Hi Folks.

I am the proud owner of a 73 Plate Superb 2.0 tsi L&K model.

On recent journeys, probably due to the fact that the weather is now colder, there are some "interesting" noises coming from the face level vent area.

If the vents are closed and the aircon and climate control is on automatic, there can suddenly be a loud-ish whistling noise coming from the vents. Sounds like a sound effect for a haunted house on a windy night.

This stops if I open the vents, but then if it is cold you don't want this vent open. Sounds like something isn't completely closing.

Then, continuing the haunted house theme, there are occasionally some dull thumping noises coming from the same vent area.

I assume these are all sounds from the various servos and flaps doing their work directing and controlling the airflow.

But my question is, should these noises be so noticeable? My previous Superb (a 16 plate SEL) made similar whistling noises, but not as loud, and I never heard any of the thumping noises.

I would be loathe to let the dealer start pulling the dashboard apart as, sorry to say, I wouldn't be confident that it would be put back together properly.

Just wondering if anyone else has come across this and has any suggestions?

I can related to the haunted house whistle, on my RR P38 as the central vent flaps were damaged and I repaired them (bodged them, this was years ago).

They still do their work, but in the closed position there is probably air pushed on the edge generating that sound.

I was bothered at first, but then, being a Range Rover, it will always be "haunted" 😁

Now serious, I seem to remember if you remove the top center grill there is some access, you can try to spray something there - I need to do this.

Otherwise yes, is a dash out job, I am afraid.

@Pooroldcodger - those noises r not normal at all.

Have u tried doing the Climatronics Recalibration procedure?

It does flippy flappy stuff with the vent actuators.

A Google search will reveal a number of how-to-guides.

U will need OBDEleven or VCDS to do the procedure.

Edited 17 October, 202517 Oct by JR RS

Thanks for the replies. I will investigate further!

On 17/10/2025 at 23:05, JR RS said:

@Pooroldcodger - those noises r not normal at all.

Have u tried doing the Climatronics Recalibration procedure?

It does flippy flappy stuff with the vent actuators.

A Google search will reveal a number of how-to-guides.

U will need OBDEleven or VCDS to do the procedure.

Is that a different procedure than what is done by holding the AC + front vent button for a few seconds? I'm wondering if it will fix my noisy fans

Edited 21 October, 202521 Oct by Dave77

14 minutes ago, Dave77 said:

Is that a different procedure than what is done by holding the AC + front vent button for a few seconds? I'm wondering if it will fix my noisy fans

It's the same one.

37 minutes ago, JR RS said:

It's the same one.

Ah, I thought there was a different one with VCDS/ODBEleven that i hadn't tried

24 minutes ago, Dave77 said:

Ah, I thought there was a different one with VCDS/ODBEleven that i hadn't tried

Not that I know off, sorry.

The VCDS/OBDEleven version is doing the same thing as shown in the video above.

There is a setting in Module 08 HVAC: "Basic Settings" and under it is "Adapt flap end stops".