I have a rattle that is coming from the passenger side dash air bag....how do I fix it?

Hello all......I have a new to me 2001 SR5 2WD 2.4. I am workin out the issues one by one. I have a rattle coming from the passenger side dash air bag that is driving me crazy. I can push down on the windshield side...left and the rattle stops. How the heck do I eliminate this rattle?

 

I can't find the post I read about this earlier or remember word for word. I think I read somewhere on this forum it's a defect from rivets or something that connects the dash to the firewall. I'm probably wrong lol. I have the same problem. I've considered taking the dash off to try and fix it. But I think most people just put a wedge on top the dash near the glass to hold it down. I have the same problem 02 sr5 prerunner double cab.

 

Thank you for your reply. Man I hope you remembered it wrong so the fix doesnt include removing the dash. I can stop the rattle by pushing down hard on the backside of the dash air bag but I will see if I can push down further back to quiet the rattle as well. If closer to the windshield maybe I can install a wedge. Please let me know if you come across the thread....thanks!!!!

 

my passenger air bag was squeaking on rough pavement. cut little rubber strips and poked them into gap between dash and bag. also have rad that packing foam backer rod between windshield and dash helps.

 

Thanks Geez......Lets hope I dont screw up and get a air bag to the face... But will get something wedged in there!

 

Are you sure it's not the dash rubbing against the windshield? That is a known problem on Tacos, and many other vehicles. Changes with outdoor temps (expansion/contraction of dash).

If it is, most people just push some kind of small barrier, like rubber washer or gasket material or something to fill the gap.

 

Thanks......will look for that today....I will report back if I figure out a fix.

 

The airbag module also loosens up over time and rattles.
I believe it’s just three 10mm bolts holding it in place. Easily accessible once you remove the glove box.

 

Thanks Madjik....that is the reply I have been hoping for. It would be great if there was a vid for this but I can remove the glove box and take look. At least with this car I can turn the air bag off prior to working on it.

 

Last gasp. Switch off passenger side airbag and take out a large rubber mallet.

 

Today I jammed some rubber between the windshield and the dash because it was quick and easy.....we shall see tomorrow if it fixed the problem. If not I will remove the glove box.

 

Checking back in.....the rubber between the windshield and the dash worked!!!!! Thanks for the advice!!!

 

Yup, it also worked for the dealers that didn't want to follow the TSB to fix the infamous dash rattle issue the correct/recommended way by stuffing rubber gloves where needed.

 

Speaking of TSBs...
https://www.justanswer.com/uploads/johnduh/2008-04-17_203521_T-NV006-02.pdf

 

Yep, that's the one. I remember some dealers didn't want to do all that work so they just stuffed gloves or whatever they had up in the dash. Not just one incident either, a few people posted about it & w/ pics. Lol

 

Thanks for posting the TSB....that helps me moving forward. I would like to tighten the airbag but the instructions arent that clear. I assume I can remove the glove box and I will see what I am looking for.

 

Be careful if not familiar with airbags. One wrong tweak and then you're looking at accidental deployment which could seriously you up. In the case of the airbag,

 

Yep thats why I went the route of a piece of rubber first. I am scared to death of working around airbags. In my truck I guess I can turn the airbag off which could come in handy

 

Yep, I fixed my 2003 DCSB by doing this.

 

So Jason....u just removed the glove box with the air bag turned off or fuse removed and the airbag bolts were clearly visible???