I have a 2004 XJ-8 that has developed an annoying rattle noise when hitting smaller bumps, that seems to be coming from the upper dash area. Could this be the defroster vent issue I have read about, or is this no applicable for this vehicle? Any tips/clues would be helpful. Thank You

 

the plastic frame holding the pollen filter in place-a long shot but easy to check.

 

Again..a long shot, but I had a rattle in my 2003 X350 XJ6 which I thought was coming from the driver's side upper dashboard area.

After dismantling much of the dashboard and even the door I found out it was the engine undertray - the rearmost fixing on the driver's side had come adrift and was rattling against the floorpan.

So, worth a look underneath!

 

You wouldn't believe it but I had an intermittent soft irritating rattle over some kind of bumps that we thought came from something loose behind the dashboard or something possibly dropped into a vent or space when I was having my supercharger replaced.

My mechanic searched over an over again but couldn't find anything. Then when I had one of my front air-shocks replaced as it was leaking, the rattle disappeared.....

 

I had a rattle that sounded like it was in the dash too, but it turned out the right front upper control arm bolts were loose. You can check them from under the hood a 17mm wrench I think. I've also heard that the front sub-frame bolts can come loose. Check any part of the suspension that bolts to the frame of the car. Seems like any frame noise gets transferred into the dash making it sound like its the dash board.

 

The wood around the clock is easily removed. Just be careful it is held on by spring clips. You will be able to see under the upper dash and maybe see what the rattle is.
Good luck.
Don