Grinding noise under dash above gas pedal

[Winston Vegas]

This just happened today. When I press the brake it stops. When I use my turn signals it stops. Sometimes it will stop by itself after letting up on brake but when I hit a bump it will start again. There is a plastic part by the steering column in the dash above the gas pedal that I can feel is making the noise. Even when I shut it down and remove the key it still goes for a while and eventually stops. Any idea what is causing this?

Thanks!

2001 Ford Explorer Sport
4.0l sohc
164,000 miles

 

[J_C]

That's quite a noise. I'd wonder if it's the turn signal blinker, possibly in combination with a failing multi-function switch. The MFS can be opened and old hardened grease and oxidized copper cleaned off, regreased with dielectric grease. Think it has 5, ~T10 or so sized screws. That is unless poor contacts caused heat resulting in some plastic melting of the casing.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Sounds like a relay clapping.