Tapping from behind dash

[definitivemale]

Hi all. I'm new to this site. I have recently bought a 2001 1.9TDi 130bhp, and recently I have noticed a rather annoying tapping noise that seems to be coming from behind the glove box.
Has anyone had this problem before, or no what maybe causing this noise to occur.
At present the noise only happens when ignition on but engine not running and iginition on and engine idling.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated

Regards
Paul

[Imran]

Chances are its something to do with the motor which controls the air recirculation flap on the heater. It's a common fault, and I have the same problem on my Passat.

To test it, put the aircon in recirculate, see if that stops the clicking

The teeth on the gears which move the linkage wear over time and start jumping. This is the clicking noise you can hear. If you want to replace the motor, it means taking the dashboard out to gain access. And it aint an easy job plus if you were to ever do it, chances are you'end up with more squeaks anc reaks from the dash itself because you cant get it back in nice and snug the way it was before :)

[definitivemale]

I tried putting the recirculation mode on and the tapping got worse. Insteadof the tapping happening say once every 2 seconds, it became a rapid tapping noise. If it is the motor, how do I go about replacing it. Is it something that will definately need to be done by VW. Also would anyone know how much this mite cost?????

[Imran]

There are 3 motors at the back (someone correct me pls if I am wrong) Its safer to replace all 3. Problem isnt the cost of parts, its the frikkin' labour, the entire dash has to be taken out then put back.

If you want to your pants pulled down by the dealers go for it, but at least you know all the bits will fit back in properly. Alternatively find a reputable local trader or vw specialist who may do it for you.

You can always buy the bits from the dealers safe in that they are genine parts, and then pay someone else to fit them.....

[jasonoakley]

Hi

I have a 99 tdi sport which had the same problem, on mine it was the motor that operates the recirculation flap, the previous owner had kindly wegded a piece of rubber under the flap which promptly fell out about two hours after I bought the car! Anyway I was quoted silly sums of money to fix it (as was probably the previous owner, no wonder I thought I has a bargain!), however my local garage came up with the a fix, they simply disconnected the recirculation motor (took about an hour, glove box need to come out etc), this solved the noise, but means you loose the function, the rest of the system still works fine. Ok its not perfect, but how often do you use it? I just weighed the cost of the fix over the value of the car and the answer was obvious, its costs about £40 to live without it, best part of £1000 to obtain perfection! Hope that is of help.

[lobsterfunk]

I've got the same problem with my passat. I've got the glove box out and am trying to work out how to disconnect the motor that makes the clicking noise. I cann't see the cable/plug going to the motor.

I've also taken the main fan motor out (by taking the motor off its rubber mountings whilst half out) to have a look inside for any obvious access, but no luck.

Has anyone else managed to disconnect the clicking motor and if so, how? I'm about to take the polen filter out to have a look from the outside - is this worth doing?

Many thanks

[caldirun]

I've got the same problem with my passat. I've got the glove box out and am trying to work out how to disconnect the motor that makes the clicking noise. I cann't see the cable/plug going to the motor.

I've also taken the main fan motor out (by taking the motor off its rubber mountings whilst half out) to have a look inside for any obvious access, but no luck.

Has anyone else managed to disconnect the clicking motor and if so, how? I'm about to take the polen filter out to have a look from the outside - is this worth doing?

Many thanks
I tried all of the above, it dont work!
Take the dash out and fit a new actuator, it goes back no problems, I even cured the dreaded clunk (balls rolling about in the glove box) when I had mine out!
You may need Vagcom to set the actuator when installed (I did not need to but it is possible).
Note the gears do not wear, the wiper contacts break off and the system thinks the actuator has not moved so keeps driving it, this splits the nylon pinion and the spline slips around causing the clicking. I have posted photos of this on here if you search my posts.