carrera rattle in dash

Hey folks - I've got a 2006 carrera s-2 cabriolet with a crazymaking dashboard rattle -- its more like a clicking on the driver's side when going over sharp bumps like big botts-dots or tar-strips over 30mph. I've seen your posts and I see some of you know how nuts this can make someone...!!! Its not the plastic lenses of any of the dials -- its inside the dash. Been there since the first 5-k miles. Dealer has placed a shroud around the dials inside the dash and tightened the fasteners but that didn't get it. Almost sounds like two pieces of plastic slipping against one another. Any ideas....?? thanks gil

If it sounds like somebody's knocking from inside your dash, it's most likely your AC unit.

Thanks golden boy - it could be described as knocking or tapping, especially when there's body flex. Its at the dealer again and after consult with the regional tech, they think its "Dashboard Clips" that hold the dash in place. He's ordered them and will install. (good news is that he hears it and is investigating) If that doesn't get it, can you be more specific about the AC unit.... what part of the ac unit... where does it hit... what kind of fix??? appreciate the reply -thanks gil

I'm surprised the dealer didn't find a solution since you reported this last May. When you are talking sounds behind the dash it could be almost anything back there from a faulty gauge to rubbing wiring harness to clips to miniature aliens taking up residence! What your dealer should do is use the kit from Porsche that includes microphones that they place around the dash area and behind it and hook it up to a computer and driver the car and record and analyze the noises to pinpoint the location to help identify what it is. How many times have they tried to fix it already? If you push or pull or depress the dash while driving does it change the sound or make it go away?

Thanks for the response - been back to the dealer 4 times for maintenance and asked them to fix it each time - I gave it time in hopes it would just settle-in. Its still under warranty so they gave me a loaner and they are keeping it all this week for trial & error as its near the end of the warranty. Pushing / pulling on the dash makes no difference. Didn't know about the microphone kit - I don't know if they used that but that's a great idea and I'll push that if the new clips don't make a difference. thanks for the help --- the aliens in residence wouldn't surprise me.....! gil

dashboard clips saga -- good news....! Hope this helps someone else if they have a similar dashboard knocking / rattle. After another 2 weeks of trial & error by the dealer they finally found and fixed the problem. A broken weld in the firewall area where it holds the dashboard clip. When the body flexed over rough roads it would knock & rattle under the dashboard. At other times it was absent. Really difficult for them to find it but fortunately the chief technician and a regonal service rep could hear the same noise and spent a lot of time looking for it including internet searches with other techs. Lots of trial & error - removing the dash, the wiper motors, the resevior, the left fender, the gas tank. Re-welded the split weld and tightened it all --- not a sound! All paid by Porsche and they gave me a loaner boxter for a couple of weeks. Thanks Pacific Porsche in Torrance....! case closed....!

Gil, I am so happy to hear that your problem was resolved by Porsche . Sounds like you have an excellent Service Department supporting you. This is one of the reasons why I will alway buy Porsches. Johnny

Gilfish11 -- Thanks for the post. It sounds like I have similar symptoms as you did. Hopefully the info you provided will save me some serious time and aggravation. Off to see the service dept…

I have a 2010 Carrera that after multiple trips to the dealer for a rattle was finally diagnosed as the springs in the driver's side airbag. I was finally able to duplicate the noise for the dealer by banging on the bottom of the steering wheel with the palm of my hand. (Note: the noise was also present on uneven roads, driving over bumps etc.)

Ditto! Thanks Gilfish11