Fix for ticking clicking noise in center console - 97 Eddie Bauer
The ticking/clicking noise was really getting to me so I opened up the center console. After completely tearing apart the arm rest part of the center console I got to the blower motor. Attached to the blower motor housing is a white box. The noise was coming from this box, part #F57H 19E616 CA (blender motor).
On the 97 and earlier 2nd generations the blower motors had this blend door and blend door motor. I also have a 99 explorer, I took that one apart as well and in the 99 the blower motor no longer has this blend door or blend door motor in the center console.
I am getting rid of my 99 ex so to fix my problem I simply swapped the blower motor from the 99 into the 97. If you don't have one to swap you can just unplug the blend door motor and the noise will go away. Make sure the blend door is in the open position when you do or you won't get any air flow.
I took pictures of the two different motors and will post them when I get a chance.