Rattle / Pop Noise from Instrument Panel and/or a Creak Noise from A-Pillar – 2013-2015 Mazda CX-5

2013-2015 CX-5 – RATTLE / POP NOISE FROM INSTRUMENT PANEL AND/OR CREAK NOISE FROM A-PILLAR OVER ROUGH / BUMPY ROADS

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

2013-2015 CX-5 vehicles with VINs of JM3KE******514170 or lower (produced before July 31, 2014)

 

While driving over rough or bumpy roads, some vehicles may exhibit a rattle / pop noise from the instrument panel and/or a creak noise from the A-pillar.

 

Rattle / Pop Noise From Instrument Panel:

Rattle / Pop Noise From Instrument Panel

The rattle / pop noise may be caused by low cowl panel (A) mounting bolt (B) torque.

low cowl panel (A), mounting bolt (B)

 

Creak Noise From A-Pillar:

This noise may be caused by two joined panels (A) scraping together at the A-pillar. The panel weld areas have been improved during the mass-production of vehicles with VINs JM3KE******128359 (produced June 1, 2012) or higher.

two joined panels (A)

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE

While verifying the customer concern, it may be difficult to distinguish the rattle / pop noise from the creak noise. Use the table below to determine the appropriate repair.

Subject VehicleRequired Repair(s)
For vehicles produced on or before June 1, 2012 with VINs of JM3KE******128359 or lower.Perform “Rattle/Pop Noise From Instrument Panel”

AND

“Creak Noise From A-Pillar”

repairs.

For vehicles produced between June 2, 2012 and July 31, 2014 with VINs of JM3KE******128360 to JM3KE******514170.Perform “Rattle/Pop Noise From Instrument Panel”

repair only.

 

Rattle / Pop Noise From Instrument Panel:

  1. Remove the cowl grille according to the online MS3 instructions or the Workshop Manual (section 09-16).

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the windshield, be sure to apply adequate protection along the bottom edge of the glass (i.e. tape or a sliced rubber hose) before retightening the cowl panel bolts.

(10) cowl panel bolts (A)

  1. Retighten all ten (10) cowl panel bolts (A) to:

Tightening Torque: 17-22 ft. lbs {22-30 Nm, 2.3-3.0 kgf-m)

  1. Reinstall the cowl grille according to the online MS3 instructions or the Workshop Manual (section 09-16).

 

Creak Noise From A-Pillar:

Enlarge the clearance between two (2) panels (A) using an appropriate tool (i.e. flat-blade screwdriver).

NOTE: In the illustration (below, right), the front fender is removed for viewing purpose only. It is not necessary to remove the front fender for this repair.

clearance between two (2) panels (A)

  1. Identify which side the noise is coming from (repair only the problem side).
  2. Remove the mud guard according to the MS3 online instructions or the Workshop Manual (section 09-16).
  3. Remove the cowl side seal plate (A) and fender seal plate (B).
cowl side seal plate (A) and fender seal plate (B)

  1. Open the front door and place a flat-blade screwdriver with protection tape on the tip (B) between the two panels at joint (A).
flat-blade screwdriver with protection tape on the tip (B) between the two panels at joint (A)

  1. Bend the cowl side reinforcement panel (A) to create a clearance of more than 1 mm between the panels.
cowl side reinforcement panel (A)

NOTE:

  • To avoid damaging the paint, wrap protection tape around the tip of the screwdriver.
  • If there are scratches on the panels, apply appropriate corrosion protection primer.
  1. Reinstall the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.

NOTE: Passenger Side Only: When reinstalling the cowl side seal plate, make sure to install the rear window washer hose (B) in the opening (A) to avoid hose damage.

rear window washer hose (B) in the opening (A)

  1. If necessary, repeat Steps 1 – 6 on other side.
  2. Road test vehicle and verify noise has been eliminated.

 


 

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