OSU4Runner

Got in the truck today to go to work, it was 45 degrees out, so I go to turn on the heat after a few miles and I turn it all the way to hot, I have the digital climate control display. I begin to hear a loud ticking noise coming from the passenger side footwell again (this happened last week, but stopped), and the heat is only luke warm and full blast. The ticking noise is coming from the black box in the picture, directly above the footwell vent on the passenger side. Today after work, I ran the heater and beat the hell out of it with a screw driver, it sounds like there is some kind of valve or servo in it trying to click over, but its stuck. Anyways, after beating on it a few times, the heat actually started to work a bit better. My coolant level is fine, I just had a flush this weekend. My rear heat is working fine. Any suggestions? Anyone know what that is in the pic? Thanks!

MTL_4runner

You have a Limited with electronic climate controls and one of your solenoids (ie the red arrow) is sticking or broken.
You'll need to remove it and see what the damage is.

OSU4Runner

Yea.....its a limited, so thats a solenoid inside there? I beat that hell out of it, kinda fixed it. It looks like a PITA to remove.

OSU4Runner

What does that solenoid do? How would it keep me from getting heat? I'm not saying your wrong, just like to know some info about the system if you have some

OSU4Runner

I cleaned out the blower fan while I was down there too, that thing was filthy!

BADLNDS

I have had the same problem for 2 years now (in the winter) ...but...my heat is fine. I just have that annoying valve opening/closing sound.

my solution...turn the radio up...worked fine, no more noise

-B

OSU4Runner

Ya......I kinda like the heat though. The rear heater takes FOREVER to heat the cab up. Plus, I can still hear the ticking over the radio sometimes!

BADLNDS

no heat is definately a problem....lemme know how you made out and what it is in the end?

That sound drove me nutz for an entire winter!

-B

OSU4Runner

Lol....I beat the hell out of it today with a screwdriver, the heat got a bit better, I'll probably end up changing it, it clicks even with the heat off.

MTL_4runner

Those solenoids open and close the vent doors.
Your solenoid's gears are likely stripped or broken and the clicking is the gears slipping.
If you want heat again, replace the solenoid.

OSU4Runner

What vent doors are you talking about? All the vent positions still swap to the floor or dash, but just blow cold air.

MTL_4runner

I think you're in over your head......take it to the dealer.

OSU4Runner

Nah......I would rather not. I had a coolant flush last saturday, but they didn't remove my thermostat when they did it. I've heard you were suppose to remove it. Could they have screwed up my thermostat? But my rear heat still works??????

frodin1

I would just take it apart, clean it, and see if anythings broken. So much of those components get really dirtly. If they just flushed your system, I seriously doubt they messed up your thermostat. If there's something clicking under your dash, chances are it's not going to have anything to do with the T-stat anyway.

OSU4Runner

So I figured it out here is the culprit. I believe its called the air mix control servovalve. Just an electric motor with a arm to pull the air mix cable behind the dash. I guess the motor gave out, didn't have enough juice left to move it. It will move fine detached from the cable, then when you hook it up, you can hear the motor give out. Anyways, it has a denso part number on it # 063700-7550 I've looked online for the past 20 minutes and can't find it on any of the toyota parts websites. Anyone know where I can get it, before I have to go to the dealership and most likely get a$$ raped???

OSU4Runner

I've searched for this part for 2 hours online tonight, can't find it anywhere. I guess my only options are the junkyards, or the stealership!

MTL_4runner

You're not gonna find it anywhere else, it's a dealer only part.
Replace it and you should have your heat back.

OSU4Runner

Ya, thats what I figured, guess I'll just bite the bullet. I might be able to hold out for a few months if its too expensive, it stays in the 70-80's here during the day, all the way through December.

OSU4Runner

$131.47 at the stealership.......haha....no thanks, I'll find one in the junkyard or internet, got ahold of the toyota part # now!

fourwhls

I know I am pulling up an old thread, but I have the same problem with the wife's 01 Limited.

The funny thing is that I am in Chesapeake also.

Where did you end up finding the servo motor? Did you end up giving in to the dealership or find it somewhere else?

What is the part number?