Weird Noise Coming From Dash (whimper sound)

OK - I live in AZ and I have this strange problem coming from the dash when I turn the truck on during hot days (like now in the summer of 2019). I can only describe the sound as a whimpering sound that lasts for only a few seconds. I am not totally certain but I think the sound is some kind of friction sound coming from the AC mode actuator, or the hold/cold actuator. The reason I believe the sound to be friction is because I've heard the sun visor make a similar noise when I rotate it down and rotate it back up on hot days. The noise on the visor comes from the plastic on plastic connection where the fix clips in to place when it is put away.

The truck is a 2017 Platinum edition with about 30k miles on it. The truck is completely stock with the exception of tires, wheels, and step rails. I took the truck to the dealer and they suggested the cabin air filter to be replaced. That didn't fix it, of course. I have not taken the dash apart yet or anything. I'm looking for some suggestions from the great minds of this forum. If anyone can help me out I would appreciate all the feedback.

Thanks!

 

It is your blend door actuator. Take it back to dealer and have them fix it right.

 

This happened on my 4Runner; was a pretty easy fix if you’re handy. Not sure how complicated it would be on the tundra but saved hundreds of dollars doing it myself on the 4Runner. But you’re probably still under warranty for that, no?

 

Yeah, I concur. Mine does it about 10 seconds after you turn off the truck, or if you switch from one setting to another, like cabin to windshield. It actually groans.

 

Did this happen to you as well? I'm trying to find a way to convince Toyota to tear apart the dash since the problem isn't 100% reproducible. It happens on occasion. The conditions have to be just right.

 

Hi folks,

Well the dealer is saying it is a normal sound and I need to reproduce it. I know it is heat related. I figured out how to reproduce it. Here is how to reproduce this every time:

1. Turn off radio, seat heaters/coolers, and cabin A/C (no accessories should be on so you can easily hear the sound). Roll up all windows to ensure cabin temperature gets up to correct levels. Take the key out and leave the truck with the windows up.

2. Leave truck parked and off in 100+ degrees Fahrenheit for at least an hour.

3. Return to the truck. Unlock it, and get it in, and sit in the drivers seat. DO NOT start it yet. Leave the key out. Buckle the drivers seatbelt. The seat should move to the stored position (if needed).

4. Once the seat is in position, insert the key to the ignition. Turn it to “ON” but DO NOT start it. After a few seconds the truck will make the noise.


To recreate the sound over and over, you will need to take the key out of the ignition and wait no less than 60 seconds. I think the blend door resets its position after that time. You can hear it if you just sit in the truck and wait for it. After the 60 seconds has passed (blend door resets), you can put the key back in and hear the sound again. This process can be reproduced any number of desired times.

The caveat to this is that you can’t turn on the A/C and cool the cabin at all. The cabin and internal dash components need to stay hot.

I also took a video. Here is a video of it. You can hear the sound at around the 17 second mark. Be sure you have the volume up.

https://youtu.be/KjyPE6_cn8Y

I have an appointment with Toyota today to get it looked at. Wish me luck!!

 

that is your blend door actuator on the drivers side

 

It's the JBL wishing it was a real sound system...

 

I agree. I drove it up to them and they are going to replace the actuator now that I am able to reproduce it over and over again.

Thanks so much for the advice!

 

Toyota dealer is now saying that it is normal. If it were a broken part it would make the noise all the time, regardless of the temperature outside. The service department called “Toyota Assistance Service” and they said the sound is more likely a fan on the radio head unit that only comes on when super hot.

@Adam can you help me build a case here? I need to get this fixed so that I’m not stuck with it after my warranty expires this year.

 

Which dealer in AZ is this so I can avoid them? You don't have to post the name so you can stay anonymous, maybe just the cross streets or area?

 

Sounds like it doesn't like that, so stop!

 

It’s the Toyota dealer in Peoria, AZ. It’s on Bell road.

 

Only advice I have is to disprove their theory about it being the radio. )n my limited I can recreate it doing this, but it isn't very loud. Turn your truck to the on position with out starting. Turn off your radio. Turn your fan all the way down. Have recirculated on, ac on and sync on. Now from the drivers temp control run it all the way up and down. Does it do it all the time?

 

After listening to your video, mine is nowhere near that loud of a noise. If they say it is normal, tell them to grab the keys to a couple limited or platinums on the lot and prove it to you. that shit aint right.

 

Thanks man. Unfortunately I can’t reproduce it since the weather is cooling off. They did tell me that since a case number was opened with Toyota, they would honor the repair next summer when it heats up again.

Aside from a space heater, anyone have any ideas how to get the cabin temperature up to 100+ degrees?

 

Bed bugs?

 

LOL I am not quite mad enough to set it on fire to raise cabin temperature.

I think this is just going to be one of those annoying things about the truck. It’s like having a noisy front porch screen door that only makes the noise on rainy days (or whatever).

Don’t be surprised if I resurrect this thread next summer in AZ. We are finally starting to see cooler temps. So, on the bright side, I won’t hear the noise and I can finally enjoy the outdoors in AZ again.

 

How do you know this? Any knowledge of Toyota replacing it...big job? Completed quickly? I have this exact problem and am going in this morning to the dealer.

 

That is most definitely the actuator; common in Toyota’s. I replaced mine on my 4runner on my own since it was out of warranty. I think you should escalate your concern and speak to Toyota directly instead of going through the dealer. Mine could be reproduced after a quick drive - lark the car, turn it off and sit in the car for a couple minutes. When the actuator resets it would do it every time. Good luck A they should be replacing that for you as this is certainly NOT normal. As a previous poster said, make them prove to you that it’s normal by showing you on another truck on the lot

 

Was it a difficult job? How long did it take? Was your dash creaky after that? I am afraid if they go into the dash to fix it, it will never be the same. Could I live with it? Meaning, is it something that will never get worse? It will always make the noise but it will never cause any more issues such as the AC not working, etc?

 

It is the rubber piece on the blend door actuator. Does no further harm. I can live with the noise to avoid them tearing open the dash.

 

In the 4Runner, you could do the repair without taking apart the dash. It was located under the dash below the radio. I don’t know where the actuator is on the tundra....but no it wasn’t hard - just have to make sure you line the teeth up properly.

 

I have a 2010 that i've had for 5 years and it makes his noise every time the truck is turned off.
As far as i can tell its normal and not hurting anything.
(mine is less noisey but similar to the step motor in my triumph 675 that reset the idle every time you turned it off for position verification, noisey, weird but harmless).

If i bought a new truck i'd be frustrated they didn't take me serious with this issue. But again i don't think its actually hurting anything (on my truck) your's might be way worse.