Gurgling sound from dash

[DougC]

I'm getting a "gurgling" or "knuckle-cracking" sound that eminates from the central part of the dash on occasion. Thought it might be related to the ac lines, but the dealer was nice enough to vacuum each drain line and said they were OK. No idea on the noise. I drive a 2001 MDX.

Anyone have any ideas?

[SuperTech]

It is related to the A/C. And it's not the drain tube. A gurgling or bubbling type sound is usually a partially clogged expansion valve. This valve is part of the A/C evaporator inside the case where the cabin air filter is.

[Warzau]

Originally posted by SuperTech
It is related to the A/C. And it's not the drain tube. A gurgling or bubbling type sound is usually a partially clogged expansion valve. This valve is part of the A/C evaporator inside the case where the cabin air filter is.

How does one unclog the valve. Im getting that gurgling sound.

[SuperTech]

No way. You could try having the A/C system evacuated and recharged, but odds are the noise isn't going anywhere. Only fix is to replace the evaporator and expansion valve. Not cheap.

[Warzau]

Originally posted by SuperTech
No way. You could try having the A/C system evacuated and recharged, but odds are the noise isn't going anywhere. Only fix is to replace the evaporator and expansion valve. Not cheap.

I got the extended warranty, would this be covered? Also last summer the A/C worked fine no problems, or irregularities other than the sound, should I take it in, or leave it alone till it goes.

[SuperTech]

If you've got a warranty, then by all means use it. I would suspect that to replace the evaporator and expansion valve, plus the labor, would be well into the hundreds.

[DougC]

For those of us out of warranty (and no extended warranty), is a partially-clogged AC expansion valve anything to worry about? I can deal with the noise (now that I know what it is) and the AC seems to work adequately (knock on wood).

[mhwalczak]

Originally Posted by DougC

For those of us out of warranty (and no extended warranty), is a partially-clogged AC expansion valve anything to worry about? I can deal with the noise (now that I know what it is) and the AC seems to work adequately (knock on wood).

Did you ever get an answer on this? I'm getting the sound as well (and can live with it) but not if it causes a safety concern.

[Warzau]

I totally forgot about this thread. I remember taking it in and of course they said there was nothing wrong with this, normal operation of the car.

[GGBON]

Bought my 2004 Touring Edition brand new, luv, luv, luv it. The GPS Large Dash screen is still better than other new makes/model SUV's. However at 105,000 miles I just had an internal transmission failure in which fluid back flowed into the rad and well you guessed it, trans blew. Heres the deal, have your hose replaced at 90K miles. This was an avoidable event. Unfortunately when I realized my engine felt sluggish, I was on my way to a 911 emergency and paid no attention to it. Now 2 weeks after transmission rebuilt & radiator replaced ($3500), gurgling occurs in dash. Turns out to be the fluid used to absorb the fluid that backflowed from the radiator failure, still working its way through lines. Quick fix, lines replaced, new coolant-cost $70! Yes thats Seventy bucks! So hopefully I'm off to another 100K in my MDX. Hope this helps other MDX lifers.

[Ssgtkilljoy]

Sorry I am confused, what causes the sound, and yes I'm not ashamed to admit it drives me nuts! If it is lines what lines?, if its a valve which valve and where is it located? And are you saying my transmission line may be clogged or was at one time, if I hear that sound?
Thanks in advance