loud clicking noise coming from lower center panel

[isabura]

So recently I've been getting this clicking noise coming from my lower dash panel by the accelerator. It started back in july and has been constant. It starts at the startup and speeds up when the engine is turned on. I tried feeling for it under the dash to see if its mechanical and I felt something like a hinge going up and down. It's located behind the lower part of the center panel so it was hard for me to tell what it might be.

Has anyone had this problem before?
Know where I could get a diagram for a 96 legacy L?

Don't have the cash to go to dealership, they charged last time I had them check something.
It hasnt affected the car in anyway but the operator gets real pissed off quickly because of it

Any help will be very much appreciated

[geckoboy86]

HHmmm. Thats a new one. I use http://opposedforces.com/ for my diagrams.

More direct link for you. http://opposedforces.com/parts/legacy/us_b11/

[isabura]

Thanks, since I've been going by feel I couldn't exactly pinpoint the part. Do you know of a writeup or diy that shows the removal of the center console? I'm not the most delicate of people so I don't want to mess up the console. Between me and my cousin we should have the tools for this.

Thanks again

[isabura]

Now I'm pretty sure it may have something to do with my hvac or just the heating system. Ever sincve I've owned the car the first two buttons (closest to driver) heating choices gets incredibly stucked when pushed in and takes time to reset once another choice is made. But today was the first time I used it since last winter and what do you know the sound stopped when I used either of the furthest two buttons. However now the first three won't stay selected anymore. Like I though I'm gonna have to look behind the console.

[d1giPhux]

Its simple to remove the center panel. Unscrew shift knob (M/T), pop out leather shift boot, unscrew ebrake area, open lid and unscrew screws in bottom of center console. Should pop out after that. For more details, download the FSM in my sig, and check out the following section:

5_Body_Section > 5-4_Instrument_Panel > MSA5TCD99L426.pdf

[Huffer]

I bet you have soda stuck in behind the HVAC controls, but the clicking sound is probably a leaf that is caught in a vent somewhere. Most likely the floor vent for the driver or passenger footwells.

[d1giPhux]

^ he has a point. The same thing happens to me.. its super annoying.

[httrdd]

Yep it just happened to me. Shut off you heat/ac and listen to see if it is something else.

[isabura]

Cool, I 'll check it out since its been real nice during the day the past couple of days. can't pass up this weather.

[isabura]

Interesting, I have delayed finding it out and instead have started cleaning the panels. Never did it since I've own the car. But I have a theory, one of the previous owners spilled some coffee or hot chocolate and thats why its acting up now. Cup holder never worked properly and now that I see it, eww, I bet it got on the hvac buttons as well

[Huffer]

I bet you have soda stuck in behind the HVAC controls,

If you take the cupholder out, you can soak in hot water and mild dish soap to loosen the soda. Use Q tips and dishsoap if you don't feel like dismantling your dash.

[isabura]

Huffer

you were right, sound gone panels gum and stickiness gone thanks.

Thanks to all replies