I recently had my windshield replaced (2005 TL) and now every time the body flexes when entering a driveway, I hear creaking & popping noises coming from the map light housing (square plastic housing right in front of rear view mirror.

I've been to the dealership twice and they have replaced the housing, added extra foam and the sound still persists. It gets worse when the car has been out in the hot sun.

Cliff Notes:
-Windshield replaced
-Creaking/popping noises in map light housing when body flexes
-Sound is worse when car is hot

Any thoughts would be appreciated

 

Just a few thoughts...

Does the creaking stop if you put light pressure on the map lights?

Does the creaking vary if the moon roof is opened a bit and/or if the sun shade is pulled back?

Have you made sure it is not the wind deflector issue? (there is a well known foam tape fix for that) That's all right over where your noises are coming from.

My sun visors creak and rattle sometimes. Try putting pressure on them when you hear the noise to see if it goes away.

 

Sorry I don't have an answer but my new-to-me '05 ABP/Camel with Nav has the exact same problem, so far its my main issue with the car.

 

Thanks for the reply!

I will try putting my finger on it when the body flexes, but whenever I have pushed on it when stopped, the creaking / popping sound happens when I push up on it.

I will try out the sunroof suggestion as well.

 

UPDATE: I tried the aforementioned checks and the sound still persists.

I think my windshield was not aligned correctly when installed, so I want the dealership to check this. I noticed that the little window for the VIN is higher than normal.

Any one else have any ideas?

 

Seems pretty much like the evidence is pointing to the windshield. Did acura put the window in? I usually have Glass America put my windshield (when repairing chipped or shattered windshield from road debris, etc)

 

No, I had Perfection Auto Glass in Livermore, CA do it. They installed the factory glass, and they did a good job (so I thought).

I want to the dealership to check the windshield alignment and provide me with exact specs on how to properly align in. Once they have documented this in the service write-up, I will see if they are willing to fix it, or I will go back to Perfection with the write-up and tell them to re do it (they have a 1 year warranty on work and parts).

Keep the feedback coming folks .

 

I thought I read previously in this forum that the glass is used as a structural member in the car. Make sure they actually used the factory replacement glass and the correct adhesive to install it.

 

The used the same glass that is sent to the Acura factory in Ohio. It's manufactured by AP Tech, but I will get the info from the dealer on what type of sealant they use.

 

I just checked the windshield on the '05 preowned I just got and it looks like it has been replaced, it is Carlex glass (I believe they OEM for Honda and many others). Like I mentioned earlier, I also have a wicked bad creaking noise from the map light area. Hope this data helps in some way.

 

I do believe AP Tech is the only OEM maker for TL windshields to my knowledge.

Glad to see I am not the only one with this problem

 

This is true, and the windshield plays a very important part in a crash. The windshield contributes 60% to roof support during a rollover, and it is also the backboard for the passenger side airbag, and in an accident it must retain the force of the passenger/airbag striking the windshield. If installed incorrectly it could leave the car in a hurry, but hopefully you'll never need to find out.

Who knows what adhesive was used, or how it was applied.

Good luck.

 

I am meeting the lead tech tomorrow morning to talk this over in detail. I am hoping he prints out install instructions to the windshield, along with a parts list (including adhesive type).

 

Sounds like the structural adhesive making the noise. If the vehicle is driven prematurely without letting the adhesive cure (at least 24hrs) its going to flex and make that rubbing noise. The fix is to have the glass shop reinstall it. It's happened to me before and most recently happened to my coworker's BMW.

The best thing to do is to have a mobile glass installer come to your house and install it so you can leave your car at home undisturbed without driving it. If safelite auto glass is in your area they are pretty good. I've used them before in my area with success and pleasure.

 

^^^
Thanks for the feedback!

I will call my installer and tell them this to see if it makes sense.

 

Just got back from the dealer and my suspicions were correct, the windshield was installed too high and too far to the right.

The housing of the rear view mirror (black piece on the neck) was pushing up against the map light housing.

They took off the cover to the rear view mirror and the creaking is gone!

I will post pics of the situation tomorrow, and I already called the installer and set up an inspection on Monday.

 

I pulled my maplight console this afternoon and applied black electrical tape anywhere I though 2 surfaces could meet and cause friction that in turn cause the creaking noises. So far the noise is gone, I will give it a few days to see if it comes back.

 

You should take the car back to the dealership and have their windshield guys look at it. Maybe they have a warranty on the replacement work like my place does.