Daytona L4-135 2.2L SOHC (1984)
Technical Service Bulletin # 230485
Date: 841221
Instrument Panel - Squeaks & Rattles
Models
All 1984 & 1985 Front Wheel Drive Domestic Passenger Cars
Subject
Squeaks & Rattles In Instrument Panel Area - Diagnosis
Index
BODY Date
December 21, 1984
No..
23-04-85
Symptom/Condition & Diagnosis Information
SYMPTOM/CONDITION
Vehicles may exhibit squeak and rattle conditions believed to be in the instrument panel, which may be transmitted from other areas of the car such as:
wiring, interior and exterior trim, steering column, instrument cluster, console, gear shift, heater-A/C unit, or the engine compartment. A good diagnosis
procedure will assist you in solving the problem. For the sake of clarity, not all possible combinations are described here. Refer to failure codes in the
Front Wheel Drive Labor Operations Manual for others.
DIAGNOSIS
If possible, have customer demonstrate the noise. Many squeaks and rattles can be reproduced and diagnosed by accelerating the engine, 1000 to 3500
rpm's are usually sufficient. If rattle cannot be reproduced by this method, a road test will be needed. Most noises occur on specific road conditions,
speeds, and temperature ranges. Have customer explain the conditions, and try to reproduce if possible. When a noise appears, isolate it to a specific
area:
^
Engine compartment
^
Instrument panel top cover
^
Instrument panel cluster
^
Instrument panel center and right side (glove box and console)
Lightly touch different areas of the panel to stop the noise, then proceed to the appropriate section. Check for loose screws before removing any Darts to
repair noise. Whenever yo remove parts, look for rub marks. Add a piece of foam to the point of contact.
Always verify the problem is repaired with a road test. If a noise cannot be eliminated by touching items on the panel, investigate the "Underhood"
section first. An assistant is necessary for this, one person working under the hood, and another person inside the vehicle.
Underhood, Top Cover/Trim Pad & Instrument Cluster Area Information
Underhood 23-19-20-00
1.
Engine compartment components are a major source of instrument panel noise. Most are induced by a specific rpm. (If noise is not reproduced by
accelerating the engine, go to Step 2.) These noises are caused by contact to a vibrating component. Some known problems are: fuel lines, brake
lines, H-valves, wiring, A/C hoses, and components and/or shift cables touching sheetmetal or underhood components. (For possible shift cable
noise, refer to "Panel Center" section.) Pulling these items away will eliminate the noise. Verify you are correct by letting the item make contact
again. Isolate permanently with foam tape, tie strips, or by bending the item to obtain clearance.
2.
Some problems are induced by road vibrations. A quick way to find some of these problems is to flex or press on body components, checking for
loose or missing screws. Some noises you can find in this way are: loose fenders, headlamp bezels, hood hinges and stabilizers, cowl screens, and
washer bottles. Tightening screws or isolating the loose items with foam tape will repair the deficiency.
Some underhood problems can only be reproduced by driving the vehicle. The most often heard underhood problem is speedometer cable noise.
This noise is usually most apparent at speeds under 45 mph as a constant ticking or rumbling sound. (For suspected speedometer cable noise refer to
"Cluster" section 23-19-80.) Loose hoods, fenders, etc. may only make noise when driving the vehicle. Rough road conditions are usually the best at
helping to locate these. Listen closely to determine area of failure. Check the area for rub or wear marks or chipped paint. Bend or move parts to
obtain clearance.
