Screw Cover for Passenger Grab Handle (aka "Oh shit! handle")

In attempting to diagnose the source of an annoying vibration somewhere along the instrument panel, I removed the screw cover from the passenger grab handle. Now I can't get it to re-seat. I didn't break any of the clips (at least that I can tell) but it won't snap back in. What am I doing wrong?

 

I don't know,but I like your bumble avatar! Oh, and welcome!

 

Thanks! That's what I looked like last night trying to get that thing back in.

 

Welcome, that's a cute avatar.... LOL

Are you talking about the A pillar trim panel?
If so, there's an alignment slot above the handle itself on the underside. You'll have to manipulate the lower base pillar first and seat the two tabs into the slotted holes on the speaker grill. You'll have to peel back the rubber weatherstip molding first and set the felt covered tab also (this is also on the bottom about 3 inches from speaker cover). Then, while applying downward pressure, guide the upper portion of the pillar trim into the slotted recess (white colored and attached to body A pillar). Look behind the trim panel from the backside as you insert to help guide it in. From there, just give a firm push and check to make sure your two handle bolt holes line up and are touching the painted portion of the truck's A pillar, then proceed to secure the two handle mounting bolts. Peel the rubber flange seal back a bit to have it overlap the plastic panel piece if it is tucked under the panel.

 

I just realized, you were talking about the two covers for the handle itself. There's nothing about them that wouldn't allow a full seat or snap into place. Odd that you're having probs.

 

I now realize I should have posted a picture of the issue. The problem is with the cover plate for the bolts that secure the grab handle. I can't get it to reseat.
Hoping this picture clarifies the issue.

 

It may be the bag of weed you have hidden in there.

 

LOL!

 

There are two tabs on each end to align them. Should be very straightforward. Try inserting one side first, then the other.

 

Yeah, It'll go back but won't snap in place. Maybe I did bend a clip just enough that now it won't seat. May have to just let the dealer look at it or just replace the cover. I appreciate your feedback though!!

 

Were you experiencing a rattling sound from the right side of the dash. If so I am having the same issue. Seems to only do it first thing when the inside of the cab is cold then goes away as things begin to warm up. From the drivers seat sounds almost like its coming from the speaker on the dash on the passenger side, and yes the radio is turned off.

 

Yes! It's driving me batty. A friend thought it might have been coming from the grab handle which started me down this rabbit hole. I haven't truly investigated it beyond this for now. It's hard to isolate exactly where it's coming from, but it seems that if I push hard on the front of the dash (say above the radio) then the rattling ceases. So maybe the entire panel needs to be tightened in some way?

 

I had my girlfriend apply pressure to the right corner of the dash and lower A pillar cover and seemed to go away. Sorry you got this too, but glam I am not the only one.

 

So what was the fix? Did you tighten up some bolts or slip a shim of some sort in there to tighten things up? Or something else?

Or does your girlfriend now have to constantly apply pressure as you drive?

 

I haven't looked into yet. I am wanting to take it in for the transmission reflash and figured I'd bring it up then. Too cold lately to try it myself. Don't want to break it.

 

OK. I may take mine in as well and let them have a look while it's still under warranty. Like you I don't want to go mucking around too much lest I break something else. I already messed up this stupid cover plate. Too much unforgiving plastic and once it breaks you're toast.

 

You guys need to search for my prior post on the noise/ tapping issue, I recommend you get yourselves some felt tape also. I've redone a lot of my interior parts up front including the doors and the switch panels on the doors themselves. It works....

There are also numerous threads on this tapping/ rattling sound also.
@Haikin also has a thread with a vid on it.

 

Awesome! Will do and thanks for the tip!

 

UPDATE: Dealer couldn't get this to re-seat either so they are replacing it. I must have bent or broken something when I removed it. I also asked them to look into the dash rattle and their solution is to replace the trim piece across the front. All this is being done today so I'll report back if the issue gets resolved.