What is the device on the B-pillar

[dgsaab]

2009 9-7x
On the driver's side B-pillar, behind the driver's left ear, there is a round thing about 1-1.5" diameter full of many little holes. Same color as the B-pillar trim. What is it?
And how do you take it out? Does it pop out brute force or do you have to take out the trim panel and dismount it from behind?

 

[xavierny25]

It's the interior temp sensor. For removal you'll need to move the driver seat as close to the steering wheel as possible then pull or pry the top of the lower trim(no need to remove it completely jus open it up). Lastly pry pull the upper b pillar trim from the bottom and that should give you full access to the sensor.

 

[Mooseman]

Let me guess, it's making noise? That sensor has a small fan motor. Clean out the dust and add a drop or two of oil to the fan's shaft. Usually quiets it down. If not, you'll need a new one.

 

[dgsaab]

Yes it started making noise. A very soft whirring high pitch noise. Only noticeable because it's right behind the driver's ear.
Thank you both for the detailed advice.

 

[dgsaab]

Completed successfully. For anyone else having this issue, additional hints:
The upper trim panel has a screw behind the plate labeled "Air Bag". Don't try to pull out the panel without taking the screw out first.
It's not necessary to completely remove the upper trim panel in order to pull out the sensor, but I found it easier to work with the trim removed.
The sensor comes straight out easily, it's barely held in the square hole in the sheetmetal.
The fan motor shaft is directly behind the temperature sensor. You need to have an oil dropper bottle with a small tip or similar. I wouldn't advise drenching the area in oil, it gets clogged up with dirt as it is, oil will make it worse.

 

[rchalmers3]

Mine was noisy. I looked and found it had an amazing amount of lint and dust trapped in it. There is no access from the back of the sensor to blow the collected trash out the way it entered, so I found an OEM replacement sensor on Amazon for $50. I replaced it and am very happy with the value!

Rick

 

[TJBaker57]

Mine was noisy. I looked and found it had an amazing amount of lint and dust trapped in it. There is no access from the back of the sensor to blow the collected trash out the way it entered, so I found an OEM replacement sensor on Amazon for $50. I replaced it and am very happy with the value!

Rick

Do you think a shopvac would pull stuff out without damaging anything?

 

[dgsaab]

Yes, that's what I did. Shopvac. You can use a soft artist brush to loosen any dust sticking to the thermistor or fan.

 

[rchalmers3]

Good to hear from you guys on the cleaning method. If and when it ever becomes necessary to clean the fan again, I hope to remember your ideas!

Rick