Dash rattle/squeaks

[My98RT10]

I noticed recently, that with higher ambient temperature, my dash ('98 RT/10) produces some more rattle and squeaks when driving. It seems like it is coming from the area just in front of the driver. I am now wondering, if it would make sense to remove the dash and put it back on with maybe some kind of foam in between to better eliminate potential movement or rubbing of the dash causing the noises.

Has anyone experienced something similar and tried or found ways to fix this?

[Luisv]

i have some rattles as well.... more like some squeaks/creaks. I think they come from the central portion of the dash. Not enough to make me pull the dash, but i'd be curious if anybody has a solution/comment.

[Fatboy 18]

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If you do pull the dash make sure you disconnect the battery, the air bag modual is attached to the dash and you have to disconnect it when the dash is half off. Also tape up the windscreen pillars, the black paint on the pillars sctraches really easy.



And another pair of hands is essential for getting the dash out cleanly.

[Matt M, Pa]

In my '96 RT...I had a terrible "creak" coming from the dash. Or so I thought. I pulled the panel and padded it with the soft side of velcro. I even padded behind the instrument cluster where it connects to the actual dash. No help.

It was suggested that I check for a crack on the trans tunnel. It took a careful look under the console cover..but there it was. A hairline crack coming from one of the holes for the shifter boot. As the car would go over bumps, driveway ramps, etc...it would "pop" against itself and make a loud creak. We repaired with a nut and bolt, using a big washer on each side with body shop adhesive.

Yet...there's still a minor creak. In my case, if I reach out the window and grab the edge of the hood...it stops. I have yet to determine if it's the hood's rubber blocks creaking against their resting places by the windshield...or maybe the door.

Hope this helps. I thought for sure it was the dash...but in my case..it wasn't.

[My98RT10]

Thanks for all the helpful comments! I once was hunting a dash rattle in my Fiat Coupe that drove me crazy and I couldn't locate the source of it. One day, I found it by accident when standing in front of the car with the hood open. I noticed some scratches on one of the shocks keeping the hood open (on the driver side) and then it made click. That shock was rubbing against something when the hood was closed and everytime I drove over bumps or similar, it rattled. I think I searched for the source of the rattle for at least 6 months inside the car/dash, without success.

In this case, the noise/rattle is not so present in spring or fall, when temperatures are lower. I will search a bit more before removing the dash. Frankly speaking, I don't really fancy removing the dash...