Intermittent Geiger Counter type Noise/Rattle in Dash

[pilotex]

Has anyone else experienced this noise. I didn't at first, but now I have about 24500 miles on my 2004 Pilot EXL and this noise is driving me nuts. I am very nervous about having the dealership rip into the dash to fix it and would like to hear if anyone else has had this problem and got is successfully fixed w/o causing other rattles.

I plan to take it into the shop sometime b/t 25K and 30K miles for the general maint and wanted to add this one annoying item to the list.

[piconut]

I heard a similar thing and realized that it was actually coming from my cargo cover. I guess the acoustics or shape of the Pilot made it sound like it was coming form the front for me. I took out the cargo cover and the sound stopped. Hope this helps.

[N_Jay]

There is also a buzz that can be caused by teh throttle cable braket under the hood behind the air filter box.

Do a search on 3000 RPM buzz for Throttle cable for more information.

[Anonymous]

If I put my fist on the dash close to the defroster vents but between the speedometer and radio and apply pressure, the rattle, vibration stops. The annoying thing is that it doesn't do it all the time. Would this stop the throttle cable from vibrating as well?

[StoneDog]

Has anyone found or heard anything more about this?

I just finished installing a PIE XM adapter behind the dash of my new/pre-owned 03 EXL. It sounds almost like there's a tape in the tapedeck but it happens even with the radio off. In fact, with accessory power only it still happens. I'm pretty sure this wasn't happening before I installed the PIE adapter.

Any thoughts?

[pilotex]

I found this. I am not sure what bumper foam blocks are, so I just go some dense foam from the craft store to use. I plan to to this today and will see how it works. The noise has been driving me nuts.


Tech Line Summary Article
Rattle Noise at Center of Dash
Applies to: 2004 Pilot

The defogger ducts can cause a rattle that can be eliminated by pressing on the top of the dash between the radio and instrument cluster. If the noise stops with less pressure as you get closer to the defogger vents, repair as follows:

1. Remove the audio unit
2. Get two new car front bumper protector foam blocks
3. Fold the bumper protector in half
4. Wrap the protector with 1.5mm self-adhesive EPT foam
5. Insert one foam block between the defogger duct and the dash about 5 inches to the left of the dash
centerline.
6. Insert the other foam block between the defogger duct and dash about 5 inches to the right of the dash
centerline.
7. Test drive before installing the audio unit to confirm the repair.

[StoneDog]

Wow, that's fantastic. Ill give it a shot. Thanks!

[pilotex]

Okay. I finished this procedure on my 04 Pilot. I couldn't find the bumper foam, so I just used some foam blocks from the craft store and stuffed them up in the dash tightly on both sides of the center line. Put everything back together. Problem solved. No more noise....I am a happy camper.

Just be very careful when taking the screws out of the radio to remove it. You don't want to drop one. Will be hell to find it. I suggest using a magnetic screw driver.

Also, once you disconnect the pwer by taking the neg side of battery off, you will have to have your theft codes to unlock the radio and you will have to reset teh auto window on the drivers door to get it to work again.

You can do that by turning the key to the on position, but do not start the vehicle. roll the window all the way down, then roll all the way up and hold the switch in the up position for 2 to 3 seconds, then release. It should auto roll up and down now.