1996 J 30 clicking sound from radio/ac panel

[sugarsugar11]

I just bought this car recently. I had the ac recharged, and a week after, everytime I started the car, a loud clicking sound can be heard from behind the radio/ac panel. The noise is loud enough that even if I turn up the radio volume, the clicking noise can still be heard. Even if I turn the ac off, the clicking continues. It only goes away when I turn the ignition off. I opened the hood, and the noise does NOT come from the engine or any part of the engine compartment. The sound definitely comes from behind the radio/ac panel. HELP

[jdurrty]

Can you be more specific with the location? I had the same issue. For me it was the valve that switched the ac/heater air from the dash vents to the floor vents which got stuck. Check in the drivers side foot-well above the floor heater vent. If this is where the clicking is coming from, then I think we found your problem.

[SteveTheTech]

From what I have seen the old Bose tape decks click when they go. Also mode door motors click. The easiest way to tell is when you hear the noise put your ear up to the face of the radio and see if the rapid clicking is coming from the moving tape deck.

I had this exact problem when I got my J. I ended up buying a new radio from a 99 Q45.

If the noise is not coming from there you might want to try the self diagnosis mode to see which mode door motor is not working correctly.

juurrty- I edited your sig, although that is a great looking J please adhere to the sig rules. They are on all of us ATM.
check-your-signature-t491073.html

[sugarsugar11]

Thanks for the replies. I will check to see where the sound is coming from, and post what I find out. Altho even with the radio and the ac off, the clicking sound is still there. Could the ac valve situation continue with the ac off? Could the bose tape problem account for the sound even with the radio off? The only way to get the sound to stop is by turning the ignition off.

[sugarsugar11]

I checked this morning to see if I can hear exactly where the clicking sound is coming from, andf it's definitely coming from behind the stereo/ac area. I started the car with the ac and the radio off, and the sound was there. HELP!!!

[SteveTheTech]

The radio will do it with the KEY ON ENGINE OFF whether the radio is actually on.
The AC should only do it while changing modes. Try cycling through the modes.

[yodawill2000]

Steve
I applaud you for being so informative here in the j Forum.
Hats off to a real Tech !!!

I'm gonna be pulling my plenum next vacation week.
Month or so.
Don't you disappear !!! LOL

[jdurrty]

Sorry about the sig.

And yes, if the ac solenoid/valve is bad it will be clicking even though the ac control panel is off. I even disconnected the panel in my car and it still continued to click. I will post up some pics of the valve I'm talking about once I find my camera.

[SteveTheTech]

I even disconnected the panel in my car and it still continued to click.

I read this a few times and I am confused. Where is your noise coming from? Have you tried removing the radio and starting the car?

[SteveTheTech]

I'm gonna be pulling my plenum next vacation week.
Month or so.

Good and your next vacation you can come and do mine, I'll let you use my tools and bay.

This forum is actually the reason my car runs as well as it does.
Just yesterday I ordered a new inhibitor switch. After reading one of the stickies. My car is starting to act a little funny when it comes to shift timing.

Next might be an electric fan but I like stock a bit too much.

But for now I am removing my synthetic oil and replacing the inhibitor.

[GerryO]

I'm gonna be pulling my plenum next vacation week.

One of the best things you can do for your J30. Doing the throttle body coolant/heating by-pass? Leave the vacuum line connections intact. Learn from my mistakes by keeping the Air Regulator heating tubing and cleaning the AAC/IAC/Air Regulator valves while you have the plenum off. Things go back together again a lot easier and quicker than they come apart. Enjoy!