Creaky Center Console

wow, that's news to me, but i'm driving a genII. i think i would take it to the dealer now, unless it's too much hassle.

 

Yes this is a common problem with Gen III.

 

Mine does it too, waiting for warmer weather to try and find a fix

 

Check the bolts in the console and under the shifter. There is another thread that documents the fix.

 

Mine does a little bit, but I don't mind it. I realize it's plastic on plastic and the cold, cold temps seem to enhance the creaking. I'm thinking that warmer weather will make the creaks go away. I read on one of the threads that someone lined their console with felt, but I'm not sure if they reported results. You might try it. It's possible that some of these console creaking complaints are due to loose floor mounts, but your dealer can confirm.

Happy Motoring,

Tom

 

I heard a temporary fix was to take an old mouse pad and squeeze it between the console and the bridge. I have not tried that, but I'm considering removing the console and adding some type of padding.

 

Welcome to Priuschat

 

Actually, it seems to be a permanent fix-good to single-digit temps. The way I did it, you can't even see the foam material.
Short of tearing out the whole bridge (which wouldn't improve the situation) it's fixed.
Anyone can check if this technique will work: just stuff a heavy sock down into the space between the bridge and the console. If that quiets the creak, the foam should work.
Good luck, all!

 

I double folded some black felt from Wal-Mart that was the width of the console and slid it down between bridge and console. Stopped 90% of noise. Slightly wedging a finger between right side of console and bridge stops the rest, so this weekend will slide some felt on that side.

Your side may vary.

 

Good to hear Dan. I think I'm going to give it a shot. Thanks!

 

Here is what I wrote in previous thread.....

I like other have been dealing with the center console creaks. I finally thought of something to check, and an easy fix. First I noticed when I took mine in for service, while waiting I walked around and checked all the 2011 models. All were unlocked, and one thing I noticed was the center armrest seemed much more stable. It couldn't be wiggled like mine.

I came home, opened the armrest, took everything out. There is a piece of removable carpet. I pulled it up and found four bolts. I took out my tools and found they were so loose, it took no pressure to unscrew. So I tightened them as much as possible. I them put everything back in the box. Then I pulled up the carpet under the center stack. There is one bolt same size, but angled. It too was super loose. Again I tightened it as far as it would go. Then put the carpet piece back in. It's held down with a piece of velcro.

I have been driving all day up to LA and back to Newport Beach. Not a creak at all any more. Fixed! The top piece arm rest still is a plastic piece of junk that can make a noise if touched, but for over a year the creaking that persisted in my Prius has vanished just by tightening the bolts. Periodically I will re-tighten if needed. That is if the creaking starts up again.

So I urge all of you to check these bolts. What is with Toyota not making sure these are as secure as possible. Pathetic, such an easy thing causing so much frustration for everyone. Give it a try and good luck!

 

Hi guys! I am SO happy thanks to you guys informing amateurs like me about the bolts. Yesterday I took my car in for the 15k service and I had them tighten all the bolts inside the armrest storage compartment as well as the bolt below the center console. To my surprise all the noises are completely gone!!! After 1.5 years of driving the car around and multiple attempts in having the service department find a fix, that absolutely did the trick! I can't believe the wonderful service department never tried to do this as a possible fix. Thanks again guys!

mhajii210

 

Mine does it when cold - will have to try those bolts!


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