A/C Mode Switch Strange Sound

[fgb59h]

I have a 99 Camry LE 4-cyl. There are 3 temp control rotary switches, from left to right: 1-fan speed, 2-hot/cold blend and 3-A/C mode (face, foot, foot+face, defrost, etc.). None of these symbols were lit at dark so today I removed the trim around the radio, took out the switches and replaced the two tiny bulbs behind them. All went well and now the symbols are lit.

However, now I am noticing a whining motor sound for several seconds whenver I turn the A/C mode switch. The sound lasts for almost 10 seconds when I turn the switch from left (face) all the way to right (defrost) and shorter durations when I move between other positions. The sound occurs even when the A/C and fan are turned off. After the sound goes off the air blows into the proper place.

I am quite sure the sound wasn't there before I replaced the bulbs so I must have changed something. But, apart from the whining sound which goes off after a few seconds, everything seems to be working fine.

Can anyone help? Can I ignore this sound? I'd like to understand what's going on before I take apart the switches again.

Thanks in advance.

[Yuko]

The sound your hearing is most likely the "vent position selector motor" or whatever it really it called. I didn’t notice it until I had to replace the fan speed switch and the bulb on the HVAC control. It's nothing to worry about unless it a loud buzzing noise. If you look under the driver-side dash and a bit up to the right, you can see the white plate rotate as different vent positions are selected; kinda neat to watch.

[fgb59h]

Thank you very much for your post including taking the trouble to share the very detailed photo. I didn't know so much was visible without having to remove the plastic covers! I also checked with my wife's (much newer!) Highlander - same sounds, maybe a little so I am not worried any more.

Once again thanks - it's people like you that keep this board so useful!