Ticking sound from behaind climate control

[rrman]

Hello all, 02 X5
I hear a whiring /ticking sound coming from behind the climate control panel no matter if the key is off or on or even in the ignition.
It is not the climate control fans because I can hear this sound even when they run. If it is a small fan or motor it does not change speed.
This is my daughter's car, and today I had disconnected the battery in order to change a broken door latch mechanism. I do not know if this noise was there before or not.
I have searched the forum but found no solution.
I have disconnected and reconnected the battery and removed some alarm system fuses, and fiddled with different key positions.
Nothing.
I assume that left standing long enough this will kill the battery.
TIA---