Help fixing rattle (found the problem, unsure how to fix..pics inside)

[Kabanstva]

I believe I tracked the source of the rattle I was getting in the cabin of my 07 LX.

I took out the glove box and started digging around and I am 100% sure I found the source of the problem. There's a cluster of 4 connectors to the right side of the glove box, I believe this larger grey connector (both male and female) are rattling inside. Even the lightest tap on the connector with your finger produces the sound. It sounds like something is loose inside.

Literally every semi-rough bump on the road leads to a rattle in the cabin making this vehicle sound like an 80's Ford pickup which is completely unacceptable.

Now the problem is, I tried sticking strips of foam between the connectors and even sticking strips of dynamat on the outside of the connectors, but it doesn't help one bit. The issue is inside the connector. Why would Toyota put such a noisy/flimsy connector in such an expensive vehicle?

I am at a loss how to fix this. Any ideas?

 

[reznunt]

Weird how a connector can make that much noise with no space inside of it for anything to rattle. You sure that's what you are hearing? If that's truly the source and it bothers you that much maybe cut the connector off and hard wire it.

 

[DirtDawg]

Weird how a connector can make that much noise with no space inside of it for anything to rattle. You sure that's what you are hearing? If that's truly the source and it bothers you that much maybe cut the connector off and hard wire it.

I would definitely say to not hard wire it, one side of the plug is only one color and I could see wires getting mixed up easily. But it is weird that it's making that troublesome of a noise. Usually Toyota connectors are nice and tight. Is the plug loose? Or is there literally something inside of the plug rattling? Or is it the bracket holding all the connectors that's loose?

 

[Kabanstva]

The noise is coming from inside the connector. Check yours out I bet it's the same way. This vehicle is 100% stock never been messed with.

 

[reznunt]

I would definitely say to not hard wire it, one side of the plug is only one color and I could see wires getting mixed up easily. But it is weird that it's making that troublesome of a noise. Usually Toyota connectors are nice and tight. Is the plug loose? Or is there literally something inside of the plug rattling? Or is it the bracket holding all the connectors that's loose?

I wouldn't either, but it sounds like it's driving him nuts.

 

[DirtDawg]

If mine does it, it's not loud enough for me to notice. My cruisers very quiet inside minus one or two rattles/squeaks. None coming from the dash though. Maybe inspect the connector and see if you can inject a small amount of silicone or something to quiet it down.

 

[Kabanstva]

What is that connector for?

 

[DirtDawg]

Looks like they lead to the ECU, but can't say for sure.

 

[primeral]

That's part of the instrument panel harness and it comes off with the dashboard. Man, even if you had a spare connector you'd have to depin and repin each wire one by one because as you can see Toyota only used one wire color, but if you look real closely, each wire has its terminal number printed.

It is IU1 in this diagram

It's listed as "Instrument Panel Integration Wire and Dash Wire" ... that helps you identify the plug, but my documentation doesn't list it with a part number, I'm sorry

My suggestion would be to pull the dash, depin the connector, correct this rattling (if Toyota/Lexus isn't able to assist with ordering you a new plug), and repin. Chances are a piece of the connector's pin locking mechanism is broken and vibrating internally. Pulling the dash is overwhelming at first, I've got the job down to an hour but it does include unplugging both front airbags, pulling the steering wheel, removing the center console, and your a-pillar trim. I guess with side curtain airbags that's another hurdle.

 

[Placemotorsports]

Put some dielectric grease in the plug??

 

[cwininger]

instead of fixing the rattle, you may be able to just deaden the sound. for that you need mass. this may be out of left field, but wrapping the whole connector in a layer or two of acoustical putty may quite it down and make it less noticeable. And if it doesn't work, at least it's removable.

Otherwise, I recommend just blasting AC/DC through your ballin' ML sound system at all times whilst in the vehicle.

 

[Kabanstva]

Thank you guys. I'll try something in the next few days and post back. How can I remove the connectors off that plastic bracket they're sitting on?

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

Put some dielectric grease in the plug??

This.

 

[savirc]

If its coming from the inside of the plug squeeze dielectric grease in both ends problem solved.