[keorr]

I have a 453. Last night it ran well driving home, and I parked it in the garage without issue. Today, I stated the engine, then immediately a loud lawn mower like sound emitted from the dash, seemingly directly in front of the driver's seat.

I drove the car back and forth a couple of feet, and the loud noise subsisted.

Any help/guesses on the cause?

Thank you! I cannot overstate how well this forum has served me since my first Smart car in 2008!

 

[smark]

Something got stuck in the blower ac/heater blower motor.

 

[keorr]

Thank you, Smark!

Rodents can be an issue. So you are very likely correct.

But I had a nest in the blower of an older car many years ago, and that sound was relatively soft. This sounds more like a chain saw. It's a bit frightening.

Shamefully, I don't have mechanical ability or interest. Is this something that I can easily check?

This sound is not emitted in the center of the dash. It's directly in front of the driver. I assumed the blower was in the center of the dash.

Is this sound consistent with the location of the blower, or perhaps, an acoustical illusion?

 

[keorr]

As clear proof I am no mechanic, I failed to try the obvious, and turn off the fan. I am no longer at home. But will try starting the engine with the fan off later today.

Thanks once more, smark, for your quick response!