Clicking noise behind glovebox

Mikemaj82

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Joined
Jul 18, 2021
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4
Location
NJ
Hello everyone. I've been dealing with this clicking sound behind the glove box for a few months now. Car is a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited with about 48,000 miles on it. I've attached a link to the video, since it was too large to upload here (hope that's ok). From what I've researched, I've heard the term "blend door actuator" mentioned a few times. I've already ordered one and put it in, but it was installed to the left of the cabin air filter unit and in no way could have been causing the issue. It looks like the problem is to the right of this white door that slides open and closed. I am not experiencing any issues with the AC or heat though..everyone works as it should, with the exception of the led light not turning on and off on the air circulation dial on the dash. Any ideas what I am dealing with here?

 
It clicks when the car is started and when it's turned off, as well as when pressing the air recirculation button on and off.
 
Looks like the actuator is shot. Some internet digging seems to imply that that one is a huge pain to remove and replace, mostly because of how much room you have to work.

The part needed seems to be called a "flap actuator" and it may be the same part as the one on the drivers side, though I'm not positive. Hopefully this gives you a direction to head in.
 
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Mine went when it was still under warranty- but the labor and material priced out at the dealer was about $140. I always ask to see the bill even when it's a warranty thing to see what they bill back to the auto maker.
 
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Well, I finally figured out how to gain access to this thing. Turns out the actuator was fine. The hinge on the recirculation door itself cracked, causing the gear part to just spin inside of it. I was able to super glue it and tape it together so that at least it works properly without clicking, but it's only a matter of time before it cracks again I'm sure. Does anyone know if that door is sold by itself? I can't seem to find it anywhere. It looks to be a part of the entire assembly behind the glove box.
 
I have the same issue with my 2012. It still moves the re-circulation door up and down just fine, but after it closes the door, it keeps trying and makes that clicking/popping. What I found most odd is that it does it occasionally after the car has been shut off with the key out... like next day you will walk by the truck and it will click a few times. I pulled the speaker out and reached back and unplugged the actuator. Not too worried about recirculated are considering the doors are off all summer.
 
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I’m having the same clicking/popping issues with my 2011 but I’ve also noticed when I have the heat on only the passenger side vents blow hot air. Drivers side will blow cold which sucks with chilly fall weather.
 
I’m having the same clicking/popping issues with my 2011 but I’ve also noticed when I have the heat on only the passenger side vents blow hot air. Drivers side will blow cold which sucks with chilly fall weather.
Yours is almost definitely a blend door actuator. I've been told the driver side is nowhere near as difficult to change out as the passenger side.
 
I’m having the same clicking/popping issues with my 2011 but I’ve also noticed when I have the heat on only the passenger side vents blow hot air. Drivers side will blow cold which sucks with chilly fall weather.
You may just need to flush the heater core. For some reason when the core is beginning to get clogged the left side vents stop getting hot air. Flush the heater core, ensure you get all the air out and you may be good. Much easier place to start.
 
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Mine is doing the same thing. Is there a way to just disconnect it all together? Replacing it on the passenger side looks like a pain in the ass
 
Mine is doing the same thing. Is there a way to just disconnect it all together? Replacing it on the passenger side looks like a pain in the ass
I just disconnected mine yesterday. took about 15-30 minutes. and that was mostly taking out and putting back the passenger side speaker. Remove glovebox, passenger outside panel, and speaker. Speaker 2 7mm bolts on right side and 1 10mm bolt in glovebox compartment. Remove speaker connector and shimmy the speaker out...its tight! The actuator is on the right side of the housing and the connector is on the back side. I had to lay across the driver and passenger seat and reach under neath to disconnect the connector but it came out really easy. I'll tackle removing the actuator when I get a small enough philips screwdriver lol. There is a video that I watched first "Woman changes actuator on 2011 jeep wrangler" by Tonia Nance...only one I have seen so far

 
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I had to replace my actuator too. Started clicking super loudly. New one worked great for about 3 months but now it is not clicking loudly but making a creaky sound😐

It is on the list of to dos. It has a lifetime warranty but I didn’t like that job because I have large hands and it is packed into a tiny space.
 
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