Article on: Silencing the VIN Plate / Defroster Panel rattle

 OK guys and gals, time to finally make that damn noise in the front of your dash be quiet. I developed this rattle from the area just below the windshield where all those trim pieces come together. Many have thought it was their VIN plate rattling, but it is actually the plastic clips that are rattling. Here is how to remove and silence that rattle.

First, we're talking about this piece right here:

On the defroster trim panel, passenger side, right in front of the airbag, look for the first defrsoter slit in the panel and press on it next to the windshield. You will see the corner of the panel stick up a little bit. You can then stick a screwdriver under it and start to pry it up:

Once you pry the end up, slip a finger under it and lift it up. The first clip will release. Then just basically slide your hand to the left to continue releasing each of the (6) clips holding it on. The last clip on the driver's side will tend to bind, but just go ahead and pull it up as straight as you can and it will release:

now that the entire defroster trim panel is off, you can see what was making all that noise in there! G'head, shake it like a turkey neck. clackaclackarattleclacka! Just remember, shake it more than three times and you're playing with it:



A closer look at the white clips reveal that they do a good job of holding the thing in place, but are horribly loose and bound to rattle:

you need to carefully remove each white plastic clip. A tiny screwdriver might help you pry them off. They are fairly robust but do be careful:

To actually silence them, you need to apply something that will keep them from moving and clacking. You could use some heavy grease, a big fat booger, or preferably some silicone sealant. The stuff i used is cheap and sets up soft and gooey so it won't prevent future removal. just glop a little dab on each tab. About a "drop" worth. Smear it a little bit to make sure it's on there good:

Reinstall each plastic clip over the goo that you used. Once it's on, you'll see that the clip makes good contact with the goop and if you shake it, it won't rattle, not even if you beg it to:

Reinstall the trim panel on the dash. Be very careful not to get your goop on the exterior of the trim pieces, since it will be messy and potentially difficult to clean up. You might also consider putting a small thin block of foam at each end of the panel. I even went so far as to run a thin bead of silicone along the rearward edge where the trim panel will meet the rest of the dash:

Just push all the clips firmly back into place, put away your tools, wash your hands, and go for a drive. You should now hear no more rattle coming from that spot but it will probably make you acutely aware of another rattle somewhere!

(The ISDC cannot be held responsible for any modifications that adversely effect the warranty of your car.)