I have a 2005 S-Type 3.0. I subscribe to All Data. I have an irritating rattle in the center of the dash and it is described as the center ac register making the noise. I looked, but I don't like to tear up things in the learning curve. How do you remove the instrument panel finish panel so that you can remove the center register and fix the rattle. Please treat me as a child in this and explain in practical terms how to do it. I assume I am not the only one with a rattle in that location.

Thanks

Tom in Dallas

 

Tom:
It is possible to have a rattle from that spot. But the panel against the windshield that contains the defroster vents is a much more common area for rattles. I would check it on a rough road to be sure? You can usually stop that rattle by placing your hand on the panel.
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It does not happen in the heat at all. It only happens when the temp goes down around 70 or below. If it is in that temp range then even if it does not do it, I can drive over seperator bumps and cause it. I will try and see if it is the metal plate, but it does sound like it is coming through the vent.

Thanks

 

Tom:
The panel is plastic and not metal?
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Just got back in after driving a few miles and you ARE quite correct. It is that panel and when I press down on it- it stops. It seems to coming from the area of the panel directly behind the flashing red light for the security system. What do I do to stop?

it is nice to find people that are right on!

Tom

 

In case you plan to remove it, I think you have to take off "trims" on the A pillars (each side of front screen) - which are airbags! If I'm right, someone probably can provide details but be sure to disconnect the battery and wait a while for the (electrical) charge to drain. (Hint: get JTIS)

I'd be tempted to try a small rubber wedge jammed between that panel and the screen (or some such) to start with, if there's room.

 

The best way to remove the panel and fix the rattle is to look at this thread. I think it will answer your questions.
http://tinyurl.com/nncjmc

The airbag sensor is in the "A" pillars. The air bag itself is in the headliner. So no worry about the airbags.
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On my car, the trim on the A pillar says Airbag. Weird.

 

Yes it does. But it is just an airbag sensor. The actual airbags are in the seat, the steering wheel (for the driver) and in the headliner above the two side doors.
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