04 RAM 1500 - I have a rattle or loose fitting under the dash defrost cowling which is a separate piece of molded plastic from the rest of the dash. The rattle is more apparent in colder weather and seems to lessen after the defrost warms up the ducts and surrounding cowling. I do not see any screws holding this piece in place, so I am guessing it is held by nylon or spring retaining clips. Has anyone experienced this kind of rattle and fixed it? Or has anyone had some other reason to remove that cowling? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

I have the same problem with exactly the same symtoms and it's been driving me crazy since I bought the truck last year. I'm willing to try anything to fix it. Do you think sticking some foam rubber, sponge, etc. around the cowling would dampen the movement enough to eliminate the sound.

Roger...

 

I tried that, but it did not help. the problem appears to be under the cowling and not the cowling rubbing against the dash or a frame member. There is a groove cut circle in the middle of the cowling which might be for daylight sensor on the XLT models. It seems if I apply pressure in that area, I can lessen the rattle. The front of the cowling closest to the windshield seems to just rest on the frame. I was tempted to run a self taping screw thru, but did not want to cause more trouble. I have been looking for manuals that would give me schematics of what is under there, but have not found anything.

As something similar has happened to you, I guess I am going to check the TSBs and call my service rep for an explanation with the hope others have c/o similar rattles.

thanks

 

Patience is not one of my virtues. To soften the molded dash piece, I parked ISTI in the sunshine. With a tapered metal bar, I was able to gently pry the cowling up. I used a wood shim to open the space to slide the bar in. The cowling is held down by 6 spring V clips which snap down into the metal dash frame. The middle two clips are center inside of each middle defrost grill. Dodge really tried to reduce the noice as each clip slot and the hinges in the back are fabric lined. There was also fabric in some flat areas which must have been identified by the engineers needing separation. There is one positioning post (located center right) that was not lined and had signs of rubbing. I used some foam tape that I slotted and postioned behind and around this post.

The dash snapped back in place. I took it for a ride, but being one of the first warm days in WI, the absence of rattle may be related to the warmed, more flexible dash piece. However, maybe come Fall, the only noise I'll hear is that which I selected from the cd player!