2013 LC - Muffled knock sound (Front passenger side dash area)

[jmillerau]

I don't have audio or video of the sound right this second, but I was wondering if anybody has ever heard something similar...

I have a 2013 LC and every once in a while, I will hear a muffled knock sound coming from the front passenger side dash/glove compartment area. It's not a constant sound, it usally just happens once, then doesn't happen again until I drive it again. It almost sounds like there is something that shifted in the glove compartment (which I'm 99% sure it's not that, haha). It's not a harsh sound, just not sure what it is.

Anybody ever heard this?

 

[afgman786]

Check your cabin filter door. If it's one time and usually when you start the rig, very well could be that.

 

[jmillerau]

Check your cabin filter door. If it's one time and usually when you start the rig, very well could be that.

Nailed it. It's the filter door. Any ideas on how to soften the close or mute the sound?

 

[afgman786]

Nailed it. It's the filter door. Any ideas on how to soften the close or mute the sound?

Does the door work? When you cycle between fresh air and recirc, do you see that the door is actually closing/opening? That'll help start with how to fix your issue

 

[Sandroad]

When it's working correctly, there is no knocking or muffled sound from the door movement. Do what @afgman786 suggested and see if the recirc/fresh door works. Don't try to move it yourself by hand!!!! Use on the recirc/fresh dash button for the experiment. I'll bet you'll find the mechanism has been broken by someone who moved the door by hand. Sometimes it's broken, but works, and causes a knocking sound at the hinge. You can see the right side mechanism where the motor/shaft is that moves the door.

 

[jmillerau]

When it's working correctly, there is no knocking or muffled sound from the door movement. Do what @afgman786 suggested and see if the recirc/fresh door works. Don't try to move it yourself by hand!!!! Use on the recirc/fresh dash button for the experiment. I'll bet you'll find the mechanism has been broken by someone who moved the door by hand. Sometimes it's broken, but works, and causes a knocking sound at the hinge. You can see the right side mechanism where the motor/shaft is that moves the door.

The door is working properly, it just makes the knocking noises as it closes. Almost like a door trying to shut in a door jam that's too tight

 

[Sandroad]

Well, I still suspect the mechanism that drives the door is loose from having been cracked, even it still drives the door. It sounds like yours is off center just enough to not align perfectly in the track as it closes. I suggest not attempting a fix because if it's working you would probably only make it worse!

Edit: Make sure the filter is installed properly and not affecting the door.

 

[jmillerau]

Well, I still suspect the mechanism that drives the door is loose from having been cracked, even it still drives the door. It sounds like yours is off center just enough to not align perfectly in the track as it closes. I suggest not attempting a fix because if it's working you would probably only make it worse!

Edit: Make sure the filter is installed properly and not affecting the door.

Agree with all of the above. I think i'll just live with it...just glad to know that it's nothing serious.