Dashboard Issues - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

sfa500 · 11-07-2008, 02:44 PM

Hey guys, a week ago it was very cold and when I started up my camry and began to drive the dashboard was rattling alot. I was wondering if any of you have experienced this. Also, today I was washing my car and when I was cleaning the dashboard with a microfiber cloth and Armor All, I noticed that when I applied a bit of pressure it scuffed my dashboard. After I noticed it I looked at my microfiber to make sure there was no debris in it that would be causing this, and there wasnt any. I wanted to make sure that it was being caused by the microfiber so without putting on any armor all I rubbed the the microfiber against the dashboard and surely enough, it was scuffed. The best way to desribe it is a scuff, it is not scratched or anything, but you can tell because the area is dull. Has anyone had any problems with the dashboard like this? I have a feeling the dealership is going to give me a hard time on the scuffs, even though I have been using armor all and microfibers on every toyota I have ever owned without a problem. Thanks.

GT-R · 11-07-2008, 03:05 PM

I have some scuffs on the dash too, don't know how it happened, but Armor All should cover the scuffs. I don't use microfiber to wipe it though.

About the cold rattles, I think there is a TSB for it, just do a little search (type "Dash Rattles").

ghz · 11-07-2008, 03:14 PM

I have an '09 with less than 3.5K miles and my dashboard makes all kinds of noises, especially since it's become cold. I've just added it to the list of things I'm going to ask the dealer to look at it when I bring it in for my next service. If you do a search, you can find that there was a TSB or some other fix for the cold weather dash problem. I also get noise when the dash is hot and I turn the A/C on. With the dash cold, it squeaks over road irregularities.

I'm not sure what to tell you about the microfiber. Are you sure it's really scuffed? I find it hard to believe that you can scuff the dash like that. Maybe the ArmorAll isn't being uniformly applied and it just looks dull as a result. I read somewhere that ArmorAll isn't that good to use either (damages the plastics over time). Here are a few good ones:

Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #40:
http://www.autogeek.net/meg40vinrubc.html

1Z Einszett Cockpit Premium Interior Plastic Cleaner:
http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einzett-cockpit-premium.html

303 Aerospace Protectant:
http://www.autogeek.net/16oz.html

I've tried the first two, but I've heard good things about the 303 as well. That 1Z stuff cleans amazingly well. I used it on my wife's Corolla to clean some stains I thought would never go away.

-G

sfa500 · 11-07-2008, 03:53 PM

Ok, got some pics. I tried to get the best ones I could, sorry if it is hard to see.

Mike Gerber · 11-07-2008, 05:30 PM

With reference to the rattle in the dash when cold, is this an 07? There was a TSB out with reference to the dashboard rattles in the 07's when cold. This usually happens when the temperature dipped below 30 degrees F. It went away when the interior warmed up. The TSB incolved the dealer removing the entire dash and padding the plastic clips with some felt pads. The TSB allowed 6-1/2 hours for this repair, so it takes some time. Also, this TSB was applied only during the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty period. How many miles are on your car?

Mike

holimont · 11-07-2008, 06:02 PM

I have an 08 LE. I made an appointment and took the car in yesterday for a cold-weather dash rattle. Unfortunately, Atlanta temperatures rose into the 70's during the day. After a tense situation yesterday afternoon, I convinced the service writer I wasn't imagining the problem. He kept the car overnight and had a different technician drive it this morning in temperatures of about 50 degrees.

The invoice says:

A. Customer states Dash Pads has a rattle noise when driving.
Cause: Loose
533991 Foamed Dash Panel and Resecured

B. Customer states Passenger B pillar rattles when driving.
062 Resecured seat belt

They gave me a loaner (Marietta Toyota) and offered to deliver my car to my house this afternoon.

Colder weather is on the way. I'll report back if the fix worked. The rattle threshhold is about 52 degrees.

LXS-mode · 11-07-2008, 06:18 PM

can you please resize your images? its hard to read the threads...

sfa500 · 11-07-2008, 06:21 PM

Well what do you guys think about these scuff marks?

workerant · 11-07-2008, 06:25 PM

Make them remove all the rattle snake before the warranty runs out. LOL

sfa500 · 11-07-2008, 06:32 PM

This is a 2009 Camry purchased in may of 08 by the way.

gdanaher · 11-08-2008, 10:39 AM

I solved most of the rattle problem by finding some 1/8 inch thick packing foam, clipping off a small 2 x 2 piece, and shoving it down between the windshield and the dash assembly with a thin plastic ruler that would flex a little. Problem solved and nobody had to destroy my dash to get the job done.

sfa500 · 11-08-2008, 01:13 PM

Well I am actually more concerned about the blemishes on the dash than the cold rattle at this point.

gdanaher · 11-08-2008, 04:41 PM

Try some of the Armour All and if that doesn't fade it, do as some other guys have done and put one of those monster 'TRD' logo plates right there and cover it up. Really, the dash treatment products should take care of this.

sfa500 · 11-08-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdanaher

Try some of the Armour All and if that doesn't fade it, do as some other guys have done and put one of those monster 'TRD' logo plates right there and cover it up. Really, the dash treatment products should take care of this.

I already tried to armour all it again.