Clicking under dash '99 Subaru Outback Legacy - Subaru Outback

magicmule · 11-20-2012, 09:33 AM

I have recently encountered a clicking noise underneath my dash. It appears to be coming from behind the instrument panel. It certainly sounds like an electrical issue, all my electrics seems to be working just fine though. Any idea on what it could be, i have temporarily solved the issue by hitting the dash which stops the noise for a while. Some days it doesn't come on at all, others it comes on a couple of times during my 30 minute commute. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

cardoc · 11-20-2012, 10:55 PM

Do you have automatic HVAC or manual?

Clicking from within the dash sounds like a HVAC door mode actuator going out. Can you adjust the temperature, air mode or recirculation settings and make it duplicate the clicking? Any setting not going to where it should?

magicmule · 11-21-2012, 09:12 AM

Thanks Cardoc, looks like you know what you are talking about... Last night the clicking happened again, so i began pushing buttons, turning things on off etc to see if i could stop it. It stopped when i switch the air flow on the blower from the defroster to blowing through the mid vents on the front of the dash. Note that there is sometimes trouble with the blower in that when switching the air flow, it doesnt always rechannel the air like its supposed to. What do you suggest next?

cardoc · 11-22-2012, 06:45 AM

The Mode Door Actuator is behind the instrument panel, top side left of the center portion of the assembly. See the pic.

To get to it, you need to remove the instrument panel. Then remove the motor and from there you will be able to see if the door is being blocked by something or is broken or not.

Most likely, the motor is worn out, so I would suggest you have a new motor available when you take the panel out.

magicmule · 11-25-2012, 05:00 PM

Thanks, where do you suggest i purchase this part from? Also, is it a big deal to remove the instrument panel?

cardoc · 11-26-2012, 07:33 AM

You can check Subaru Parts Warehouse - Subaru Parts - Subaru Performance Parts. Your best bet for warranty is your local dealer parts. You won't find it at the parts store and online purchase warranties are a PITA.

The dash removal isn't too difficult. You have to be careful with the plugs and plastics.

magicmule · 11-30-2012, 11:53 AM

I have a couple follow up questions after looking on the parts warehouse website, seems like there are multiple door actuators and "mode door actuator" does not show up with anything. Any chance you could give me a part number or point me further in the right direction?
1999 SUBARU LEGACY Parts - Subaru Parts Warehouse

Also, do you have any idea where i might find a dash removal walkthrough?

Thanks

cardoc · 11-30-2012, 11:09 PM

Item 4 here: 1999 SUBARU LEGACY Parts - Subaru Parts Warehouse

As for the details in removing the instrument panel or part of it. I would have to type for a while to fully walk you through it. It may be possible to get to the motor from under the dash with the lower panels removed. With the panel removed, look up into the dash and you will see the motor mounted toward the top of the ducting. Its the only door motor on the driver side. Its been a while since I had a Gen 1 dash apart or had to replace a motor for the mode door.

magicmule · 12-01-2012, 12:17 PM

Alright thanks. I ordered the part and will give it a shot when i get it. Thanks for your help!

11-20-2012, 09:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
magicmule Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Clicking under dash '99 Subaru Outback Legacy I have recently encountered a clicking noise underneath my dash. It appears to be coming from behind the instrument panel. It certainly sounds like an electrical issue, all my electrics seems to be working just fine though. Any idea on what it could be, i have temporarily solved the issue by hitting the dash which stops the noise for a while. Some days it doesn't come on at all, others it comes on a couple of times during my 30 minute commute. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

11-22-2012, 06:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Austin Car: 2001 VDC, 2000 Outback 5MT (on the cheap) Posts: 3,067 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The Mode Door Actuator is behind the instrument panel, top side left of the center portion of the assembly. See the pic. To get to it, you need to remove the instrument panel. Then remove the motor and from there you will be able to see if the door is being blocked by something or is broken or not. Most likely, the motor is worn out, so I would suggest you have a new motor available when you take the panel out. Attached Thumbnails

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11-20-2012, 10:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Austin Car: 2001 VDC, 2000 Outback 5MT (on the cheap) Posts: 3,067 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Do you have automatic HVAC or manual? Clicking from within the dash sounds like a HVAC door mode actuator going out. Can you adjust the temperature, air mode or recirculation settings and make it duplicate the clicking? Any setting not going to where it should?

11-21-2012, 09:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
magicmule Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks Cardoc, looks like you know what you are talking about... Last night the clicking happened again, so i began pushing buttons, turning things on off etc to see if i could stop it. It stopped when i switch the air flow on the blower from the defroster to blowing through the mid vents on the front of the dash. Note that there is sometimes trouble with the blower in that when switching the air flow, it doesnt always rechannel the air like its supposed to. What do you suggest next?

11-25-2012, 05:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
magicmule Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks, where do you suggest i purchase this part from? Also, is it a big deal to remove the instrument panel?

11-26-2012, 07:33 AM	#6 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Austin Car: 2001 VDC, 2000 Outback 5MT (on the cheap) Posts: 3,067 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You can check Subaru Parts Warehouse - Subaru Parts - Subaru Performance Parts. Your best bet for warranty is your local dealer parts. You won't find it at the parts store and online purchase warranties are a PITA. The dash removal isn't too difficult. You have to be careful with the plugs and plastics.

11-30-2012, 11:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
magicmule Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have a couple follow up questions after looking on the parts warehouse website, seems like there are multiple door actuators and "mode door actuator" does not show up with anything. Any chance you could give me a part number or point me further in the right direction? 1999 SUBARU LEGACY Parts - Subaru Parts Warehouse Also, do you have any idea where i might find a dash removal walkthrough? Thanks

11-30-2012, 11:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Austin Car: 2001 VDC, 2000 Outback 5MT (on the cheap) Posts: 3,067 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Item 4 here: 1999 SUBARU LEGACY Parts - Subaru Parts Warehouse As for the details in removing the instrument panel or part of it. I would have to type for a while to fully walk you through it. It may be possible to get to the motor from under the dash with the lower panels removed. With the panel removed, look up into the dash and you will see the motor mounted toward the top of the ducting. Its the only door motor on the driver side. Its been a while since I had a Gen 1 dash apart or had to replace a motor for the mode door.

12-01-2012, 12:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
magicmule Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Alright thanks. I ordered the part and will give it a shot when i get it. Thanks for your help!

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