
There are 3 electric actuators, #1, #6, #32 in the picture. You should be able to watch the movements of each one while changing the request from the dash unit. The rotor shows movements. If you turn the HVAC OFF while the clacking starts, does that stop the clicking sound? Doing that would localize your problem to something with the HVAC module.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k110/imidazol97/2006impala_zpsd43d3e6b.jpg
I suspect you'll need to replace one of those modules. rockauto.com is a good source. #1 is the mode actuator selecting defrost, heat, e.g., air flow direction. #6 is the blend door control to give the right temperature. #32 is the air source, fresh air or some recirculated air.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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Optionsimidazol97
Member Posts: 27,154
@persevere1 said:
There is a plastic shroud that is hiding this part from view. I can see the blend door actuator, but then the plastic shroud is in the way. I think I can cut away a piece of the shroud and be able to see the mode valve and also assist in it's replacement if that is the culprit.
I don't see a shroud in the diagram and I would be 99% hopeful that the shroud can be removed with some screws so it's out of the way. Take a really good. Look. And verify the mode actuator is the vibration source.
It would help if you can remove the actuator and see if the mode door that it connects to moves freely BEFORE replacing.
I don't see a 4th actuator on driver side.
Here's a list of parts.
http://parts.nalleygmc.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=400540&ukey_make=1024&ukey_model=14514&modelYear=2006&ukey_category=19390&ukey_trimLevel=150752014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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I forgot to mention that heat and cooling work fine. Also the noise is only at the beginning of a
trip and at the end of the trip, and lasts for 30 to 45 seconds and then stops clacking.
Yes, very helpful imidazol97...I think it is # ! BUT I was not able to locate this part at rockauto using the description of mode actuator. Any ideas how I can find this part ? Also is it a big job
to install ? Thanks again for your help...Angelo
imidazol97. I did find this part at GM parts pros for $32.29. They call it a mode valve and it is also associated with the blend door. It looks like it is next to the blend door actuator. So hopefully it is not too difficult to replace. However I now found out there is a 4th actuator on the driver's side that would require removal of the HVAC unit. That is a big job. Maybe 4 hours for an experienced mechanic with all the necessary tools. I guess I'll find out after checking out
the mode valve. Have you heard that a stuck door can also be the culprit ? And would you know
how to get it un stuck ? Or is that a big job too ??
ACDELCO Part # 1574123 {Click Info Link for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} GM Original Equipment
Mode Door Actuator
Part Image
$25.79
I found what I think is the right one. It's in the 3.5 L engine? 2006? Impala? and Heater and Air conditioning group.
Then click on Heater Blend Door Actuator.
I have an advantage knowing that on rockauto.com these actuators sometimes end up in wrong groups/labels because of the similarity--that can include the vacuum diaphgram from earlier heaters which are also actuators (not electric).
Take a really good look at the picture to be sure it matches the shape of the one you have. And take a a good look at how it comes out. Does the nearby actuator interfere and have to be removed first?
Also, can you have someone operate the controls if needed while you touch the actuator (use a dowel or screwdriver) to actually feel the vibrations are coming from it? Lots of parts of have been replaced when they're not the cause of a problem. So try to verify.
This page has two pictures and a list of parts numbers that are all the same piece.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3737184&cc=1440408
Good luck.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
THANKS AGAIN !!! There is a plastic shroud that is hiding this part from view. I can see the blend door actuator, but then the plastic shroud is in the way. I think I can cut away a piece of the shroud and be able to see the mode valve and also assist in it's replacement if that is the culprit. You're GREAT...Thanks for all the advice !!!
Try to go to this url to see the 4th actuator on driver's side.
http://www.justanswer.com/chevy/4jjkl-2009-impala-driver-side-vent-air-flow-dealer-says-normal.html
Do you have dual air temperature controls? Separate for passenger blend door? That's what the other actuator is on the right side of the unit for the passenger blend door.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Yes, It is a dual zone unit..I will keep you posted on my progress or non progress after I get back to try some of your great advice. Un fortunately the car is not available to me as often as
I would like. Thanks again....
I checked out the mode valve by placing my hand on it while the clacking was happening, and it was as quiet as a church mouse. Also the clacking came from near the center of the dash or even more towards the driver's side. And since the other 2 actuators (passenger blend door and recirculating actuators have been disabled by removing the power (CONNECTOR), that leaves only the driver's side actuator as the culprit?? I think I will have to take it to the repair shop to have the unit removed in order to replace this actuator. I am not about to attempt this job on my own..I wish that Chevy would have provided a drop down connector from this actuator so that
the power could be disabled from this actuator. Then I would have been happy to just have the passenger side working and be able to get rid of the noise. The noise only lasts about 35 seconds, and I would put up with it. But others that use the car or get in to ride in the car are frightened that the car would break down and then they would be stranded.
Also I thought I read somewhere that the clacking noise might be corrected by using a good scanner and recalibrate or synchronize the system. Does anyone out there know if this is possible ?