Blower fan blades could have leaves/pine cone needles in the housing is another possible ..

Some of those aspirator systems air exchange is up where you mention, but others have a tube that the air comes out..the actual motor is down below...
The 210 Sampler is in the overhead light console, as you suggest.
And most sampler motors screech rather than tick.
The blower coast to a stop after CC is turned off, so that is a likely possible. Try just the blower with CC in EC.

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A Dalton