click, click, click - inside/outside air selector

[teststrips]

I just bought a used 2004 vibe + Love it. Unfortunately 2 days after I have the thing I start hearing click, click, click, click. I couldn't figure out what it was - didn't seem to change if moving or not, if engine revved high or low... it even clicked when the key was at the ON position, but the engine not running. It was coming from behind the glove box.... the air vent selector that chooses weather to cycle inside air or outside air was my noise maker. Since I never tend to cycle the inside air, I just unplugged the wire going to the motor.Figured I'd post this here to:1 - say "hi"2 - possibly help someone down the road with the same issue (I didn't find any similar stories using the search function)

[Whelan]

Just don't get stuck behind a smelly diesel truck or drive through skunk odor.I can name 1000 times where in traffic using the recirc helped keep my lungs clean.Probably wouldnt be too hard to replace if you got ambitious.Figured I'd post this here to:1 - say "hi" back2 - possibly give you an insight as to why you would need it and some ambition to fix it someday.

[jake75]

This has been a recurring issue with many owners. I had mine replaced last October in a '03 Vibe (@ 30,000 miles) at the dealer - total cost about $200 ($80 part, $120 labor). I think someone said you could buy the part on-line for about $40. Someone else was able to repair his by rotating the gear wheel so it was then operating in an area without broken teeth.

[teststrips]

sorry to re-post a "recurring issue" I did try the search first... anyway - any links to the $40 part would be nice to have.... I'm also not sure what the part would be called, so insignt on that would be good too.

[jake75]

I found this on search of "actuator"To all of those who have had the flapping noise happening behind the passenger side of the dash when the fresh air is selected on the hvac (and the noise goes away when you switch to recirculate), I have fixed it. Thanks to this forum (I forgot who posted the actual part number) but I went to http://www.1stchevyparts.com , popped in part number 88970277, Hvac - Controls - Actuator Actuator, vibe, air inlet valve 2003 - 2007 and purchased the part for: Items Total: $25.37 Shipping: $7.25 Handli...

[4azdmunky]

Mine just went out, seems to be a reoccurring 73K mile part. I tried the 20 min way of replacing the actuator from the radio hole, gave up after 2 hours. Took me 5 min to pull off the dash, 10 min to replace the actuator, 10 more minutes to fix some sloppy wiring i did with my carpc install, and another 5 min to put the dash back on.Just remember to disconnect your battery and step on the brake to discharge any power in the system before disconnecting the passenger side airbag. Otherwise there is a (slight) possibility of blowing the airbag.