I've got 2004 C5 that has a nasty rattling/banging noise coming from inside the dash on rough road and bumps. It's coming from the left of the climate controls. It's obvious that that somebody has been in behind the climate controls at one time before I bought it because they are not lined up properly. They're a little cockeyed.

Is there a bracket back under the dash that could be causing this racket?

I was told the dash would have to come out to come out to fix it. I'm hoping to avoid that.

 

You don't need to take the whole dash out, just the center console (which is pretty easy). There are some how-to threads in the stereo section.

 

The climate control has plastic studs that mount inside the metal frame of the dash, as well as bolt in. There should be no reason for it to be in there off angle unless someone broke those studs off. even then... Should be close.


As I remember removing the center console/bezel.
If you open the center console lid, at the back there will be 2 plastic covers. Pop those out, and there will be 2 10mm bolts holding the back in.
once removed, you can pop up the piece with the traction control button from the back side while the console lid is open. Just use a screwdriver covered in a rag. There will be some electronic connections that need to be removed. 1 for the traction control button. One for the air bag. And one on the cig lighter in the console compartment. I asume one for the selective ride if you have that.
I think the air bag electronics connection you need a tiny slot screwdriver to get under the plastic to get it to slide out.

Under this panel, there will be 2 more 10mm bolts. you might be able to slide the center console storage unit back once the bolts are loose at this point. But there will be an electronic connection still under it for the gas door release and a short amount of wire. I usually lock my console with the key and flip it over and remove the connection that is really tight in there. You could leave this connected and just slide the console/arm rest section back as far to the trunk area as possible. Just remember to slide it staight back lifting the rear section off those 2 studs at the far back.

Now on to the bezel. I may leave a few bolts out as mine has been messed with a whole lot and I dont remember the correct count. You should go easy and try to find any addition screw/bolts holding it in that I may have missed.
I believe there are 2 torq screws in the ash tray area. and another one behind that vent piece next to the ignition. you will need to pop that plastic vent piece out with a screw driver as well. Cover it with a rag to keep from tearing up the plastic.

I cant remember for the life of me if there is anything under the rubber gromet in the cup holder. I dont think so, but take a look.

Next with be dealing with the shift boot. it can be pulled up, or pushed down under the console. The more this bezel is pulled in and out, the looser and easier it will be to move the boot. I dont know how an auto is dealt with. Only manual trans.

There is also an electrical connection for the cig lighter in the bezel that will need to be undone.

This should be all there is to get the center bezel out. you may need to put the shifter into a gear that is towards the trunk of the car to give you room to manuver this around. There is also 2 plastic tabs that hold the bezel above the radio (it might stick there), and one tab that grabs the passenger side of the dash to keep it from popping out. this will be about where the E-brake button is when the brake is OFF and down.

Hope this helps you out. It is one of those jobs that once you do it (and have the tools handy), you can do it the next time in 4 minutes.
I really have no idea what could be ratteling around in there. Maybe something broke off. Maybe one of those screw retaining clips that most of the dash is built with... or an electrical connection that is not connected. Would be interested in what you find.

 

here is a pic from a thread I was just doing a search on for stereo installs that shows what it looks like in there.

Lots more pics here as well.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...-overhaul.html



As you can see it is pretty solid.
You may be able to pull down the lower drivers side hush panel and take a look on the side there as well.

one bolt behind the trunk switch that will need to be popped out from the panel.
Still need to pop out the vent panel next to the ignition switch for that bolt I believe.
and 2 more bolts on the bottom of the hush panel.

 

Don't sweat removing the console; it's very easy. All you'll need is a small flathead screwdriver and a T15 torx driver and a (I think 7mm) socket or nut driver. These instructions will get you there. Steps 1 - 3g are applicable for you. Once you have the console out, the radio and the A/C module are held in by two (I think 7mm) bolts each.

 

Excellent! Thank you.

 

These photos show me that the banging racket, it's really much more than just a rattle, is not a problem coming from the console. It's under the dash more on the driver's side.

 

I appreciate all that effort, Bill. I will use your experience to get things back in square.

 

Funny Story... NewWorldBlues just bought a solid targa top from me to replace his glass top. Once he put the solid top on, the sound went away. Apparently it was a rattle from the top, but the acoustics of the C5 gave the illusion that the sound was in the dash.

 

Crazy indeed! I knew I had an issue with the targa on the top right, but I thought I had a separate issue with the "noise in the dash". It turns out the new targa solved both issues. It's amazing to me how that sound traveled and sounded like a racket in the dash, too. Crazy Man!!

Doje is a class act and a good guy to deal with.