Weird humming noise from behind radio in middle of dash

[JesseE]

I search around and did not see anyone with this same problem, started about a 1.5 months ago, only happened 1 time at that point, happened to be right after vsc and traction control kicked in going though a wet puddle. I drove the last block to work, parked listened for the constant noise sounds like a blend door motor turning but never stopping... strange noise to say the least, I run a automotive shop that specializes in diagnostics and never have heard another car make this noise before. I turned the car off and the noise quit, turned the car back on and nothing, noise was gone.


Waiting a week or 2 and didn't hear the noise again until randomly happened again on my way home from work, at this point I figured something after the car is fully warmed up and driven at least 7 miles is causing this noise. again same issue car made the noise randomly and kept making the noise until I turned the vehicle off. its a very consistent medium level sound noise straight behind the radio/middle of the dash area.


Over the last month now its been happening worse and worse, almost 3-4 times a week it happens, I stuck my head under the dash and really tried listening to the noise and I honestly have a hard time pin pointing where it is, can't find any forums that have someone with a similar noise issue.


It honestly sounds like a blend door motor running constantly but it never changes or stops once it starts. and I turn radio off turn a/c off, change the mode door actuators to different settings and no change at all.


Today it did it on my way to work and did something different, same sound but it wasn't just constant, it came, then stopped and came again a bunch of different times.


Hopefully someone else has heard the same thing, because it's a little annoying and curious how far apart I need to go to fix it.

[JesseE]

Found the problem finally... It's the radio that's going bad. This morning radio start humming again like crazy and really starting cutting out the music and such... Wonder if they will replace the unit if I take it out and bring it to them.

[metalmoses]

I'm getting the same strange noise, it sounds like a small fan running with a bad bearing. Does our head unites have an internal fan for cooling?

[nextcar]

Originally Posted by metalmoses

I'm getting the same strange noise, it sounds like a small fan running with a bad bearing. Does our head unites have an internal fan for cooling?

Rise from your grave! Bring the thread back to life in time for Halloween!

But seriously: yes, the stock touchscreen head unit has a fan on the side...

[metalmoses]

Thank you! That's disappointing, I guess I'll have to decide to either replace the head unit or come up with a fix for the noise. Regardless at least now I know where to start

[new2subaru]

Originally Posted by metalmoses

Thank you! That's disappointing, I guess I'll have to decide to either replace the head unit or come up with a fix for the noise. Regardless at least now I know where to start

Toss it...Think, weight reduction! No need for those speakers now either.

[Guru Woodman]

Could be dust buildup in or around the fan. I would take the head unit out and apply some compressed air and see if that helps.