In the last few days a disturbing phenomenon has occurred. if the a/c is on and the air recirculation button is also lit there is a steady loud tap, tap, tap noise from the lower l/h end of the fascia. If the recirc. button is pressed and unlit the noise is instantly reduced to a faint tap at the same frequency which then fades to nothing. It is quite independent of the heater fan which works normally at all 4 speeds. The a/c is working well. If the recirc. button is on again, back comes the tapping. Has anyone else had this? It's a 2014 1.2TSi.

Sounds like the recirculating flap motor is skipping teeth when it tries to open. Is the A/C actually a factor, or does it do it when just the fan's on?

I haven't tried recirculation with the a/c off. Will do so and report. What is weird is the fact that the tapping continues at about a tenth of ther volume after the recirc is off and then ceases. I'll check.

Yes, it makes the tapping noise if the a/c is off too, so it must be the flap motor gear. Is that easy to get at?