Rattle above rear screen of 2003 996

I have an occasional rattling noise above the rear screen/in the roof lining, it appears to be coming from high up on the nearside. It only happens when the engine revs are about 3000 or driving slowly over bumps, it'll then disppear for a few days. Any ideas?

Hi Mark. Does the car have a sunroof?

no sunroof. I'm a bit stuck on this one. It'll rattle for a period of time and then stop and I'll forget about it and forget to check next time!

Mmmmmm, ok. A long shot but in my experience sometimes sounds can appear to be coming from places that they aren't! Try letting the backs of the rear seats down and then driving/revving the car as you would until it usually makes the noise. My car came with pieces of material wrapped around each of the pillars that are attached to the seats which lock-in to the release catches on the side of the car. These were put there to stop then rattling around and making a similar noise. If the noise is still there try putting something weighty on the back of the seat when it's folded down - it could be one of the hinges. Adrian.

I used to get this sometimes. There is a plastic bar under the lining.. You can feel it just above the rear window in the head lining. Push a bit of folded cardboard between the lining and the window and it will go. Easier than taking the head lining off

Had the same problem with mine. I pushed some 20mm foam between the lining and the roof at the centre of the rear window.. I've had no problems since.

I have a similar problem with my 1999 Carerra 4. The rattle is mainly at low speeds, around town, when the bumpiness of the roads exacerbates it. It sounds like it's coming from high up on the nearside, but I endorse the comment earlier in the thread, that it's extremely difficult to identify where internal noises originate. I've tried the cardboard under the headcloth at the rear window, but to no avail. I can't see any superfluous material around the rear seat locks, and the hinges seem tight. Any other ideas? Thanks Ed

I hate rattles, even minor ones, but hate hunting them down even more. as someone said, it can be difficult to trace as sometimes you think its in one place where in actual fact its somewhere else. There are little clips holding the roof in place and there are also clips holding the panel on at bottom of rear window which is another place which causes rattles.. I'd first get someone else to drive the car and sit yourself in rear of car to listen carefully. Consider removing the lower rear panel if its not rock solid. Removing liner is bigger ask but when sitting in back you will be able to apply pressure at various points and should be able to identify issue without removing liner. Obviously depending on issue you may still have to remove it.

I tracked my rattle down to the headcloth frame at the immediate rear of the sunroof. If I apply pressure to the frame through the headcloth, the rattle stops. Unfortunately it seems that it's a major skilled job to remove and replace the headcloth. I've been quoted £250 for the work and haven't yet convinced myself to go for it!