Dash/center console popping sound

2015 TOYOTA CAMRY
35,000 MILES
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DAVID OLIVER
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  • 2 POSTS
During cold weather months, between thirty to fifty minutes into my drive to and from work (defroster is on) I get a popping sound from the area of my dashboard/center console area. Does not happen in warmer weather. The popping is rather loud and only happens that one time each trip. Have had it to the Toyota dealership seven times in the last year. When first reported, it was under warranty. The last time they had my vehicle for seven days and disassembled the dashboard and re-assembled it and advised me that they found what they thought was the problem and fixed it. Got my car back yesterday and the problem is not corrected. Am at the point of filing a complaint with Toyota of America. Any insight on what the problem might be?
Mar 2, 2019 at 7:20 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good morning,

The complaint will most likely be ignored since the issue is no constant. In defense of the dealer, you cannot fix something that is not broke. In other words, it needs to be a constant issue they can hear all the time to correctly track it down.

What was the repair they attempted?

Roy
Mar 2, 2019 at 7:38 AM
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DAVID OLIVER
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They disassembled the dashboard and console and then re-assembled it. In the process, they found two bolts that were loose. In the process of re-assembling the dashboard and console, the made sure that these two bolts were tightened properly. This popping sound happens every day, thirty to fifty minutes into the drive to and from work. The technicians have test driven the car with me and have heard the popping noise on three separate occasions.
Mar 2, 2019 at 7:47 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Loose bolts will make noise all the time and will not be temperature related.

I would suspect some that contracts and expands with heat such as plastic. It could be a duct or a mounting.

Roy
Mar 2, 2019 at 7:51 AM
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