2003 Dash Rattle FOUND!

Not that you knew it was lost or anything. Anyhoo, after installing an audio system that includes a modest subwoofer I started having terrible dash rattles even driving along on a nice flat paved road. After searching the forum, I found some remedies, but nothing that worked for me. Foam between the dash & windshield just moved the noise around. It was driving me batty.

I noticed that applying pressure to the center of the dash made it go away. The dash also has a good bit of give there. So I pulled the plastic center piece which goes around the radio & had a peek inside. After poking around for a bit, I found a gap in the plastics. It isn't visible from the inside of the cabin, but when you pull the center panel you can see it.

There's a gap in the plastics where the main dash piece connects with what appears to be the defroster fins. These 2 pieces become separated somewhat and rattle at the slightest vibration. I used a couple pieces of closed-cell foam - the stuff you'd use to seal a garage door at the bottom, but other stuff would work. This is just tapered at the ends and makes install easier. To find the gap, or at least where mine is, look to the right of the center A/C vent...you'll see the light coming through the gap. Cram a little rubber in there. I got probably 2-3 inches across the dash. Be careful as there's lots of sharp stuff in there - especially the vent itself. You'll have little room to work as well. Then put the dash back together and go for a spin.



Here's the stuff I used to stick in the gap - garage door seal. I use this stuff for soooo many things.



Here's one of the pieces. 2 of them is all it took.



In all, if you've removed that center panel before, it requires about 15 minutes and made a HUGE difference in cabin noise. Good luck & happy noise reduction!

 

Wish I'd have found this years ago. I had a 2001 Taco and had this exact rattle. I figured I'd have to remove the whole dashboard to find the cause. Assumed it was a pen or pencil that fell between the winshield and dash. Ended up rolling up a square of shop towel and jamming it down there. Hope your post helps someone keep their sanity.

 

I had the dash rattle in my 02. I put on a dash mat and tucked the edge that goes along the windshield down in the crack between the dash and windshield. No more rattle.

 

>> Not that you knew it was lost or anything. Anyhoo, after installing an audio system that includes a modest subwoofer I started having terrible dash rattles even driving along on a nice flat paved road. After searching the forum, I found some remedies, but nothing that worked for me. Foam between the dash & windshield just moved the noise around. It was driving me batty.<<

I hate rattles, especially those that come and go with the slightest change in temperature or road conditions.

That's a good post. A very good post! Probably won't help me 'cause I have a 1998. But it should help those who have a 2000>2004. Thanks for posting this!

 

Pictures added

 

Awesome post...been trying to locate a "rattle" since washboards in Death Valley opened something up. Thanks!

 

I found a few of those. The road to Titus Canyon comes to mind. Good thing I was in a fleet Suburban and not my Taco.