Just a quick question, there is a rattle at about 2500 revs coming from the right dash area as per the picture. Annoying. Sounds like just something a bit loose ( the vent surround for example is looser this side than the other.

Does the black plastic cover on the end of the dash pop off to access other components, that might need just tightening down again? I'm not brave enough to really force it without knowing.

Thanks,

Rob

 

According to the Workshop Manual it is clipped on and should just pull straight off:




I interpret the diagram as saying "pull the front edge out first (ie towards the door) to release all the clips pointing inwards towards the dash, then pull the panel towards the back of the car to release the clips that point towards the front of the car".

 

That is exactly right.
I just wanted to add that those metal clips can come off and fall down between the carpet and the A pillar if it was previously removed and not put back correctly (has a dash cam, etc., been fitted to your car?)
If you remove the panel and find one or more missing then check if they have fallen down. It sounds like the rattle is higher than that, but rattles can be deceptive. Also check the clips are making sound contact with the panel and mating holes. Sometimes those metal clips can feel like they have engaged tightly but are not quite fully in. If in doubt drive with the panel removed to see if the rattle goes.

 

Thank you both, I can now apply evidence-based courage to the problem!

 

As odd as this may sound, the plastic-y rattle in the right/passenger side that I had chased for years turned out to be related to the right side hood/bonnet latch. Thanks to this thread and Tietjens post, I followed his directions for the 'cure'.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...solved-219522/


Here's a cartoon celebrating all the creaks, groans and rattles that seem to plague us.