Chirping/Ticking from Dash Outlets

Hawkeyes · #1 01-11-2007, 02:24 PM

I'm a newbie here so please bear with me if this is a common complaint.

My 2001 X5 4.4 has an intermittent 'chirping' or 'ticking' sound coming from the dash vents. I thought it was a blower fan-related problem, but it is present even with the Heat/Vent/AC system turned off. On the freeway yesterday, I noticed that the sound increased in intensity when I would turn the steering wheel to the right. It would decrease to almost no sound when turning left.

I brought it to Motorwerks BMW; service manager said it might be the auxiliary water pump (in-line heater pump) as he's repaired that in the past - quoted $500. Called me later & said he and the tech couldn't get the problem to repeat - they drove it around, on the freeway, etc. - no dice. It did not happen on the way home (20 miles) or when driving today.

Anyone have a similar problem or know what it is?

Thanks,
Hawkeye

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Tomaz · #2 01-11-2007, 07:24 PM

I once tore apart a complete BMW 535 dash trying to find an annoying rattle coming from the air vents. In the end it was a single leaf trapped in the cabin air intake under the hood! Sometimes there may be a simple solution. Check the air intake screen under the hood and make sure there is no debris there. While your under the hood also remove and check the cabin filter. Hopefully you may find your problem there. Good luck

xnsf · #3 01-11-2007, 08:32 PM

:xoutpost:

noncom23 · #4 01-11-2007, 08:58 PM

Welcome. Fan blade?

Hawkeyes · #5 01-14-2007, 08:50 PM

Well, seems to be another wrinkle in the "noisy dash vent" saga. The noise does go away when I turn off the heater/AC system. It's gotta be the fan cuz it gets louder as the fan speed increases, quieter as it decreases. The really strange part is that it increases in intensity when I turn the wheel to the right, decreases & nearly stops when turning left. But only when the vehicle is moving.

Are there some kind of air flaps or something else affected by the steering pump/rack/or other steering components that would create such an effect on a blower fan/motor?

I may just have the blower replaced & see if that takes care of it. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Hawkeye

robertp3 · #6 01-21-2007, 02:32 PM

Hi I have same noise. I can get it to stop by making sure Climate Control is really off. (no light on panel display). The sound will vary with fan speed. I did recently change cabin filter, so I am going to look for a stuck leaf. Hope I don't have to open up dash. Let me know what you find.

Rob