strange noise in car dashboard.

[joko]

i have a peugot 405, auto exec estate. m reg

inside the plastic cover of the front panel in front of the passenger seat, above the glove box, there is a strange noise.
it sounds like something is straining to turn and then clicks a few times and then tries to turn again.
its not continuous - say every 5 minutes or so.
there is no airbag here.

the manual says this area contains the 'passenger compartment temperature sensor' - but doesn't give much more info.

apparently the air con doesn't work ( only just bought it second hand and previous owner told me) - could it be the air con, trying to work?

any ideas?

thanks for your help

[selwonk]

The cogs which handle the recirculation of the air are probably worn and are clicking against each other. Not sure why it should be trying to do this if the air-con is not operating though