bman291317

Squandy, interesting, I never thought of that. On my way into work this morning (about a 45 minute drive) I had my heat running and I heard the noise 4 times. It definitely isn't a noise from bumps in the road because they occur when driving on smooth roads, or even parked. It also occurs sometimes when I press the fan speed button, or if I turn the temp control knob. So your theory seems to be pretty accurate. Have you tried to unplug any of yours with success?

I have a 2015 Legacy 3.6r. I have had the car for a year now and about six months ago I noticed a popping/cracking sound that seemed to come from the climate control panel and the plastic surrounding it. This occurs pretty randomly and sounds similar to popping bubble wrap. I read online on some other car forums that this could be from the temperature of the plastic changing. Example if its hot in the summer and you run your air the plastic cools and or if its cold in the winter and you run your heat the plastic warms. I'm guessing they mean that the material expands and contracts? But anyway the sound has continued throughout the summer, fall, and now winter. It will happen even if I am not running any air or heat. Also the same noise will occur randomly if I push any of the buttons on the climate control panel or turn any of the dials. Anyone else had this happen?