My Prius has developed a very annoying rattle

[jc1745]

I have a 2005 Prius which I completely love, but unfortunately over the last year or two it's developed an extremely annoying rattle. This rattle appears to be coming from someplace under the small pane of glass that's located between the windshield and the driver's side front window. I don't hear it if the car is stationary or moving at freeway speeds, or if the weather is hot (and, I assume, whatever causes this rattle has expanded a bit and is not able to move).

Generally, it's loudest when the car is traveling on city streets at about 20 to 35 miles an hour when the weather is cool or cold.

If you'd had a similar problem, could you please let me know and suggest a way to fix it?

Thanks!

[mhawkin1]

How many miles are currently on your Prius?

[fairclge]

Watch out because sounds seem to reflect off the windshield that come from different areas in the car.

[jc1745]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mhawkin1 @ Nov 9 2007, 11:29 AM) [snapback]537267[/snapback]</div>

How many miles are currently on your Prius?
[/b]

20,950 or thereabouts.

[firepa63]

Check the upper glove box shelf and make sure it is properly installed in the slots and tabs.

[jc1745]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(firepa63 @ Nov 9 2007, 01:39 PM) [snapback]537357[/snapback]</div>

Check the upper glove box shelf and make sure it is properly installed in the slots and tabs.
[/b]

But the noise is coming from the other side of the car ...

[wjtracy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jc1745 @ Nov 9 2007, 11:06 AM) [snapback]537256[/snapback]</div>

If you'd had a similar problem, could you please let me know and suggest a way to fix it?

[/b]

I've also been noticing a rumble during bumps from that area (2006@23k miles). Not too bad so far.

[SW03ES]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jc1745 @ Nov 9 2007, 04:46 PM) [snapback]537421[/snapback]</div>

But the noise is coming from the other side of the car ...
[/b]

I'd still check it. The shape of the interior makes finding rattles very hard.

Ours rattles like an old Chevy.

[YoDaddyAlex]

sound waves can bounce around and make you think it's coming from one side when it is the other.

[Bear68]

We have repaired several dash rattles at the shop I work at. Try placing your hand flat on the dash just in front of the dash display and press up and down a few times. If you hear a "plastic on plastic" rubbing sound, of you hear a rattle by lightly slapping that same spot, the most likely cause is either the combination meter needs some foam tape added or the defroster vent may be loose. Again, adding foam tape can usually eliminate the noise.

If you are no longer under warranty, the repair is still rather simple. Most of the dash pieces are "snap together" with the addition of several philips head screws, a couple of 10 mm bolts and the two 12 mm bolts holding the passenger airbag in place.

Rattling sounds from the corners of the dash area may also be loose a/c duct work. Removing the upper half of the dash exposes the ducts and can allow easy access for adding insulating foam.