Clicking sound when I switch from recirculate to outside air

[feelthevibe77]

I'm hearing a non-stop clicking sound when I switch from recirculate to outside air (regardless if the a/c is on or not) when it reaches the end of swinging the door/cabin filter.

From another seemingly related post on here (viewtopic.php?t=38246" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), it seemed as if I had the identical issue of one or more broken teeth on one of the gears, so I took the HVAC Damper Door Actuator Motor out (not so easy to get out!). However after I took it out... I was holding it & it was still connected with its 2 wires w/ the engine on, and it was turning the white plastic "thing" as if it was opening or shutting the damper. It seemed as if it would continue in that same direction indefinitely. Then, I pushed the recirculate button and it turned off the light on the button which caused the white plastic "thing" to go the opposite way. It seemed as if it would continue in that same direction indefinitely as well.

I took the HVAC Damper Door Actuator Motor (let me know if I am not using the correct name) apart and it appeared as if all the teeth were on all the gears. It is still out.

What could be causing the clicking sound that I was hearing, and how would I fix it?

Thanks in advance!

[feelthevibe77]

P.S. This is a 2006 Pontiac Vibe, 1.8L (not GT).

[joatmon]

So far in 2012, the following threads related to this issue have been active
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=23692" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=38812" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=38804" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=29&t=37767" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=3435" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=38246" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=38240" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=38083" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=37774" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=37768" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jake75]

This has been an extremely common failure - hard to believe that Toyota has not re-engineereed that part. My 2003 failed at about 5-3/4 years 31,000 miles. People who drive more probably sooner. In 2008 when I had mine replaced at the dealer the bill was a little less than $150 part and labor. That was the only repair I really had in the 6 years I owned that Vibe. Got my LOF and tire rotations at bargain prices - replaced the battery at 5 years as a precaution. Oh - forgot that one light switch on the rear view mirror wouldn't turn off - I bought a new rear view mirror unit on eBay for less than $40 and replaced that myself in 10 minutes. Dealer price for the rear view mirror was about $80 as I remember.

[feelthevibe77]

Hi Joatmon - thx for the reply. I had read most of those threads prior to posting, but should have mentioned that I had read several, rather than just indicating one threat. From studying the ones you provided, it appears that the main cause is that one or more teeth were broken... primarily on the big whie gear. But, that is not my situation. None of the teeth on any of the gears are broken for me. But, upon closer examination, the post for the blue gear had broken off at the base. So at least I (think I) know root of the issue.

By the way, I only took out the glove box and it took some work and multiple attachments between my 1/4 inch rachet and 5.5mm socket, but I was able to get it off using the thread that I posted initially.

Thanks again!

[dragon4d]

I have a Vibe 2007 and have the stripped motor gear.

When you start the car and the fan is off you get a reading of +13V to the motor gear.
When you turn the fan on you get the same reading of +13V to the motor gear.
If you have the fan on and AC and push Re-circulate you get -13V to the motor gear.

My question is what else is wrong? I am getting power to the re-circulation motor gear all the time?
I also purchased a new motor gear and it spins all the time when plugged in.
What else do I need to check and fix to get the +13V to only go on when needed?

Thanks
Tim H.

[ZaredPSU]

Mine food this as well, rather than drop that money, i had my motor unhooked and i don't use that button, it doesn't do much anyway