2009 ML550 RATTLE IN DASH
10-15-2014, 08:21 PM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
2009 ML550 RATTLE IN DASH
I have an 2009 ML550 that I love except for something that has developed in the last few months and is driving me and the dealer crazy. Click here to see a video recording of the noise.
I have a rattling noise inside the dash that only expresses itself intermittently on rough roads. It sounds like something is rattling inside, but doesn't happen until I hit a patch of rough road at speed. If you put a pencil inside the a/c vent and move it quickly left and right, that's what it sounds like, but deep inside. It is loudest near the speaker in the center of the dash. Covering the a/c vents with my hands only muffles it.
When I park for the night, the noise might not come back for days. It is completely random. But when I hit something that dislodges whatever is rattling, it keeps rattling for the rest of the trip -- loudly on rough roads, more diminished on good pavement, nothing when stopped at a light or intersection.
This is driving me nutz. Any ideas on where to look, what to check? I was thinking an inspection camera in the a/c vents while driving but I think the vent tubes don't head down into the dash, I think they go sideways, but I am not sure.
HELP!
I have a rattling noise inside the dash that only expresses itself intermittently on rough roads. It sounds like something is rattling inside, but doesn't happen until I hit a patch of rough road at speed. If you put a pencil inside the a/c vent and move it quickly left and right, that's what it sounds like, but deep inside. It is loudest near the speaker in the center of the dash. Covering the a/c vents with my hands only muffles it.
When I park for the night, the noise might not come back for days. It is completely random. But when I hit something that dislodges whatever is rattling, it keeps rattling for the rest of the trip -- loudly on rough roads, more diminished on good pavement, nothing when stopped at a light or intersection.
This is driving me nutz. Any ideas on where to look, what to check? I was thinking an inspection camera in the a/c vents while driving but I think the vent tubes don't head down into the dash, I think they go sideways, but I am not sure.
HELP!
10-15-2014, 11:41 PM
#2
Member
Wasn't able to watch your video but just wondering if your cabin air filter was replaced and whether something might have been left behind in the filter housing when this was done.
10-16-2014, 07:56 AM
#3
Super Member
Thread Starter
I hadn't even thought of that! That makes perfect sense. I'll check it today. Thanks!
Last edited by flybd5; 10-16-2014 at 08:01 AM.
10-21-2014, 01:33 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NYC / LI
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2013 CTS-V, 2017 Audi Q7 / Past MB's: 2011 ML350 & 2012 ML350
... Would be interesting to know if this was the OP's problem.
10-21-2014, 02:10 PM
#5
Super Member
Thread Starter
The dealer also mentioned temp sensors behind the a/c vents that may be loose but that's for them to look at afterwards.
06-12-2016, 06:01 AM
#6
Super Member
Thread Starter
I opened up the cabin filter compartment from the engine side and didn't see anything, but I have yet to remove the glove box and open it up the kosher way to check inside. I am traveling and won't be back for a week, so it's on the to-do list for next week.
The dealer also mentioned temp sensors behind the a/c vents that may be loose but that's for them to look at afterwards.
The dealer also mentioned temp sensors behind the a/c vents that may be loose but that's for them to look at afterwards.
However, at the same time they found that the rough idle they had previously written off as something related to the brake springs was actually a defective engine head that was causing compression loss in at least one of the cylinders.
06-12-2016, 10:17 PM
#7
Member
Very pleased for you that the source of the rattle was found! A single rattle like that in an otherwise quiet car, is always very annoying.
