When I use the air conditioning, it groans as it opens and closes the "flaps" that route the air. This began when I started using the A/C this summer; didn't happen during the winter using the heater. Simple fix?

Also, I was cleaning some leaves off the outside of the sunshade with the sunroof open, and I noticed the passenger and driver side of the screen are not attached to the frame. Is this the way it should be, perhaps to prevent tearing the screen off from buffeting while driving with the screen closed and the sunroof open?

 

The shade is normal.

The noise from the HVAC is most likely the Recirc door linkage, can you make it happen by changing inlet mode?

If it is, the parts you need are cheap, ~$20 or so... but it is by no means a simple repair. A fair amount of the dash needs to be removed to access the linkage(which is what gets changed, along with a special grease for it) and it is pretty labor intensive. I have had customers that have had luck pulling a little bit of trim, and spraying lube up towards the linkage, but it gets messy doing that.

 

Ya, there is a TSB on how to lube that so it stops groaning. I did it and the fix lasted about a week. I guess I need the part / Part number if you have it, and I'm not looking forward to the tear down.. Any tips would be appreciated.

 

Dave - haven't checked that but will and report back. Sounds like something I may have to live with, as I'm not going to pay the dealer what I can only assume would be a new mortgage to fix it.

 

Have to say I think the little groan mine gives out adds a certain amount of character.
Sorry - not very helpful for a fix, just saying...