GREAT QUESTION!!! This just started with me as well. Anyone???????

 

Hope i can help here........the noise from the defrost vent drove me mental!!!! so i can sympathise here.

Its a real simple fix though.....

first off pull both door seals back where the 'A' posts are, then pull off both A posts with a firm tug....they are tethered near the top so you cannot remove them completely without a lot of bother....but you dont need to anyhow. Next step is to pull up the defroster vent grille, agin just give it a tug and it will lift up......its held on with about six clips along its width.....my rattle turned out to be the connector in the alarm sensor......just give the vent some short sharp taps to find out whats rattling and then i used some cloth tape to dampen the noise down.....all clips on mine were ok but if they are broken you will need to fish the bits out from the dash where the vent was and epoxy or hot melt em back on......obviously reverse the above to re-fit.

Any probs post up and i'll reply.......its an easy job and i defo would not pay someone to do it!!

Good luck.

 

Why do you have to remove the door seals?

 

You don't remove the rubber door seals. Just pull them back. The rubber overlaps the A pillar on the edge. So the A pillar cover is kind of trapped unless the rubber is pulled back. Also when reinstalling it is almost impossible to put the A pillar cover back if the rubber is in the way.
.
.
.

 

Got it. Thanks!

 

damienedwards - where is that security sensor located (and how did you get to it)? I have a rattle in the center (left/right) of the dash that is close to the windshield I believe. It sounds like a wiring harness banging against the plastic vent or defroster duct work.

Thanks!

 

I have the same rattle. DamienEdwards, did you replace the auto rain sensor due to it being over sensistive or not working at all? My 03 STR's auto rain sensor causes the wipers to move fast at the slightest hint of a mist/drizzle...seems overly sensitive to moisture. Did you have to replace the entire mirror assembly?

 

Be carefull handling this piece of trim as it cracks if you just look at it. mine has cracks at either end caused I think by expansion/contraction as I have never touch it
My windscreen was replaced recently and the guy pointed it out to me (as he didn't want the blame for it)and told me so many of these cars had the same fault and they normally crack-split after about 4 x years and the word is that the parts were made from recycled plastic waste within in the trim manufacturers that were based in Essex England ....
That,s my bit of useless information for everyone this week

 

No shortage of plastic in Essex................

 

Oh so Very true .... you sound jealous