07 Sonata Dash Creek Noise..Hyundai Tech...HELP!

Took my 1 month old Sonata in this morning for its first Mobil 1 synthetic
oil change and had them look into a creeking noise that I have been
experiencing for several weeks. First thought it was coming from where
the headliner meets the windshield. Found that it is actually coming from
where the dash meets the lower windshield. The plastic trim with the light
sensor on the right and alarm LED on the left is making the noise.

Dealer wants to remove the entire dash and I am worried that they will
only increase the opportunity for more to go wrong and new creeks develop
that don't exist today. I suggested they remove the windshield to get to
the top dash piece and they refused. Stated that they wouldn't get
Hyundai approval and will just remove the entire dash...no big deal.

Any thoughts on what I should do? I want the annoying creek gone but hate
the idea of having the entire dash removed when we know it could easily be
gotten to without the windshield.

Any Hyundai Techs out there...HELP!

 

I'd rather have the dash removed than the windshield. Why screw around with
a perfectly good seal that may not be so perfect in six months? Even after
the windshield is removed, they may have to fiddle with the dash to
eliminate the noise.

 

Removing the windshield won't help them get behind the dash, which is
really where they need to be. If you can get to the seams of the piece
generating the noise, you can try spraying some lube into the seams. But
if that doesn't work, pulling the dash will be necessary to locate and
repair.

And you have justification about perhaps causing additional problems.
I've had one of these dashes out on a car with an air bag deployment.
The
clips are stubborn and fly everywhere. Chances of it going back in
exactly
like factory are pretty close to zero. Will it be okay? Probably. But
you
should weigh the inconvenience of the noise in your decision.

 

Hyundaitech, thank you for your prompt reply. You are mistaken in that
removing the windshield will allow them to get to exactly where they need
to be. They do not need to get behind the dash but only need to access
the top trim piece that contains the light sensor and alarm LED. As I
stated, the piece making the noise is the upper back plastic piece that
attaches to the top side of the dash. Removal of the windshield will
allow them to access that upper piece easily for removal and
re-installation assuming a clip was broken upon installation and is
causing the noise.

You confirmed my thoughts on having them remove the dash. I know that it
will never be the same so I took action to fix the problem on my own. I
took a small piece of wood (from a paint stick) and covered it with black
electrical tape and wedged it down to apply pressure on the upper dash
trim piece. It is now as quiet as can be and only I know its there

Thank you again for your feedback and I know we all appreciate your
insight and assistance.

 

Your description didn't sound quite like I remember things-- I've only
pulled one dash out of the new Sonata-- so I trekked up to the showroom to
have a peek.

While I agree the dealer can get to the panel by removing the windshield,
I don't think they can remove it. I believe it screws onto the dash from
underneath.

If you're happy with your repair, I think that's the best of all worlds.
If a customer found out we used something like your paint stick wedge to
repair their noise, they'd most likely be very upset. I'm sure this is
why the dealer's first instinct was to remove the dash and tighten
whatever was loose.

 

Thanks again for your help and insight. You may be correct in how it must
be accessed but when I read that you, too, were concerned that it would
not go back together 100%, only I know what I have done and I have the
peace of mind knowing that nothing else negative will result from my
repair.

May I ask what state you are located in? You have been very helpful!

 

I'm located in Maryland. And I'm glad I've helped.