2008 Ford Taurus clicking noise from the dashboard

2008 FORD TAURUS
35,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JIMMISTER
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When I start my car (and sometimes when on the highway) a clicking noise (like tapping on wood with a pen) sometimes start right after the engine is on and actually I heard it few times when the key is just one click before the engine starts)
it has nothing to do with AC/heat since I hear it while ventilation is off. The car starts normally without any problems with performance/gas use...
No lights are on in the dashboard.

I should have specified where exactly the noise is. It comes from right behind the speedometer. Nothing comes from the engine. I looked today behind/under the steering wheel. I could saw a black piece of plastic that shakes while the noise is on, then once the noise is gone it stops shaking. It has few electric wires going into it. I do not know what it is function (looks attached to the back of the speedometer)

I hope this is clear.

if you need to ask any further questions, please feel free
Thank you.
Oct 15, 2010 at 7:49 PM
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AGENTJAKE
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I have a 2008 Taurus with over 90,000 miles on it and just started having the exact same problem. When I start the car there is a clicking behind the instrument panel for a few seconds. It goes away for about 20 seconds and comes back for a few. This happens 3-4 times then goes away. I just turned the heat on last week about the same time this problem started - not sure if they are related or not. Thanks for any help!
Oct 18, 2010 at 7:23 PM
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STRAILER
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Hey guys!

Yes this is a common problem with this car and the fix is to replace the blend door actuator, the problem is this actuator has plastic gears inside which break which causes the tinking noise. here is a guide that will show you what you are in for along with a diagram to help you replace the actuator yourself and save some cash.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
Dec 6, 2016 at 8:27 PM
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