So this has been happening for a few months now, so I've been A/C-less and have had no ability to use the front defrost or anything air related.

It appears to be the blower motor that is shot. Grinding noise happens in all modes of air flow and all temperatures. There was a very minor change of smell many months ago before this occured, but no smell now--- just this horrendous noise lol. After a short burst of noise, it just shuts off all together and you'd have to press "off" and start it again to actually try and turn it back on as shown in the video.

The dealership wants $140 diagnostics fee which is ridiculous so I'll likely just take my dash / passenger front apart to see whats up.

Any ideas/ experience with this? Video below.

It says "This video is private."

Those videos are always the best kind...

fixed the video link. please have a look!

Could it be the filter was change and did not put it on recirculate mode? Thats the only thing i could think off..

did you figure out how to fix this? i have the same issue

That noise is from the actuator arm that moves the cabin air filter box during transition from
recirculate to fresh air mode. Change modes to see if the noise stops, if it does you need to inspect the
actuator arm for damage. Hopefully its just popped out of place and can be put back in the proper spot.
If the arm or mechanism is damaged it may be costly to repair.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...+filter+damage

it turned out to be the fan wobbling off the center....go figure