Strange Clacking Noise From Passenger Side Dash

[Schlotzky]

I have a weird clacking sound that seems to be coming from inside the dash on the passenger side. I picture a hinged plastic lid closing quickly and bouncing slightly. Hard to describe, so here's a video:





It seems to only do it on long trips with extended freeway time. Usually in the 60-70mph range, but it's hard to recreate consistently under any circumstances I've found.

Any ideas?

[2000Silverbullet]

Sounds like wind noise from windsheild molding or exterior trim

[RJolly87]

Sounds like the radio isn't turned up loud enough....

Is the A/C running when it's doing this? Any HVAC action at all?

If so, does it seem that air flow is dropping off when this is happening?

[BBamm]

I get a VERY similar sound but only at lower speeds, like 30-45mph. It doesn't happen all of the time and it doesn't seem to be affected by the HVAC settings at all... I'm curious to find out what your culprit is.

[Schlotzky]

It sounds very clear, like it is definitely coming from inside the dash rather than a flapping trim piece outside. It only does it occasionally, in bouts like the one in the video. In fact, it hasn't done it in about a month. Wind levels don't seem to affect it, and I played with and eventually turned off the hvac system off entirely and the noise was unaffected. My first thought was the recirculate door so that was the first setting I changed. The door worked and the noise remained.

[redzmonte]

try using masking tape around all the molding on the windshield and see if it goes away.. Also look under the car to make sure the heat shields by the downpipe are not lose or close enough to make contact with anything.