Dashboard removal

[FTMaverick80]

This may sound crazy, but if the rattling dashboard drives me crazy enough, I might be tempted to remove it and add sound deadener under the dash. I have plenty left over from my project car.

Has anyone removed the dashboard and how easy and time consuming is it?

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[bgn]

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/dash-rattle-anyone-else.53855/post-922104

 

[Oscarcat]

This may sound crazy, but if the rattling dashboard drives me crazy enough, I might be tempted to remove it and add sound deadener under the dash. I have plenty left over from my project car.

Has anyone removed the dashboard and how easy and time consuming is it?

This is tangental to your post, but it seems with all the electronics, mechanical stuff etc. hidden and inaccessible under the dash, auto manufacturers would design the top of the dash to be removable for inevitable servicing .

It can't be cost effective for them, under warranty, to spend hours doing this. Which is why they dance around and deny claims.

Modern aircraft, even newer General Aviation planes, are designed with electronics bays. Why not motor vehicles?

 

[FTMaverick80]

I'm with you on that one, my friend.

If it's an afternoon project and I determine that I can do it with minimal risk of breaking something, i'll tackle it. I'm mechanically inclined enough.

I had a project car and it's a shock at what a difference cheap insulation made.

 

[Darnon]

It can't be cost effective for them, under warranty, to spend hours doing this. Which is why they dance around and deny claims.

More cost effective to streamline it on the production side where it affects all units than for the relatively small percentage where it might make a difference on the warranty side.

That said it's relatively not that bad to pull the whole dash assembly on a modern vehicle if needed. Typically under a dozen bolts and a few main connectors.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Snap, crack, pop.
The three sounds before the words 'Oh Sh#t' and thoughts of $$$$$$.

The dash isn't made of very robust plastic.
If I can't fix the rattle when going over rumble strips without removing the dash.
I would rather live with the occasional rattle than break something while trying to remove the dash.

 

[FTMaverick80]

More cost effective to streamline it on the production side where it affects all units than for the relatively small percentage where it might make a difference on the warranty side.

That said it's relatively not that bad to pull the whole dash assembly on a modern vehicle if needed. Typically under a dozen bolts and a few main connectors.

Yeah, I can't imagine it being too terrible...... I just wish I could finde a video or write up somewhere.

 

[MetalsGeek]

First, you blow down the refrigerant from the HVAC system...

 

[Darnon]

First, you blow down the refrigerant from the HVAC system...

Ironically enough, yes.

 

[MetalsGeek]

I've pulled more than one dashboard, typically to replace a failed heater core. It takes all damn day to complete the job. You better have a good vacuum pump and a manifold gage set as well as enough refrigerant on hand before you start. The steering wheel has to come off too, so there is the whole airbag deactivation thing. IMHO, it's not unlike pulling an engine/tranny. You find unexpected wrinkles the first time thru...
I've heard rumors that the Mav's HVAC system is used to keep the battery pack in its happy place under heavy usage. If the refrigerant is not recharged before driving the vehicle, there could be consequences...

 

[bgn]

Link I posted above has info on that process from the service manual. My feedback to anyone that attempts it: all the best.

On account of the abysmal plastic, tons of steps, and the lack of trust I have in Ford's service departments, I'll be living with the rattles until or if I can fix them myself without pulling anything.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Link I posted above has info on that process from the service manual. My feedback to anyone that attempts it: all the best.

On account of the abysmal plastic, tons of steps, and the lack of trust I have in Ford's service departments, I'll be living with the rattles until or if I can fix them myself without pulling anything.

That's a fact .... The second, the first snap happens and the snapped off piece falls Into the dashboard abyss forever to rattle itself.

 

[mepot101]

I found my dash rattle........
Turns out it was the passenger seat, the handle that lets the seat slide forward and back. I first thought it was in the right a pillar. Secured some wires. Looked under the dash, secured some stuff there. About worried the crap out of me until I realized if I held the passenger seat the noise quit.
Put a small piece of shop rag under the end of the lever under the seat.
No more 'dash' rattle.

I have worked in a dash in an 18 wheeler. I would rather have my butt kicked than remove a dash.

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