Random ticking noise from behind the emergency button

[thelowlycook]

Hi all,

New guy on this site, even though has owned 1997 bonny for a decade until recently . 2004 now - love the ride
Please help me out understand - not 100% sure.

Random ticking noise from behind the emergency button - from what i have gathered so far - I would have to clean the contacts on a turn signal switch. Watched a guy do it on his 2004 Pontiac Grand AM. Now, the actual question - do i need to actually remove the steering wheel and basically follow the this thing here http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =55&t=6944 ?
These instructions are for the pre 200x models.

Also, where is an airbag fuse located? Would you disconnect a battery to drain its capacitor? I read that disconnecting a battery might lead to theft system/radio and actual trip to the dealership to re-learn the codes. Not sure if it was valid or not.

Any words of wisdom are appreciated. Maybe I am off track completely.

[awrenchman]

Hi, after working for a Chevy dealer for over 10 years now,I can let you know a couple of things. First the column in your 2004 is totally different than the 1997 under the lock ring. The 04 uses a multifunction switch/ lever assy that is replaced as a unit rather than being repairable like the 97. Also, the air bag fuse is labeled SIR fuse # 8 and is located in the rear fuse block under the rear seat, incidentally so is the battery. The only other thing I can tell you is that, while most of my experience has been with Chevy's, those hazard switches have the same internals even though the buttons look different and I've changed a bunch of them because of various symptoms including turn signals inop (one or both), flashers inop, flashers or signals coming on by themselves, and you guessed it, phantom clicking noise from switch. A quick test is to hit that hazard switch button fast and firmly several times (pretend you're sending a morse code SOS from the Titanic) and see if it doesn't fix for a while. Not a permanent fix mind you, but it might steer you in the right direction. Best of luck.

[thelowlycook]

Thanks awrenchman!

OK, if i don't need to remove the wheel (makes sense for 200x Bonnies), what is the easiest/right way to get the top plastic cover off of the steering column? I have been fiddling around with a wedge tool after removing 3 screws from the bottom of it - does not come off as easily as it does on Grand AM. A how-to for this step, please? 8-)

Sound is not all that annoying, it comes and goes on its own, it is even more like gentle knocking than ticking. Your "Titanic" suggestion did not work - it is still doing it during and after pushing the button.

I was thinking if it is a quick thing like rubbing contacts on a switch - yeah, I will do it. But if it requires ripping off the entire dashboard/steering column disassembly - forget it 8-)

Thanks for the SIR fuse #8 tip. Good to know.
Cheers!

[awrenchman]

After removing the lower cover there is a small inverted torx screw holding the top cover on. It is between the lock cylinder and the steering wheel on the right side. You may have to use a flashlight to see it. It goes in from the bottom but it's way up in there.

[thelowlycook]

Thanks again! All as explained. To be continued in the a.m. when I get the right size torx socket 8-)

[thelowlycook]

Hi All,

Took the lower/upper panels off. Turn signal switch off, taken apart, cleaned contacts with some contact cleaner, generously put lots of dielectric grease on all the contacts inside. Putting a switch back together might be tricky and time-consuming. Be patient.

Anyhow, 3 days later seems to be holding OK with no ticking/knocking sound whatsoever.

Cheers!

[01bonneSC]

Sometimes the blend door can make a ticking sound also. Should be in the 'Common problems' thread as a sticky in the 00+ maintenance section.

[thelowlycook]

Blend door heater actuator, right? Yes, but in my particular case HVAC worked like a swiss watch, so I sort of rulled this one out.

[01bonneSC]

Blend door heater actuator, right? Yes, but in my particular case HVAC worked like a swiss watch, so I sort of rulled this one out.

So did mine and the ticking wasn't all the time. Funny you say 'swiss watch' cause that's exactly how it ticked.