strange noise

[MichaelSim]

I've had the awd 6cyl 5spd auto VUE since July and really like it. I've heard on several occasions a loud "flapping" noise from the center of the dash. It happens in cold weather, below 30 degrees, at speeds above 60mph when I am passed by a car coming from the opposite direction (on coming traffic). It lasts for a few seconds and then just fades away. It happens just after the oncoming car has passed, like some kind of wind pocket or something. Very strange!! It does not happen all of the time. The saturn service people could not duplicate the noise and so no fixes yet!!! It has nothing to do with the fan, I've tried turning that on and off and it has no effect on the flapping noise. I'm suspecting loose cowling or something in the vent or hoses leading to the vents. When it occurs it is not as loud as when it first happened, that scared me, but still very noticeable, any suggestions.

[Heartbeat - '95 SL2]

I know nothing about the VUE's heater design, but in SL2s, unlike the traditional old heater control valves, which control flow of the coolant to the heater core, the heater core always has coolant fed. Heat into the cabin is controlled via a cable-controlled door or flap within the heater ducting. If the VUE has the same design, maybe that's what is flapping.

Maybe you can test to see if the sound changes depending on if the vents are set to recirculate vs. outside air.

[MichaelSim]

Jason,
Thank you for your reply, this sounds like what it could be. Next time it happens I'll hit the recirc button and see if it makes a difference. At least next time I'm in for service maybe I can convince them to check it out even without hearing the noise themselves

[Charlie]

MichaelSim,

Please do not post the same message in two forums. Continue this discussion here. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!
Charlie