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Bizzare problem, head scratcher

35K views 24 replies 15 participants last post by  oramwendy55 
#1 · (Edited)
First my vehicle: 2010 Jeep Compass Limited 4X4
2.4 litre I4
CVT
37000 miles

My problem: Each time a door is opened, the tailgate is opened, or sometimes the HVAC controls are actuated this car has a 5 second burst of a rapid clicking sound which seems to come from behind the instrument cluster. It sort of sounds like a relay clicking rapidly. The car developed this weird symptom about a month ago and it doesn't seem to effect anything. Yes the factory bumper to bumper warranty just ran out. Any ideas?????
 
#2 ·
That's a new one and definitely a head scratcher. Does it happen when you use the key fob to unlock the doors or when you actually open the door? I know you said the factory warranty has run out and I don't know where you live, but, and I say this loosely as it's not always the case, but some dealerships will still "grandfather" you in and fix the problem if you're not too far out of warranty (the dealership I go to now since my selling dealership closed did for me because they were happy to have the business from the customers who really had nowhere else to take their vehicle). I'm not aware of any technical bulletins on this (perhaps IRSmart can chime in here) but it wouldn't hurt to stop by the dealership and see what they say and if it's a known problem or not and what they recommend but definitely post back and let us know!

- Cherokee
 
#3 ·
99% of those are controlled by the TIPM (located front drivers side partially over the battery). Short of a harness/connector issue it may be the module. But thats a lot of various symptoms, too may to really say its the TIPM although it does control those subsystems. Its being triggered by something.

Has anything been done to the vehicle just prior to this. That would be items removed/installed, reconnected, serviced etc. It there any low battery related problems? The Jeep WJ's go crazy if the battery is low even after starting them. I don't know about the Compass but you should verify the battery is good as well as the grounds (straps and braided cables are intact).

Take voltage reading before starting, during running and after shutdown. It should never go below 12VDC other than when cranking it can dip to 11VDC. Start with the easy stuff and that would be the power source as above.
Good luck!!

Oh and running it should be 13.8VDC min
 
#4 ·
Responses must be going to my junk box, I never saw these two replies.

Let me clarify and add a little info. I live in Texas. The car has been virtually flawless up until now. It has no add-on or aftermarket equipment on it now and never has. No repairs have been made, went to dealer once for an annoying hood vibration/rattle at idle. Other than that just regular scheduled maintenance. I do know what a low battery voltage click sounds like, that's not it. This anomoly occurs when you actually open a door or the tailgate consistently, never just unlocking with the key fob or otherwise. I have sat in the car and tryed to locate the issue. The rapid 5 second burst of clicking is definitely coming from behind the instrument cluster/dash, not the engine bay.
 
#5 ·
Well I will also clarify. Low voltage does not mean its low or weak enough not to start or cause clicking. In some vehicles as in my WJ and likely others the computer and subsystem will not tolerate low voltage. Having said that the Compass may no be one of them.

The TIPM communicates with the onboard computer and may or may not be causing that relay to chatter as you say. As to what is under the dash in these is unknown to me and I gather nothing is going on or off while its happen (lights or whatever). Whether that condition would generate a P code or not questionable.

Although the engine should not make a big difference 2.4L is more like what you have and a typo. Odd displacement are diesel but never been available in NA only the UK and such.
 
#6 ·
I do have a good multimeter, I suppose I could check it. No other symptoms when it clicks. No apparent fault codes thrown or check engine light. Yes it is a 2.4 engine my mistake, this is the wife's car. If I had to make a guess, I would say it sounds most like a relay being quickly activated.
 
#7 ·
I would still take it in as already suggested and see what the dealer says. Talk to the service manager 1st. By phone works as they can look up the history and details on it. Millage is low so that won't be a negative factor.

Its quite weird and normally would at least ask the mechanic what he thinks. Cost nothing but a bit of time.

Good luck with it. Corrosion can be rulled out since it too new and your climate is not harsh.
 
#8 ·
Okay, one more weird insight: Even with a door or two already standing wide open if you get out go around open a third or fourth or the tailgate it will sound again key on or off makes no difference. I opened the hood and fuse panel in the engine bay just to be certain then opened a door, it is definitely behind the cluster. Too weird, voltage is good too.
 
#9 ·
I recently did an electrical tune up on my compass. First, I disconnected the battery. next, I applied anti corrosive/protectant spray to all the connectors. Yes, I removed them one by one. All the connectors that I can find including the ones going to the tipm. Of course I checked for any loose connector or fuse. I cant give you more details as I am using small tablet. Its pretty hard to type using the tiny screen keyboard.
 
#10 ·
You can try popping the bezel off thats around the radio which the heat controls are on. There is a big plug behind the heater knobs and if its not seated properly weird things happen with the AC like running all the time etc. I know since I had my dash off and the dealer did not connect it properly. It took 5-6 times the same evening before they got it right. (I kept going back barely making out of their lot realizing it wasn't right).
 
#12 ·
2010 was the first year the MK platform went to electronically controlled climate control systems, it sounds like the blend doors may be moving (they control the direction of airflow) through different positions. This would be controlled by the TIPM. 2007-2009 MK"s climate controls had mechanical linkage and wouldn't have this problem.

Electronically controlled



Mechanical linkage

 
#13 ·
Same Proplem

I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler and it just started making this bizarre noise today, exactly how you described, opening doors, opening back door and it even happened while driving today. I thought it was because I rolled a window down. I used my heater for the first time yesterday evening and had it in for an oil change probably two weeks ago. I know this is an old thread but it seems to be a common problem with Jeeps. What's the maker of Jeep say?
Thanks!
 
#14 ·
2011 compass. started clicking in dash on passenger side recently after new battery and starter installed. assume its a blend door, but then two days later makes clicking noise when doors and back hatch are opened
it clicks again. new blend door is in the mail but has to be something else....tipm? sensor not connected properly? i have read this is a common problem but no one has posted a solution. any advice?
 
#15 ·
Clicking when door opens

I just recently bought a 2017 Jeep Patriot and this issue started a week after I bought the car. The car is still under warranty, so I'd like this looked into and fixed soon. But I figure going to the dealership armed with good info would be beneficial. So, has anyone had this issue diagnosed and fixed?

Any update would be extremely beneficial.

Here is a video I took of the noise (you'll have to copy and paste as the forum won't let me post a link. grr).

I unlocked the car, opened the door, the noise happened. I shut the door, waited about 5-10 minutes, opened the door again, the noise happened again

tinyurl.com/y6t4lvvr
 
#18 ·
I just recently bought a 2017 Jeep Patriot and this issue started a week after I bought the car. The car is still under warranty, so I'd like this looked into and fixed soon. But I figure going to the dealership armed with good info would be beneficial. So, has anyone had this issue diagnosed and fixed?

Any update would be extremely beneficial.

Here is a video I took of the noise (you'll have to copy and paste as the forum won't let me post a link. grr).

I unlocked the car, opened the door, the noise happened. I shut the door, waited about 5-10 minutes, opened the door again, the noise happened again

tinyurl.com/y6t4lvvr
Just want to chime in that I have the same problem with my 2016 Jeep compass. When doors are opened, or if the air/heater is turned on, a loud rapid clicking comes from the passenger side right above the glove box.

happened out of the blue a month ago. Would love for someone to post a solution that worked for them.
Hi NewJeep and nrubio,
We're sorry to learn that you are both experiencing this. If additional assistance is needed throughout your dealer visit, please feel free to send us a PM. We'd be happy to connect you with a Case Specialist to assist.
Alex
JeepCares
 
#17 ·
Just want to chime in that I have the same problem with my 2016 Jeep compass. When doors are opened, or if the air/heater is turned on, a loud rapid clicking comes from the passenger side right above the glove box.

happened out of the blue a month ago. Would love for someone to post a solution that worked for them.
 
#20 ·
Update

Just stopped by the dealer to get their input on the issue. The mechanic watched the video and immediately said it was one of the actuators for the HVAC or blowers. And right on cue the Patriot made the noise (it does it 4 minutes after being turned off as well as when the door is first opened) and they were certain it was an actuator

So I'm dropping it off tomorrow to have it fixed. They have to drop the dash and find which actuator gear is busted and replace it. Cheap plastic part, but intense labor, so it would be quite a costly repair if it weren't still under the factory warranty.

I'll post and update once it's done. Fingers crossed....
 
#21 ·
Fixed

Got the Patriot back from the dealership, as of now, clicking noise is gone!!

Per R/O:
When you adjust the temp door it will click. Remove blend door actuator and inspect door passed. Internal failure with the blend door actuator striped gears.
Remove and replace blend door actuator.


It was all covered by warranty so I don't know how expensive it would have been. But it was fixed 4 hours after I dropped it off.
 
#22 ·
Fixed

Got the Patriot back from the dealership, as of now, clicking noise is gone!!

Per R/O:
When you adjust the temp door it will click. Remove blend door actuator and inspect door passed. Internal failure with the blend door actuator striped gears.
Remove and replace blend door actuator.


It was all covered by warranty so I don't know how expensive it would have been. But it was fixed 4 hours after I dropped it off.
Thank you same exact issue 2010 liberty. This is a huge help
 
#25 ·
Just want to chime in that I have the same problem with my 2016 Jeep compass. When doors are opened, or if the air/heater is turned on, a loud rapid clicking comes from the passenger side right above the glove box. happened out of the blue a month ago. Would love for someone to post a solution that worked for them.
I also have a 2016 Compass and have been hearing the same “clicking “ at different times so I would like to know what it is. Mine seems to be right behind the dashboard and my friend actually did pick up a video with the noise.
 
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