rattling/tickling

[ultraseven]

Hi all, I've purchased my 04 C32 around mid October and so far the car has been great. It's a much more comfortable commuter than my 5 spd Prelude in the SF Bay Area traffic.... But, one annoying problem has surfaced. There's a constant tickling sound behind the center area, near the audio/HVAC controls. (Note: I do not have COMMAND - so it's a tray between the 2) Has anyone had this problem before and do you know what the cause is? How long did it take for the dealer to fix it? Thanks!

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[coppermine]

I have the same exact problem. I took it to the dealership but they were unable to reproduce it. Unfortunately this noise is still there.

[tom incredibie]

argh! i have this problem also

[DL_AMG]

I have the same problem. Apparently the ticking sound is from that thin plastic (AL look) gill between empty tray (Comand)and AC unit.
My friend was told by VW technician about a product call Silicon Film that you spray on the rattle area and the sound will disappear until the film wear out. My friend used on his rattle area in his Passat which he constantly complaint to me about his rattle Passat. To his surprise, it works!! He said the last time his car sounding this quiet was perhaps 6 to 8 months ago which was when he bought the car less than 6 month.
I'm going to give it a try soon.

[tom incredibie]

Originally posted by DL_AMG
I have the same problem. Apparently the ticking sound is from that thin plastic (AL look) gill between empty tray (Comand)and AC unit.
My friend was told by VW technician about a product call Silicon Film that you spray on the rattle area and the sound will disappear until the film wear out. My friend used on his rattle area in his Passat which he constantly complaint to me about his rattle Passat. To his surprise, it works!! He said the last time his car sounding this quiet was perhaps 6 to 8 months ago which was when he bought the car less than 6 month.
I'm going to give it a try soon.

if this is true, my car will be covered in that stuff

[DL_AMG]

the sound is from the circle area...

[vinmanc32]

I had the problem just last week and it took them about 4 days to repair it. They have to remove the entire dashboard to fix it. I think everyone has had this problem. I wonder if its a problem on the other C class sedans as well. I got a nice, brand new C240 4Matic as a loaner. Very nice. I was impressed a great deal more than I expected to be. It must be a blast in the snow.

[steve s]

Originally posted by DL_AMG
... a product call Silicon Film ...

u talking about something like this?

[VERSUS]

mine have that noise too

[DL_AMG]

Originally posted by steve s
u talking about something like this?

No. That looks like car damping spray which create a layer of plastic...

I haven't bought the product yet...I think you can get them @ Pepboys or other auto parts store. Once you spray it, it creates a thin layer of silicon film between the 2 contact area which eliminate the rattle/tickling sound. But it will wear out over time...
Here is the similer product:
http://www.denicol.com/eaerosols.htm

[ronnie0738]

let us know how the spray can job goes.

[DL_AMG]

Originally posted by ronnie0738
let us know how the spray can job goes.

I went ahead to PepBoy and grab whatever brand they have as long as it said Silicon Spray. I tried it and it works perfectly!! NO MORE rattle or tickling sound any more. It's only $2.99 per can. Give it a try.

[ultraseven]

Well done DL,

First of all from the other responses it seems that the problem is not an isolated basis (for better or worse). I am glad to hear that you have the option for a DIY over the counter solution rather than taking it to the dealer. Frankly I am somewhat apprehensive of any any dashboard/panel removing as putting them back on may create more problems for rattling/tickling

Thanks to all who shared their thoughts/opinions

[ntguru]

I have the same problem on my NON-COMAND C32. Multiple visits and no luck. It comes from the same exact area. I have a insert/cubby there since I don't have COMAN and if the rattle happens and I press down with very moderate force on the bottom of this insert it stops. The sound reminds me of my S4 when a small fan for HVAC (I guess it circulates cabin air over the temp/humidity sensors) had a failing bearing.

[VERSUS]

Originally posted by DL_AMG
I went ahead to PepBoy and grab whatever brand they have as long as it said Silicon Spray. I tried it and it works perfectly!! NO MORE rattle or tickling sound any more. It's only $2.99 per can. Give it a try.

Will it leave any marks on the dash ??

[DL_AMG]

ultraseven,

You are welcome. Make sure when you spray, you need to apply thru entire edge of the A/C unit. Seems like the bottom also make some noise too. Before I only spray the area I circle and not sound until heavy bumps and the sound is from the lowest cross grill below the A/C unit. So I spray some more over there and sound disapper!! Now I'm searching sound to apply the spray.

VERSUS,

It might leave a very light mark if you apply to plastic but not grill since the AL patten is pretty busy already. But I still wipe with damp cloth if I over apply the silicon and starting to drip over the plastic area. It dry pretty fast so you have to wipe fast.


ps. I even apply it to my MTB on the buttom braket and chains. No more sqeeky sounds too.

[carl]

Originally posted by vinmanc32
I had the problem just last week and it took them about 4 days to repair it. They have to remove the entire dashboard to fix it. I think everyone has had this problem. I wonder if its a problem on the other C class sedans as well. I got a nice, brand new C240 4Matic as a loaner. Very nice. I was impressed a great deal more than I expected to be. It must be a blast in the snow.

i use to have a 2002 C240 Classic... it have no such noise...
but it happens on my 03 C32 as well...

[VERSUS]

I borught that spry~~ it works...

[VERSUS]

spray~~sorry

[steve s]

got the same spray as in the pic.... just used it for the wagon... will c if rattles tomorrow... thanx a bunch...it's an old car and getting a bit rattly...