Hi all,

New to the forum here! I got myself a fiat panda about two months ago! Brilliant little car, my first ever fiat! 21k on the clock and 2009. Car is as good as new.

However there is a bizarre ticking/sizzling noise coming from what looks like the centre console. The noise only occurs when the fan is on speed 1 or 2 and gets worse when I turn right (speeds up in tempo). When I turn left there is no noise at all! So I guess its a ventilation noise which is somehow related to the steering.

I have to a video of the issue but since I am a new member the forum doesn't allow me to add a URL to this port

I have messages a moderator asking for permission

Would be glad if I could have some input into what this could be!

Many thanks

On a wild card, check your coolant level. If its low you can get funny noises from the heater. The next thing you'll know is the cars stop with a blown head gasket. If the coolant level is low top up immediately but find the leak NOW (if not sooner) or you will soon be replacing that head gasket.

The steering is electric power assisted. A fault in the steering torque sensors (which recognise the driver's inputs) can and does cause strange steering effects like the car pulls to one side. You imply your steering is normal but if nothing else seems wrong check it anyway. Use Multiecuscan software and a laptop with a set of OBD leads from ebay.

The heater fan uses resistors to set the lower speeds which might be overheating. After that - What has been done to the car?
New radio?
Recent service work?
Something else?

look up the dash by clutch pedal maybe theres something up there causing this problem near the vent for fresh air intake/recirculate
im assuming no climatic aircon

Sounds like something stuck in the ventilation system like a leaf.


Possibly near or touching the blower.

Another thought. Looks below the screen wipers & check the heater air intake is not full of water/leaves/crud