Passat Groans

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Sat 27 Jul 2002 20:37
Passat Groans - midlifecrisis
I've recently purchased a year old Passat 1.8T SE. I decided on this car after losing so much money on my previous Mondeo. I am very satisfied with the car but with one exception. The Dashboard groans and creaks with every imperfection in the road and around every bend. It comes from the nearside, underneath where the tax disc is. The noise is VERY loud and is driving me mad. I thought I was buying build quality, but neither my old mondeo or my wifes Fiesta rattle like this. Has anyone else had any similar experiences and would the warranty cover this problem. (It's an approved used VW.)
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Sat 27 Jul 2002 22:22
Passat Groans - David Davies
Are you sure it is the dashboard making this noise as you don't usually get VERY loud noises from this area.It could be suspension noise which is transmitted through the sheet metal.I would suggest checking the nearside front suspension before removing the dashboard assembly.If the noise is genuinely very loud it must stand a chance as a warranty claim.
I don't have any experience of the Passat in this respect,but I recently worked on a Honda Prelude which had a loud creaking noise from the passenger dash area.After a lot of dismantling of interior trim could not find a problem.Then inspected front suspension and found a tight upper arm bush which was the source of the apparent dashboard noise!
David Davies (Tune-Up Raglan)
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Sun 28 Jul 2002 09:30
Passat Groans - midlifecrisis
It's definitely the dashboard. If you press down in the area of the noise you can replicate the sound. I think there might be some sort of mounting bracket there. I just wonder if the dash is removed, could this lead to even more rattles and groans after replacement.
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Sun 28 Jul 2002 09:54
Passat Groans - Cyd
You say the car is only 1 yr old. Have you been able to contact the previous owner to see if the car had this problem then? Ask the dealer to have warranty records checked to see if any previous repairs have been carried out. I find it hard to believe the first owner would have put up with this.

In theory if the dash is properly removed and put back in then this should not introduce new problems. However, when major components like this are removed new squeeks + rattles tend to emerge afterwards. The dealer will need to find the source of the noise and rectify the problem properly. He should also put anti-squeek tape in any vulnerable areas and use new fixings. He should check the security of any brackets which are attached to the rear side of the dash. Ask them to call you when they have the dash out and have identified the problem so you can come and see it for yourself - ask them to detail there rectification plan. It could be something really complex or simple (like a foriegn object in the vent system).
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Sun 28 Jul 2002 12:05
Passat Groans - JonL
I have a 97 Passat SE and have a similiar problem. I've noticed that it only happens when the temp is set above 21 degrees on the climate control. I wonder whether it may have something to do with the airbag?
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Sun 28 Jul 2002 14:14
Passat Groans - midlifecrisis
The noise is definitely worse when the temp is warm, probably due to a slight expansion of the plastic. However my a/c is never set at more than 18C. I am becoming ever more fixated on the noise and actually dislike driving my car now. The VW experience isn't all it's cracked up to be.
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Sun 28 Jul 2002 14:17
Passat Groans - dimdip
Midlife, you don't say how recently you purchased it, but I would have thought that a franchised dealer-supplied s/h car should be free from problems like this. Have you approached them yet?
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