Fan (?) outlet in Ecosport by driver’s knee

[DP68]

Anyone have an idea what the small grill in the moulding by the drivers knee is for? 

[unofix]

It is the air intake sensor for checking the ambient temperature of the passenger compartment.

[DP68]

Thanks a lot. Is there any kind of mini-fan or something that might get dusty or clogged in there?

My vehicle was making a buzzing sound (a bit like a short circuit) and the garage told me it was from behind that inlet but couldn’t explain why. They made some half arsed effort to blow compressed air in there, and it seemed to stop the noise. I’d prefer a better solution/answer than that!

[unofix]

Yes there is a tiny little fan behind the vent. I would have thought on a Ecosport 2022 model it would be far to new to be failing but if it is your car is under warranty.

[DP68]

Thanks again. It’s a 2017 model. I had a secondary warranty from the garage at which I bought it and I used this to get it looked at, but they couldn’t explain why / what was going on, somewhat disappointingly, and they didn’t change any parts. 
If the noise resurfaces and it is because of an accumulation of dust or fluff on the fan, I’m hoping I can self-resolve by spraying compressed air straight through the inlet rather than dismantle the panel. 

Again, many thanks for your responses. 

[unofix]

It might help if you amend your profile to show Model Year 2017 👍

[DP68]

Newbie alert! I’ll change that. Thanks.