2002 Pontiac Montana HELP! Ratcheting/Clicking sounds.

SIGNLANG

MEMBER
2002 PONTIAC MONTANA
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

FIRST: I am getting a random sound, seemingly coming from the steering wheel, that sounds like fast ratcheting sound, or series of machine gun bursts of clicking. What is this, and should I be concerned? I have found no patterns as to when this occurs (ie turning, vs not, etc.). It just comes and goes.

SECOND: Also, twice now, my horn has sounded while driving, on its OWN!

THIRD: I recently discovered that while the front heat is working fine, the middle row seating ducts are blowing freezing air, not heat. I don't know yet about the backmost seats. Haven't tested yet.

FOURTH: The power sliding passenger side door, no matter which button is used to open/close it (remote, console, door frame, or manual), repeatedly opens and closes multiple times before it will at random suddenly decide to stay latched. I am now trying to avoid using that door, as I never know if I will be able to get it to stay shut. Sometimes it will do this 3 times in a row, sometimes 10! As soon as it "shuts" it reopens itself.

3 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

1. Inspect the front CV axle boots, look for cracks/splits in boots and leaking grease. The CV joints will cause a clicking sound, most notable in turns.

2. Horn switch in steering wheel. Do the doors lock when horn sounds, or attempt to lock? If so, then defective fob.

3. These long vans have more than one heater core, so a rear heater core is clogged, or coolant is low. Have cooling system flushed.

4. There is a defective limit switch on the door frame, or intermittent short. As door closes, it contacts a limit switch which stops power to motor.

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Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 9:02 AM

SIGNLANG

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Your response said to check the CV joints for the clicking, however this is a very definite different type of clicking. I have had clicking CV joints in the past on other vehicles, so know the difference. I also had the CV joints recently checked and they were given a clean bill of health. Furthermore, the rapid clicking is random, regardless of on a straightaway or turning, driving fast or slow. This is definitely coming from the steering wheel or somewhere nearby. Please readvise!

Regarding the horn, when it sounds at random, nothing else happens. It just gives one good length blast. No locks changing, no repeat. Very wierd!

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Monday, March 2nd, 2009 AT 10:04 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

Raise car, put on stands, grasp each tire and push/pull both horizontally and vertically, looking for any movement which would indicate bearing, ball joint, tie rod end or bushing problem.

Check rotors and calipers and pads for unusual wear and make sure calipers are torqued properly.

If OK, then check that steering rack is securily bolted to frame.
Also check PS pump fluid level and contidion of serpentine belt. Check PS pressure and return line for leaks.
Check cinch bolt connection to steering rack.

Rack: