Symptom/Condition and Diagnosis Information

SYMPTOM/CONDITION

Some subject vehicles may exhibit "squeak" or "rattle" conditions believed to be in the instrument panel which may, in fact, be transmitted from other areas of the car such as wiring, interior trim, steering column, instrument cluster, gear shift, console, or heater-A/C unit. A good diagnosis procedure should be followed to isolate and cure the complaint.

DIAGNOSIS

1. If possible, have customer demonstrate noise, squeak or rattle. Many rattles and squeaks can be diagnosed by accelerating the engine with the transaxle in neutral and the parking brake applied (1,000 to 3,500 rpms is usually sufficient). If rattle cannot be reproduced, a road test will be needed.

2. When the rattle appears, try to isolate it to a specific area:

a. Underhood area.

b. Instrument panel top cover area.

c. Instrument panel cluster area.

d. Instrument panel glove box area.

e. Instrument panel center area.

Lightly touch different areas of panel, cluster, top cover, and parts of steering column to stop the noise. Then proceed to the appropriate area.
NOTE: MANY RATTLES AND BUZZES MAY BE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND TELEGRAPHING INTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IF A NOISE IS NOT LOCATED BY TOUCHING ITEMS ON THE PANEL, THE "UNDERHOOD" SECTION OF THIS BULLETIN SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FIRST. AN ASSISTANT IS NECESSARY FOR THIS TEST, ONE PERSON OUTSIDE WORKING UNDER THE HOOD, AND THE OTHER INSIDE OF VEHICLE LISTENING.