Paper disappears between windshield and dash

[Pop2020]

Well, as the title states, today I was driving and had a Costco certificate sitting between the passenger-side sun visor and the roof when the piece of paper falls out of it's place and onto the dash and slides away between the windshield and dash. Had I not seen it happen while I was driving I might have lost my mind wondering where that piece of paper went.

Now I've got to figure out if there is anyway to retrieve it or will be end up somewhere that will cause it to make some noise (such as proximity to the A/C blower or something) or cause any other issues.

So a warning to be careful with putting anything like bills or checks or whatever up there.

Side note: I've had my original windshield replaced, so I don't know if something is different from the OEM setup or not.

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[Hot Runr Guy]

I noticed that before my windshield was replaced, so it's that way from the factory.

HRG

 

[Pop2020]

Thanks for the heads up. I would have never thought to put a paper behind the visor because I use the visor daily for, well blocking the sun . But your post makes me realize not to lay anything paper on the dash either so thanks again. You could be correct that the replacement windshield is part of the cause but I doubt the dash was ever sealed tight to the glass.

Revised original post to clarify the paper was behind the passenger-side visor.

 

[Aherpa]

Well, as the title states, today I was driving and had a Costco certificate sitting between the passenger-side sun visor and the roof when the piece of paper falls out of it's place and onto the dash and slides away between the windshield and dash. Had I not seen it happen while I was driving I might have lost my mind wondering where that piece of paper went.

Now I've got to figure out if there is anyway to retrieve it or will be end up somewhere that will cause it to make some noise (such as proximity to the A/C blower or something) or cause any other issues.

So a warning to be careful with putting anything like bills or checks or whatever up there.

Side note: I've had my original windshield replaced, so I don't know if something is different from the OEM setup or not.

I stuffed 5/8" backer rod in that gap between the dash and windshield early as a way to address a noise. I did not realize that the gap could make a piece of paper disappear though, so now the backer rod has two purposes!

 

[710-oil-614]

I have reflectix side window inserts and I've noticed from them just how many gaps there are for the interior panels - really all over the interior of the Maverick.

 

[MM Mav]

@Pop2020 There's a small metal dash plaque from Carlisle Ford Nationals somewhere behind my dash. I was setting it in place and it slid out of sight between the windshield and dash on the passenger side. @Mabcim removed the glove box and searched around with a flashlight. No luck finding it. I haven't heard any new rattles or noises from that side since it happened. My windshield was replaced shortly thereafter without the dash plaque being seen/found.

 

[Mabcim]

@Pop2020 There's a small metal dash plaque from Carlisle Ford Nationals somewhere behind my dash. I was setting it in place and it slid out of sight between the windshield and dash on the passenger side. @Mabcim removed the glove box and searched around with a flashlight. No luck finding it. I haven't heard any new rattles or noises from that side since it happened. My windshield was replaced shortly thereafter without the dash plaque being seen/found.

I had a feeling they wouldn’t see it
Must have ended up between the firewall and insulation. If, you should remain rattle free.

 

[Pop2020]

Well, I asked ChatGPT what to do about it and it gave me some ideas. I was able to take a long zip tie and "feel" around and located the paper. Now I've just got to find the right tool to move the paper up enough to be able to pull it out.

I'll update with results after I try a few things.

 

[cyberdog]

If you pull the glovebox out, and reach back just left of the blower, it may be possible to retrieve the certificate. - That's about where the 'Dash Rattle' TSB tells them to insert the passenger side foam block. Once you're hand is in there, you can actually reach up to maybe 5-6" to the right, or left.

To prevent the issue, try installing this: Dashboard Seal Strip, I installed this between the dash & windshield last year, before the TSB came out, and it substantially cut down on the tap/rattle on bumpy roads. I liked the way it sealed off the area and left it installed after inserting the foam blocks per the TSB myself.

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