Hello

I've been spying on the site for a while now but haven't posted yet. A few months ago I purchased a 2008 RL and have just found my first reason to post.

You see... my instrument cluster rattles whenever I role over seems in the road, or travel over rough pavement where light vibration is created through out the car. Its not like it takes a large bump to make this rattle happen its happening at all times over very light bumps. The sound isnt a deep sound, the best way to describe it is it sounds like if you dropped a screw into a pop can and drove around with it in your cup holder. I can recreate it by giving the instrument cluster hood a thump with my hand but not by hitting the steering wheel in any areas. Its REALLY annoying.

Two Questions :

First: Anyone know what it is?

Second: Anyone have a DIY on removing the instrument cluster?

Thanks everyone. Happy to now be a full member on the site.

 

1. if you are certain its the cluster, are you comfortable/capable of removing it?

2. my guess is that its the bottom hinge on the glove box.

3. welcome.

 

Thanks Heavy

I'm fairly certain its the cluster. I cant see how that high frequency rattle would transfer over to the driver side. How would I test if its the glove box?

I am comfortable / capable of removing the cluster its just knowing where the pinch clips and screws are located. Any ideas?

Any more help?

 

I didn't look for the driver's switch panel instructions.

Service manual is here: https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/service-manual-1-download-856199/

 

oo7spy, Thanks for the link. I saw the thread with the folder version but this is better. Contains the whole manual. Do you know what section these instructions are in? The manual is organized alphabetically and cant be searched.

Im going to remove this tonight when I get home and inspect for loose screws, wires and connections that could potentially be causing this issue.

 

I downloaded each PDF from the previous link. I don't know how the single download is organized, but I pulled that info from Guages.pdf. If you have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you should be able to do an advanced search on the entire directory.

 

I had the glove box rattle and to test it, just leave the glove box door open when going over bumps and see if the noise is still there. If it is, use some felt tape (like the ones you stick on the bottom of furnitures) and stick them towards to top.

 

Well I found it.

After doing all this ...



I realized the rattle was coming from below. This hard wire loom was rattling against sometime of metal support. I just pushed it up and out of the way. If it comes back Ill wrap the cable in felt.

 

wow, good find!!!

 

How did you get to it - from under the sterring column? As a recomendation, since you have the wood trim piecesyou might consider wrapping the edges in felt. I had to do that with one of mine because it rattled againt the dash.

 

Yes, I removed the panel just below the steering column and was able to reach it. Really didnt have to move it much to keep it from rattling anymore.

Good note. My trim isnt rattling yet. If it does Ill add more felt to the edge. It looks like there is already a small bit from the factory.