Hi everyone,
I am in Canada and drive a 2006 Acura CSX automatic (A 8th Generation Civic with a K20 power train and JDM look).
The car has always been a rattle box (disappointing as it has an Acura badge) but recently the rattling has gotten worse. It is a kind of crackling or tapping noise from inside the dash and it's pretty loud. You would be able to hear it in the backseat. I tried to pinpoint the noise by the process of elimination. The noise has nothing to do with speed or power train. The noise is present as soon as there is electricity (Start II position, before crank) inside the cabin. When the noise appeared, both the engine and fan were off. If I turn the key to OFF position, the noise goes away.
So my question is: Do anyone of you have any ideas if there is anything inside the cabin that can still make noise even when the engine and blower fan are off?
This noise has been driving me crazy! Any input from you guys is appreciated!
Hi,
I thought I would give you guys an update. I've determined today that the culprit is the air mix control motor on driver's side. I guess I would just have to call the junkyard for a replacement one lol.
Thanks for all your input!
nice detective work. It sounds like the motor is still moving/making noise. Did you find out if the air mix blade is just getting stuck or something?
It was still able to switch from hot to cold air. But I think it was hunting for gear or something. I picked up the part from the junkyard and slapped it on. Boom! The noise is gone lol.
it could be the climate control system. There are actuators for opening and closing air diverters and they could just be getting stiff.
But the sound was still there even after I turned off the climate control system?
Nothing is ever really off on new cars (yes, 2006). Turn key on for noise, start pulling fuses... climate system would be the most suspect imo too.
Perhaps a malfunctioning relay. Pop the covers on the fuse boxes (under the hood, and inside cabin) and have a listen in there.
Do you have an alarm system or other aftermarket addons?
Any chance you could record the sounds?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17k1PBEcHC7rhujuc9DyzSH-C2ZWCpD_h/view
You may have to turn the volume up a little. Never mind the beeping. This was recorded right on top of the speedometer.
And yes I do have a remote starter. But the sound was there before the starter was installed 3 years ago, albeit less obvious.
Take mountainmanjoe's advice a step further.
You may be able to isolate the electrical circuit by pulling fuses.
Thanks guys you're right. I pulled the climate control fuse and the noise stopped. Now the next question is who would be the prime suspects? Thanks a lot!