Ask the Motor Medics

The Under the Hood

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Dear Motor Medics, I am having trouble with my 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The past few weeks I have not been able to adjust my inside temperature properly. When I first start the car and whenever I adjust the temperature controls, I hear a clicking under the center of the dash that last about 10 seconds.

It started as a once a week thing but now happens every time. Since this started happening the temperature seems to either stick on full hot or full cold.

The car has adjustments for both driver and passenger side temperature and both sides cause the noise when adjusted.

Thank you, Susan in Vandalia Dear Susan, The noise is likely coming from the temperature blend door motors. The temperature is adjusted by means of electric motors with gears connecting them to the temperature doors. The climate module measures the temperature of the air and the setting on the dash and adjusts the motors as needed. With age, the sensors that report the position of the motors wear out and when the door reaches full hot or cold the module tells them to keep going and you hear the sound of the gears as they are pushed too far.

If you find that this is the problem the fix is to replace the actuator motor. Some motors can be accessed under dash while others require more extensive disassembly.

Most new blend door motors are affordable, used are also a good option.

Take care, The Motor Medics