2004 Mercedes Benz C320 C320 Clicking Noise

SCOTTBAZ

MEMBER
2004 MERCEDES BENZ C320
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
27,000 MILES

I hear a clicking noise coming from sounds like right behind my radio, it started 2 days ago, it does not alwats do it & it does stop after awhile. When I start the car it gives 2 "clicks" then about 30 seconds after it continues clicking for like 10 mins. Any ideas? Is it the stepper motor? If so could I replace that myself?

2 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

I have forwarded your link to our resident M/B expert. He should be with you shortly

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, March 12th, 2009 AT 7:49 AM

GFIMOTORCARS

MECHANIC
673 POSTS

This is a very common issue with this vehicle. What you have is a broken stepper motor armature for the footwell flap. This is a motor that opens and closes the footwell flap for your ac and heating unit. What happens is that the plastic armature going from the motor to the flap breaks and will cause a clicking sound, This occurs when the vehicle is turned on and intermittently as AC control module periodically checks operation. This is an involved job that will require complete disassembly of the center portion of your dash and possibley more. The updated and reinforced armature that you will replace this with is usually under 15 bucks but labor is the kicker here. Some shops will charge upwards of 6 hours for this. The dealer should charge you around 3-4 hours if I remember correctly. Unless you are comforatable working on Benz interiors I don't know if I would recommend this for a novice. You will be removing everthing from the center console to radio and portions of the dash. However if you are confident in tearing the dash apart I will be happy to instruct you on how to complete the replacement.