Ventilation noise from glove compartment *VIDEO*

[SteewDK]

Dear all

I recently bought a Mazda 6i from 2008 with 97k miles on the odometer for $6500. It needed new brakes, some oil and new bulbs but are now up and running hopefully for many miles to come. However, one thing still annoys me. Behind the glove compartment I can hear a ticking noise (from the ventilation system i presume). I have read much on the air filter being the problem, from the forum here. However, I tried taking the filter out and starting the engine - but the sound remained. I tried taking my hand down the ventilator to feel if any leaves or the likes was there, but I couldn't find any 'foreign' objects .
A local mechanic suggested it would be the heater causing the noise. However, I argued against him that if that where the case then the noise would be less prominent if the heater was turned off. The ticking noise still is there when the heater is off (Hence, the noise never stops unless the fan is set to zero).

Link to movie;
Mazda 6 2008 ventilation noise. - YouTube

Ultimately I would like you guys to come up with your suggestions to where this noise comes from, how it can be fixed (DIY maybe?), and your estimate of how much it would cost me. I appreciate very much in advance the ideas and thoughts you may have on this problem.

Have a nice weekend.

Regards
Stefan

[SteewDK]

By the way, I figured out this morning that the "inside air recycle/outside air intake" - button does not work (What is this button called? ).

Not sure if this adds anything to the problem.

Great car though. Even though this 2.3L R4 engine only have 150hp and 150NM it drives excellent! I feel as having enough power.

[flabbe05]

I'm driving a 2007 Mazda 6i with 58k miles and that "inside air recycle/outside air intake" button just like you, isn't working and my ventilation has been making the same noise as yours since I bought the car.

[SteewDK]

Originally Posted by flabbe05

I'm driving a 2007 Mazda 6i with 58k miles and that "inside air recycle/outside air intake" button just like you, isn't working and my ventilation has been making the same noise as yours since I bought the car.

Hi!
Thanks for your reply
Could I ask you when you bought your car and if you ever have investigated the problem further?
The noise is driving me nuts sometimes, but i guess I better have to get used to it

[ydrone]

Ticking noise while driving or parked at idle? Does it come on with the fan/heater/ac?

[SteewDK]

Originally Posted by ydrone

Ticking noise while driving or parked at idle? Does it come on with the fan/heater/ac?

The ticking noise is there when the fan is on. It seems that the noise is consistent independent on fan speed. That is, if the fan speed is 4 the ticking noise is overheard by the blower. The noise is there when AC is on/off, the same for heater.

Lets assume that it is the fan engine that is the problem. Do you guys then happen to know where I might find one of theese?

[2SoonJr]

Sure it's not the purge valve ur hearing?

Sent from my finger

[dechaoz05]

I had the same issue with my 05. I did 2 things

1. replaced in-cabin air filter

TYC 800024P Mazda Mazda-6 Replacement Cabin Air Filter : Amazon.com : Automotive

TYC 800024P Mazda Mazda-6 Replacement Cabin Air Filter : Amazon.com : Automotive

2. took out the blower motor and cleaned out the leaves. I have a 05 v6 and holding the blower motor are 3 screws + electrical wiring underneath the glove compartment. It took about 5 minutes to take out. I used a long screwdriver to hold up the motor while loosening the screws. It's easier that way and is less likely to damage the plastic

g'luck troubleshooting

[SteewDK]

Thanks for your reply guys!

Originally Posted by 2SoonJr

Sure it's not the purge valve ur hearing?

Sent from my finger

I cannot exclude that. However, since the sound dissapears when the fan is turned off this may not be the case. Correct me if I am wrong.

Originally Posted by dechaoz05

I had the same issue with my 05. I did 2 things

1. replaced in-cabin air filter
TYC 800024P Mazda Mazda-6 Replacement Cabin Air Filter : Amazon.com : Automotive

2. took out the blower motor and cleaned out the leaves. I have a 05 v6 and holding the blower motor are 3 screws + electrical wiring underneath the glove compartment. It took about 5 minutes to take out. I used a long screwdriver to hold up the motor while loosening the screws. It's easier that way and is less likely to damage the plastic

g'luck troubleshooting

Thank you, I will try taking that off next week. Hopefully that will solve the problem and I will be very happy!

[ydrone]

Sometimes my blower motor makes a ticking sound, but it increases in frequency as I increase the fan speed. Since yours is independent of the speed, something could be stuck inside the air ducts.

Remove the cabin air filter and see if you still hear the noise. It's a small opening, but maybe you can put in a flexible feather wand or something to see if anything is blocking inside.