Dash - Clicking/Snapping from Passenger Side

Classification:
HA01-001

Reference:
NTB01-024

Date:
April 3, 2001

CLICKING/SNAPPING NOISE FROM PASSENGER SIDE DASH

APPLIED VEHICLE:
2001 Sentra (B15)

APPLIED DATE:
Vehicles built before March 12, 2001

SERVICE INFORMATION





If an applied vehicle exhibits a clicking or snapping noise coming from the passenger side dash, the cause may be an improperly installed HVAC in-cabin microfilter (refer to Figure 1 for the filter location).

If the microfilter is improperly installed, the ledge on the back side of the microfilter cover panel pushes directly into the microfilter, causing distortion. This distortion can interfere with the recirculation door as the door moves to the fresh air position, which causes the recirculation door actuator to start clicking or snapping. Refer to the Service Procedure to resolve this incident, should it occur.

IMPORTANT:
Replacing the recirculation door actuator does NOT resolve this incident. The microfilter must be inspected and if needed, re-adjusted to eliminate the interference (between the microfilter and the recirculation door).

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Record all radio station pre-sets.

WARNING:
Step 2 below MUST be performed to avoid accidental air bag (SRS) deployment.

2. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position, disconnect both battery cables, and wait 3 minutes.





3. Open the glove box door and remove the hinge pins (see Figure 2a).

4. Carefully maneuver the glove box door out of the dash and disconnect the cable support (see Figure 2b). Place the glove box door aside in a safe location.





5. Remove two screws and remove the glove box door latch by sliding it down and forward (see Figure 3).





6. Remove two additional screws (see Figure 3) and reposition the glove box insert panel to gain access to the HVAC microfilter cover panel (see Figure 4).

WARNING:
The yellow air bag (SRS) harness connector is mounted to the top side of the glove box insert panel you re-positioned in step 6. Use the following precautions when repositioning the glove box insert panel.

^ Do not disconnect the yellow air bag (SRS) harness connector.

^ Do not allow the glove box insert panel to hang from the yellow air bag (SRS) harness.

^ Do not kink, pull on, or distort the yellow air bag (SRS) harness.

7. Lift up on the HVAC microfilter cover panel tabs to release them (see Figure 4). Then, remove the cover panel to gain access to the microfilter.

8. Pull the microfilter out and inspect it.





A. If the microfilter is bent, distorted, or in any way damaged, install a new microfilter. When installing a new microfilter, refer to Figure 5 and make sure of the following:

^ The filter is installed so that the arrow, on the end of the filter, is facing the rear of the vehicle and is pointed upward.

^ The microfilter sits on top of the two black plastic tabs, not behind them.

^ The ledge on the back side of the microfilter cover panel slides below the microfilter.

NOTE:
If the microfilter is improperly installed, the ledge on the back side of the microfilter cover panel pushes directly into the microfilter, causing distortion. A distorted microfilter may interfere with the recirculation door.

B. If the microfilter is properly installed and is in good condition, look for other causes of the incident.

9. Re-connect the positive and negative battery cables.

10. Operate the AC recirculation function several times and confirm there is no noise and that the recirculation door fully opens and closes.

11. Re-install the previously removed parts in the reverse order that they were removed.

CAUTION:
Do not over tighten the glove box screws.

12. Re-program all radio station pre-sets.





PARTS INFORMATION





CLAIMS INFORMATION

NOTE:
The in-cabin microfilter has a recommended service interval of every 15,000 miles. However, a prematurely clogged filter may result in a significant reduction in outlet vent airflow or window fogging when using the A/C or heater, requiring that the filter be replaced more often under customer pay. Warranty does NOT cover microfilter replacement at the specified service interval or when a clogged filter is causing reduced airflow or fogging.