Tightening the defrost vents...

earwicker7 · 05-19-2010, 01:02 PM

I'm one of the people who is having the dashboard rattle problem. It rattles pretty badly around 2.5k RPM or so, especially under load. It seems to be coming from around the center of the dashboard. One of the forum members thinks it might be coming from the defrost vents. I touched the vent and it does seem like there is a little more give than there should be, so with it being hard plastic, it makes sense that it could make some noise if it's moving back and forth. There is a disc-shaped object on the vent... is this something you pop off with a flatblade screwdriver to access the screw or nut or bolt or whatever? I don't want to risk scratching the dash if it doesn't do what I think it does.

SophiaZ · 05-19-2010, 03:10 PM

I want some pics and videos of your Z's setup!!! And I don't know what to do about the rattle, but I have it too haha. And ever since I got the FI exhaust, my passenger door makes rattle noises too.

earwicker7 · 05-19-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SophiaZ

I want some pics and videos of your Z's setup!!! And I don't know what to do about the rattle, but I have it too haha. And ever since I got the FI exhaust, my passenger door makes rattle noises too.

Yeah, loud exhausts make the rattle worse. It seems like the nicer the exhaust sounds, the worse the car sounds.

Botaine · 09-28-2020, 12:26 PM

I know this is an old thread but want to contribute for anyone with this issue... The defrost vents on the dash just pull out by hand, I didn't even need a pry tool. There are no screws or clips, no wonder it is loose. The circle thing is a sensor, probably a light sensor so your automatic headlights know what to do. Just push down on the dash and jam your finger under the vent, then do that along all the rest of the vent and it will pull out. Test drive with the vent out and the noise should stop, then you know you found the issue. The service manual says you can fix this with silicon spray or foam tape around the rim of the vent. It must be a common issue because they are specific about the fix when they aren't about others.

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

05-19-2010, 01:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
earwicker7 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 265 Drives: 09 370Z (maxed out) Rep Power: 16	Tightening the defrost vents... I'm one of the people who is having the dashboard rattle problem. It rattles pretty badly around 2.5k RPM or so, especially under load. It seems to be coming from around the center of the dashboard. One of the forum members thinks it might be coming from the defrost vents. I touched the vent and it does seem like there is a little more give than there should be, so with it being hard plastic, it makes sense that it could make some noise if it's moving back and forth. There is a disc-shaped object on the vent... is this something you pop off with a flatblade screwdriver to access the screw or nut or bolt or whatever? I don't want to risk scratching the dash if it doesn't do what I think it does. __________________ 2009 Magnetic Black 370Z with Touring, Sports and Navigation Packages--Fast Intentions CBE with 12" Resonators/Carbon Fiber Mufflers and LTH--Stillen G3 Cold Air Intakes, Underdrive Pulley and Grounding Kit--Uprev Tune

09-28-2020, 12:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
Botaine Base Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: America Posts: 35 Drives: 370Z Base Automatic Rep Power: 14	I know this is an old thread but want to contribute for anyone with this issue... The defrost vents on the dash just pull out by hand, I didn't even need a pry tool. There are no screws or clips, no wonder it is loose. The circle thing is a sensor, probably a light sensor so your automatic headlights know what to do. Just push down on the dash and jam your finger under the vent, then do that along all the rest of the vent and it will pull out. Test drive with the vent out and the noise should stop, then you know you found the issue. The service manual says you can fix this with silicon spray or foam tape around the rim of the vent. It must be a common issue because they are specific about the fix when they aren't about others. Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk SouthArk370Z, JARblue, Optimiser and 2 others like this.

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05-19-2010, 03:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
SophiaZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,463 Drives: 2020 50th anniv 7AT Rep Power: 6732	I want some pics and videos of your Z's setup!!! And I don't know what to do about the rattle, but I have it too haha. And ever since I got the FI exhaust, my passenger door makes rattle noises too.