Noise from under hood by steering column

[CHIPPYSGT]

I am getting a constant noise from a small pump/compressor/electric relay or some other gadget. It always runs when the key is in the on position.

I don't know how to insert a picture in this message or would do so.

The item is mounted on the firewall near the steering column, has small pneumatic (1/4") hoses coming out of it. There is a white plastic fitting that looks to me like it should have a piece of rubber tubing on it but I don't see any strays hanging in the area.

If you put your finger over the open fitting it has a small amount of suction. The only solution I've come up with so far is to turn the radio up.

How do you attach a photo and I'll do so.

The dealer said, "Yep, you've got something running there." Big help.

[CHIPPYSGT]

I am getting a constant noise from a small pump/compressor/electric relay or some other gadget. It always runs when the key is in the on position.

I don't know how to insert a picture in this message or would do so.

The item is mounted on the firewall near the steering column, has small pneumatic (1/4") hoses coming out of it. There is a white plastic fitting that looks to me like it should have a piece of rubber tubing on it but I don't see any strays hanging in the area.

If you put your finger over the open fitting it has a small amount of suction. The only solution I've come up with so far is to turn the radio up.

How do you attach a photo and I'll do so.

The dealer said, "Yep, you've got something running there." Big help.

[Ed Gardiser]

Doug
It maybe for the cruise control,to check,start the engine and see if the cruise control light is on if so turn it off and see if the noise goes away.There is also the air horn relay,two wires and one air hose connect to it.
Ed Gardiser
Escondido,Ca.
04 Vectra
87 Nissan PickUp
FMCA

[rebelsbeach]

Doug, In order to attach a photo to a post it must first be on the internet somewhere with an http address...

When you have that accomplished,right click on the photo and "copy" the address for the photo.
After clicking on "reply" in this forum you will see a series of boxes across the top of the reply pane.
The second one from the right looks like a picture....click on it and "paste" the address you "copied" from your picture...

Click on "post now" and you're done!

[MrTransistor]

Hi Doug,
Sounds like the electric vacuum pump that powers the air valves of the dash heating and cooling assembly. Our journey had this problem but only above a certain altitude. Look for one of the little hoses that may have come loose. It may be that the one fitting should be capped. Try plugging it and see if the pump stops running after a minute or so as it pumps a vacuum.

[bill jones]

Doug,
I had the same problem, it was the vacuum pump! I removed it and checked it, was bad. To test pump,plug the vacuum side with your finger, the pump will normally build up vacuum and stop. Mine never quit. Replaced the pump and all is well. Good luck getting the pump out, only four screws but was fun. The white fitting is not supposed to have a hose on it, it's the air output.

[jimandsue60]

I had the same problem just after I replaced my air horn solonoid. By accident I knocked the vacuum tube off of the black plastic vacuum tank just above the compressed air hookup. Slipped it back on and all was fine.

Jim

[CHIPPYSGT]

I don't have a clue how to get the photo on the net with a http address.

I'll let the dealer worry about it when I put it in storage for the year around the middle of June. It's still under warranty.

[CHIPPYSGT]

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry if I seemed curt in the previous e-mail. The thing is falling apart around me.

The replacement Magellan was only programmed for Arkansas and they (Riverpark) were supposed to send me a new oned a week ago. Still haven't seen it.

The in-motion Kingdome took a dump too. They are supposed to be sending me a new digital display, transformer? and cable. I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't have gone with a 5th wheel or Motel 6!!!

[ichn2go]

CHippysgt,, know exactly how you feel,,been there, done that..Hang in there, things will get better and then you can look back and laugh at yourself about how worked up you got...JIM

[rebelsbeach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by CHIPPYSGT:
I don't have a clue how to get the photo on the net with a http address.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sarge, if you want to try it, you can click on the "photo" link at the top of our pages and simply add the photo to the photo section here...The photo section requires you to join, but just use your screen name and password you have here....follow the instructions and then the copy and paste instructions from above...

OR......Send me the pics in an email and I'll hang them here for you.... bgregory@irv2.com

[rebelsbeach]

Sorry this photo is late....was sent to the approval que and just came out.

[bill jones]

Sarge, pull the rubber hose off the left-hand output running parallel to the ground and with the key on, hold a finger over the black barb you have exposed. The pump should pull vacuum and quickly stop. If it keeps running the pump is bad. Other problems would be forward of that connection, either your vacuum reservoir (the black plastic ball) or the vacuum manifold under the dash. Good Luck and let us know what you find.

[CHIPPYSGT]

Bill,

The pump is good as it quits when I plug the connection that I removed the hose from.

I have a couple of questions.

1. Where under the dash is the manifold? I removed the raised part around the cockpit and can't see any tubing; it all appears to be electrical wiring.

2. If it's under the large flat part of the dash, how do you remove that? Do you unscrew all the vent screws?

3. Is there an outlet line from the air reservoir? If so, does it go up through the mounting bracket?

This is all under warranty but if it is simply a leak, I want to fix it before I go on my next trip in a couple of weeks. I won't be close to the dealer until I get back.

4. What does this vacuum pump operate?

I appreciate the help as I've been looking for reason behind this for a month off and on.

Thanks,