NinjaSquid

Hello all.

Recently the A/C on my 2003 Xterra has been making a very loud rattling noise when I turn the fan on 2, 3 or 4. (It cuts in and out on 2, and is deafening on 3 or 4.) It doesn't happen when the fan is set on 1. The A/C itself still works ok -- the air is still cool and the output is normal. The noise seems to be coming from the dashboard area of the passenger's side. My A/C has always worked wonderfully and has never made this much noise. It just started about a week ago. Does anyone have any idea as to what the problem could be?

Thanks in advance!

Toolman5523

sounds like you have debris in the fan motor assy. probably leaves or a mouse, although if it was a rodent you should smell it. just pull your blower motor down and have a look. easy to do, it is located right behind the glove box.

NinjaSquid

The evening after I made my initial post, the smell suddenly surfaced. I'm a bit squeamish around dead animals and I couldn't bear to pull that thing open myself and remove a dead/mutilated critter. My husband didn't want to deal with it either. So I took it to the local repair shop and had them take a look.

The guy found lots of leaves, straw and pine needles... and a bird's nest with fluffy dead baby birds therein.

It's all cleaned out now and they've replaced my compartment air filter for me. No more smell or noise.

Poor birds.

Thanks again for helping me out!