My heat and a/c “hoot” when first turned on or off. Is this normal?

[BroncoOBX621]

Basically whenever my a/c or heat is first turned on from either the button on the dash or when I start or turn off the car, I get a pretty audible “Hoot” type sound. Could also be described as a “disappointed sigh” type sound. It only happens when initially turned on or off though, and then works as intended. Happens about 75% of the time. Is this normal? What is causing this? Does your BS do this? I’d call and ask service myself, but if this is normal operating sounds I’ll be so embarrassed.

vehicle is a bronco sport OBX 2021, 1.5L, 7,000 miles but has been doing this sound since I bought it. I just recently pin pointed exactly where it was coming from.

Sponsored

 

[Mark S.]

Yeah, mine does it too, depending on conditions. Mine is usually set to "AUTO" mode, so the computer controls how the air is distributed. I think it takes a moment for the computer to figure out what it wants to do with the HVAC valves (they direct which way the air goes). When the valves finally open the system is pressurized from the fan motor, and the escaping air makes a bit of noise.

My system includes an "Auto Mode Indicator," which is a series of three lights on the "Auto" button. The lights tell you the auto mode selected, with one light indicating the slowest fan speed and three the fastest. I found that if I set the mode to one or two it minimizes the system noise.

 

[Jess1]

It's probably the foam material rubbing as the flap moves. Short of taking dash apart, there's not really anything to do. DO NOT spray any lubricant into vents - that will just make grit and dust gather, and make things worse...

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Basically whenever my a/c or heat is first turned on from either the button on the dash or when I start or turn off the car, I get a pretty audible “Hoot” type sound. Could also be described as a “disappointed sigh” type sound. It only happens when initially turned on or off though, and then works as intended. Happens about 75% of the time. Is this normal? What is causing this? Does your BS do this? I’d call and ask service myself, but if this is normal operating sounds I’ll be so embarrassed.

vehicle is a bronco sport OBX 2021, 1.5L, 7,000 miles but has been doing this sound since I bought it. I just recently pin pointed exactly where it was coming from.

Hi there! Can you please send us a DM with more information? I’d be happy to look into this on my end. Thanks!

Sponsored