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Elusive Dash Rattle

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by MyPriusRattles, Aug 8, 2014.

  1. MyPriusRattles

    MyPriusRattles New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2014
    2
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    Location:
    Palo Alto CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hi PriusChat,
    As my username suggests, I have a rattling problem with my 2011 Prius and I was hoping you guys could help me out! Here are the quick facts:
    • The rattling typically happens while going over bumps or driving on patchy roads. It happens when running over the "buttons" on the road. [​IMG]
    • The noise is not related to RPM, or transition from battery to engine usage.
    • If I had to describe the noise, I would call it a "plasticy" buzzing/ticking.
    • It definitely sources from the driver side dashboard. Passengers cannot hear it well.
    • This is a video of the rattling.
    • I have tried pressing down on various panels, none seem to eliminate or dampen the sound completely.
    • However! Smacking the light-gray panel below the "triangle window" use to temporarily reduce the noise.
    • [​IMG]
    • I've tried removing the same panel below the driver side "triangle window" because I thought the noise was coming from there but it persisted.
    • I read on another rattle thread that the column supporting the roof (and bordering the triangle window) is the real culprit, but punching it only reduces the rattle sometimes.
    • I've brought it into my local Toyota and they did a search for anything that could be rattling. They didn't help, and after they finished the center console was rattling too (which I've fixed).
    Any help would be greatly appreciated, please let me know if there's any more information I can give!
    Thanks guys!


    EDIT: Also, cold weather seems to worsen the symptoms. I should also state that sometimes I have little to no rattling, but on other trips there is no end to the rattling.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,787
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome to rattle chat!(y)
     
    mmmodem likes this.
  3. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    1,358
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I'm struggling with a rattle I thought was coming from my driver side door.

    It seems to be coming from the dashboard. I pressed my toe up on the fuse block, and it stops.

    Today, I removed the bolt securing the fuse block to its support. Basically, if I gently shake it (bolt attached) I hear a tapping higher up in the dashboard. I can't see it, though.

    I pushed the fuse block so that it's mounting brace went BEHIND the place it screws in (normally, it's in front). I had to put the bolt in from the back to secure it. The extra 1/2 inch is repositions the fuse block seems to solve the problem. I will know later this week if the rattle does not come back. If so, I'll need a matching nut and washer so I can redo the mounting bolt as it should be. I'll post pics if it works out.
     
    MyPriusRattles likes this.
  4. edwardob

    edwardob Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2009
    227
    33
    0
    Location:
    ireland
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    interested in this one..... like to see your progress.... not sure where this fuse block is?
     
  5. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    1,358
    396
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    On the 2013 model, under the dash in front of and a bit to the right of the parking brake pedal.
     
    edwardob likes this.