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Strange Noise Behind Model S Dashboard

Discussion in 'Model S' started by Rostem3, Feb 26, 2021.

  1. Rostem3

    Rostem3 New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Nazareth, PA
    Hey fellow Tesla motors club forums users. First time posting here, and asking for advice on a strange noise that developed a few days ago behind my dashboard. Its constantly there with the car on and driving, and when off and parked. The HVAC being on or off doesn't seem to change anything. Any help would be much appreciated. I'd rather fix this myself than driving almost 4 hours round trip. Its a '17 MS 2.0AP and EAP. Attached is a video so you can hear the noise.
     
    • Like x 1
  2. David.85D

    David.85D Active Member

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    Since it’s unlikely to be tappet noise, I’ll vote for a leaf caught in the AC fan. Are you sure you turned the fan off and not just switched from auto to manual? Most ACs will keep the fan running for a few minutes after shutting off the compressor

    if you’re sure it’s not HVAC fan, then something caught in the fans on the AP computer? I have no idea how to reach those…

    There just aren’t that many moving parts under the dash.

    I’d Remove the cabin air filter and see if you can’t see/hear/find it from that side.
     
    • Like x 1
  3. Rostem3

    Rostem3 New Member

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    Thanks! I'll definitely have a look at the cabin air filter and it's surroundings.
     
  4. Rostem3

    Rostem3 New Member

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    Alright. Upon taking out the cabin air filter and surrounding bits I found a mouse nest. A bit of fluff got stuck in the autopilot computer cooling fan and was spinning around and contacting the support. I'll gladly upload more pics if theres any interest. I just took out the computer to clean it up and then vacuumed out the surrounding fluff.
     
    • Informative x 1
  5. David.85D

    David.85D Active Member

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    Congrats! A happy ending!
     
  6. bktiger86

    bktiger86 Member

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    WOW. Would've never thought...glad that you were able to fix it!
     
  7. Doanster1

    Doanster1 Member

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    Time to spray some Lysol and disinfect the vents. :)
     
    • Like x 2
  8. kfly212

    kfly212 Member

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    Not really sure I expected to see this in a 3 year old car.
    Any experts want to weigh in? Oxidation? Rust? Could thse be steel welds?

    [​IMG]
     
  9. Rostem3

    Rostem3 New Member

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    Well here are some pictures to better show what was done by the mouse. I'm just happy they didn't get into any of the wires.
    PXL_20210226_171034211.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_171034211.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_173201884.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_173222595.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_171034211.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_173201884.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_173222595.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_171034211.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_171034211.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_173201884.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_173222595.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_173201884.MP.jpg PXL_20210226_171034211.MP.jpg
     
  10. rickyjb

    rickyjb Member

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    ive seen this level of rust on my 2014 ms too behind the dash.
     
  11. David.85D

    David.85D Active Member

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    Those are steel reinforcements in the dash. Yes they are welded. Yes it rusts a little due to humidity. It’s normal. Doesn’t affect performance. Had the exact same thing on my BMWs.
     
    • Like x 1
  12. ShawnA

    ShawnA Supporting Member

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    Location:
    Edwardsburg, MI
    Hi @Rostem3 ,

    Good catch!!! Welcome to TMC.

    I recommend Catchmaster Rat size glue traps...
    Sometimes the mice can escape or carry away a mouse size trap.
    They are always on duty and do not require resetting or false tripping.

    Vermin chewed my main wiring harness in the X and some coolant
    hoses to the rear drive unit...
    The part prices were not too bad but the repair labor was extensive.

    Good luck,

    Shawn
     
  13. dark cloud

    dark cloud Active Member

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    Wouldn't hurt to inspect other areas of the vehicle. I had some small holes on my air strut shrowds, I assume it was chew marks from a rodent. Maybe those pieces of plastic are made from soy.
     
  14. dark cloud

    dark cloud Active Member

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    You'll see the same thing in the interior behind the dash and under the steering wheel, should you ever feel the need to take the dash apart.
     
    • Like x 1

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