Technical Ticking and 'chirruping' in dashboard ?!?

[PandaEleganza]

Hi all,

I have a 2010 Eleganza. In recent weeks I have noticed some strange noises coming from the dashboard, above the radio. When driving there is a frequent but irregular 'chirrup'. It makes no difference if the radio is on/off, CD player on/off (and I've checked with no CD in the slot too), and AC on/off.

Yesterday I got into the car and noticed that there was a regular ticking noise coming from this same area. The key was not in the ignition and the radio was not on. The noise stopped when I started the car, to be replaced by the 'chirrup'

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[DaveMcT]

In view of how damaging low coolant levels are, do check the engine coolant level is correct.

After that all you can do is take things off (bit by bit) until you either find something loose or the noise goes away. I have a groan noise from the steering column area that sounds like something rubbing/vibrating in time with engine revs. Ive got used to it but one day will dig around and see if I can find it.

In your case, its easy to take the radio out and see if anything changes.

 

[A3jeroen]

Isn't there a cooling fan in/on the radio?

gr J

 

[PandaEleganza]

Thanks both...I will have a nose around at the weekend.

 

[koalar]

the only thing i can think of that would tick inside the car with engine off is a leak from the heater matrix.

 

[09 johno]

Turn the normal vent fan off and the noise might go away, mine does it especially on speed 1

 

[PandaEleganza]

Well, it's been silent today. Checked coolant, matrix, all seems well. Haven't dared take out the radio but will think about doing this if the noise comes back (it's been on and off for a month, so I imagine it will do).

The odd thing was to have a noise with the ignition off and no key in the slot. This suggested some kind of electrical problem to me. We will see. Maybe I should start thinking about a new Panda...

 

[koalar]

Well, it's been silent today. Checked coolant, matrix, all seems well. Haven't dared take out the radio but will think about doing this if the noise comes back (it's been on and off for a month, so I imagine it will do).

The odd thing was to have a noise with the ignition off and no key in the slot. This suggested some kind of electrical problem to me. We will see. Maybe I should start thinking about a new Panda...

you don't have to undo anything to check the matrix.

open the passenger door


pull the carpet towards you from under the plastic trim that's under the gearstick.

shine a torch and look at the area where the bracket from the gearstick meets the floor

If its dropping slightly it will gather here before running under the passenger footwell

 

[koalar]

are you sure its not the normal oil dropping back into the sump and you've only must noticed it ?

and the chirping is something else ?

 

[DaveMcT]

Don't bother checking the heater matrix. Check the coolant level in the radiator as if that's low you are heading for a blown head gasket. Early signs are funny noises from the heater.

Radio is easy to remove -

Get ta pair of DIN pins for a few £.

Push the pins into holes either side of radio and slide the radio out of the dashboard.

 

[PandaEleganza]

Thanks all. Definitely not the coolant - it was only replaced in February and is at the maximum mark (double checked!). Matrix is dry. I will have a look at getting some radio removal keys.