Mystery sound behind dash at startup.

[Golftropy]

Hi y’all,
2015 GTI , 63k: on startup has this funny squealing/groaning noise for a few seconds, thegoes away. Doesn’t occur at every startup.
Here’s a video of the sound:

Thanks!

 

[jimlloyd40]

Just sounds like maybe the fuel pump priming. Try it with your hood open and you or someone else listen from there.

 

[The Fed]

I'll bet a blend or other door. Try to listen for where behind the dash it is. Do you have the A/C turned on? If so, shut it off and see if it does it.

 

[kevinkar]

That definitely sounds like an environmental diverter and not the fuel pump. That primes when I open the door of my R and you should hear it when you open the door too.

 

[The Fed]

Sounds like the gears are binding.

 

[jimlloyd40]

That definitely sounds like an environmental diverter and not the fuel pump. That primes when I open the door of my R and you should hear it when you open the door too.

What's an environmental diverter?

 

[Golftropy]

I'm guessing by "environmental diverter" and "blend," what is meant here is part of the ventilation system (a flap) that diverts air to the vents that opens at every start-up. It does make the sound with AC off. I should try it with every variation of fan speed & temperature...
The sound comes from behind the vents (as in video), so that makes more sense than the fuel pump.

 

[KevinC]

The blend door is a very common failure. Google it for more info. Part is not terribly expensive nor difficult to install.

 

[kevinkar]

What's an environmental diverter?

English as a second language?