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Ticking noise behind dash - sounds like a hard drive seeking

beatle

Member
Aug 31, 2019
968
471
Springfield, VA
I noticed this slight noise behind the dash while driving home today. It's very faint and generally only audible while stopped. I turned the AC and music off completely and the noise persisted. It sort of sounds like an old mechanical hard drive seeking. I know that's not it, but it is the closest similar sound that comes to mind. I wonder if a fan is failing or if a cable is getting into the blades of a fan. My MCU was recently replaced a week and a half ago, so I'm wondering if that's it.

Is there a fan on anything ehind the dash or is everything passively cooled?
 

beatle

Member
Aug 31, 2019
968
471
Springfield, VA
My google searches for "actuator door" didn't turn up much other than door handles. Are you referring to the door that blends warm and cool air? Would it make this noise even with the HVAC turned off?
 

GlmnAlyAirCar

Active Member
Mar 19, 2015
1,385
1,125
Sanatoga PA
I have something very similar. I made a video but unfortunately other background noise and my voice drown out the noise. It definitely comes from underneath the dash pad, and persists even when HVAC is off, just like with you.
 

beatle

Member
Aug 31, 2019
968
471
Springfield, VA
Mine seemed to come from behind the main screen.

There is a bit of interference in the speakers that comes from the left side, but that's more of a periodic buzzing.
 

rooter

Member
May 13, 2018
673
840
Edmonds, WA
Sorry, you're all off-base. The glue that holds down foam sealing in the HVAC system tends to attract tick-spiders, as it smells similar to their pheromones. They gather deep inside the dash at every joint of the HVAC system, mating and trying to get in.

But don't worry, Tesla's good about this; there are usually no cracks in the plenum where they could get in and blow in your face.
 
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GlmnAlyAirCar

Active Member
Mar 19, 2015
1,385
1,125
Sanatoga PA
Sorry, you're all off-base. The glue that holds down foam sealing in the HVAC system tends to attract tick-spiders, as it smells similar to their pheromones. They gather deep inside the dash at every joint of the HVAC system, mating and trying to get in.

But don't worry, Tesla's good about this; there are usually no cracks in the plenum where they could get in and blow in your face.
Interesting but how does that explain the ticking?
 

rooter

Member
May 13, 2018
673
840
Edmonds, WA
Well most ppl think they're called 'tick spiders' because they look and bite like ticks. But it's actually because when they gather in large groups they get excited and make a ticking noise, like an old hard drive.

cryptocellus_iaci_ricinulei_01.jpg
 
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