Rattling Radio/Dash - Diesel Forum

IMartin · 04-23-2003, 11:14 AM

Anyone have an annoying rattle coming from the center dash area in and or around the radio? Sounds as if a tape was left in the ejected position in the tape deck. I've pulled the radio out, left it half way in, pushed it all the way in. No fix yet. Dealer can't seem to hear it. Imagine that. Thanks in advance.

dmftoy1 · 04-24-2003, 06:13 AM

I've got one that I haven't been able to figure out in the same area, but it's wierd in that it only happens when the weather is down near zero, and after the interior "heat" gets comfortable it goes away. Sounds somewhat like what you're talking about. Since it goes away I haven't done much to try to solve it.

Good Luck!

Regards,
Dave

IMartin · 04-24-2003, 09:56 AM

Precisely. I forgot to mention that it is much more pronounced/appearant during colder mornings. Like yours, mine seems to go away as the interior heat goes up. Sorry for you, but I'm glad I'm not the only one. I'll bet there are many more out there like ours. Dealer has tried 3x to fix. No luck. Right now I've got my radio about 98% tucked into the console. The sound engineer at FORD thouhgt it could be the little brackets that hold the radio in place and that they may not be exhibiting enough pressure.

shamuex2000 · 05-01-2003, 08:32 AM

Pull out the radio, and look back into the opening in the dash. There are two screws that are above the radio that secure the plastic dash facia. Mine were not tightened at the factory. Dale

IMartin · 05-01-2003, 01:19 PM

Thanks. I'll do that. Maybe that will help.

Bruce1954 · 05-01-2003, 03:31 PM

I know I have a rattle when it is cold, but it comes from the slide out cup holder. Slide it in, or add/remove weight and the rattle goes away.

I drove mine for a couple of weeks with no screws above radio while wiring my remote start/alarm and did not notice any change.

Good luck
Bruce

shamuex2000 · 05-02-2003, 08:50 AM

The other thing I noticed was that if you remove the large panel below the steering column, you will see a steel dash brace on the right side of the opening. There are two heavy ground wires on the right side of this brace that were loose on my Ex. Tightening them corrected a small rattle, and an intermittent radio issue that I had. Dale

dmftoy1 · 05-03-2003, 06:34 AM

All good suggestions! I've printed the post for future reference. For the next week my X is going nowhere without a trailer full of house stuff destined for the new place! Can't afford to be taking her apart now!

Take care,
Dave

jschira · 05-03-2003, 04:10 PM

Got the same dash buzz.

How do you take the radio face plate off? I want to check my screws.

rxbike · 05-03-2003, 05:56 PM

Go to autozone or kragen (checker) and get the ford radio tool for about 5.00 or two piece of coat hanger grounded down to fit the four holes on your radio to unlock the head unit to slide her on out then check all the screws you want
Dan

jschira · 05-03-2003, 07:40 PM

Thanks. What have you got to do, push the wire into those holes until I pop a latch?

I got lots of coat hangers laying around.

Come to think of it, Lots of AutoZones laying around too.

rxbike · 05-04-2003, 09:52 AM

Just stick the u shaped keys into both sides and the radio will release then use the keys to slide it out far enought until you cna grab the radio and pull out. Watch out you don't damage any wires/antenna cable attached to the back by pulling out too hard
Dan

jschira · 05-04-2003, 11:25 AM

OK. Went to the parts store and bought the Lisle tool. $7.49. Works like a charm.

There are 100's of things back there that can be buzzing. Who knows what it is. I zip-tied all the wires that looked loose to something and tightened every screw that I could get to. Let's hope that does it.