Thanks R.M. Purselle for letting me know that I still have ample time to take care of this problem, what a relief ! Regarding the footwell flaps being open in heating mode when set in "AUTO", the funny thing is that it continues to make the noise whether in "AUTO" or "EC", and regardless of any vent setting. The moment I switch out of heat mode, the sound disappears whether in "AUTO", "EC" and any vent settings. Strange !