For the life of me, I can't figure out how to get to a noise coming from behind the dash of my 2008 Fit Sport. It seems like it's directly behind the speedometer and gauges. It sounds like a tiny cow bell clanging whenever I go over a bump. I called Honda and they said it would be $100 just to give the car a test drive and see where the noise might be coming from. I even opened up the hood to see if there's something toward the windshield that could use tightening, but couldn't see anything.

Thoughts about what the problem might be and where? Then how to access? I'd hate to have to tear into the entire dash, but this may be the only solution...

Thanks.
CarGirl

 

before you take it in to the stealership, make sure it is not the exhaust manifold heat shield rattling. Open up your hood when the car is cold and put your hand on the stainless steel shield in the back of your engine covering the exhaust pipes. Most first gen Fits have a loose shield, especially at the bottom bolt (closest to the firewall). I'm not sure that sound qualifies as a cow bell, but since I am a Blue Oyster Cult fan, I do know my cow bells.

 

Thanks for this feedback. I'll give it a try.

 

If it's not the heat shield (which "buzzes" at certain engine RPM, not dependent on bumps), then it's time to get under the dash. Remove any plastic shielding so you can reach up and check for connectors hitting a steering column, for example.

Stuffing an old t-shirt up there might stop the noise temporarily.

+++++++++++++++

Another common possibility (though, not under the dash) is noise from the sway bar end links. These do "Knock" or "Clang" on bumps and are a common Honda issue on all models. I documented my repair here:

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/1st-...eplacment.html

 

Thanks for your feedback, too, Carbuff. Any posts here on DIY on removing the dash? Or is this a project I'd better farm out to a body shop or the Honda stealership?

 

If there are any dash "underpanels" they are generally easy to remove. I wasn't talking the top (visible) part of the dash, just the underneath bits.

 

I'm going to try it. It can only help!