A few weeks ago a fault developed suddenly. I pressed the air recirculation button. About 16 loud clunks occur (about 1 per second) then stop. Same repeats each time car is started. Does not seem to affect heating or ventilation. Not sure about recirc, though.

Independent garage seems to know about this kind of fault ('likely motor, about £70') plus up to 7 hours removing and reinstalling the whole dash.

Since it's not causing a problem, might there be a way of stopping the noise - eg remove a fuse, cut a wire etc? Without removing the dash!

Car is 12 yo. Not worth spending £100's.