[slt321]

Hey, new member to GMi.

Ive got a 2006 Malibu 1LT 2.2L with 13,000 miles. As of late, any speed above 40mph I get a buzzing or rattling in the dash. Sounds like its coming from the center of the dash, up by the defroster grille. Although turning up the radio helps, (lol) Id like to know the cause of the issue, and if possible, what it would take to get it resolved. Id like to try and avoid the dealership. ($$$)

Any help would be great! Thanks.

-Scott

 

[RoGuE]

I know exactly what it is. I had the exact same problem. It was the fuel line touching the firewall and the vibration of the engine at that RPM caused the buzzing noise. I also occasionally heard it at idle too. But I always heard it when I was around 1500 RPM. It drove me freaking insane too.

I just noticed that you said you just started hearing it, but mine seemed to always be there until I got it fixed. But it could still be that. I would go ahead and go to the dealer and have them bend it away.

 

[slt321]

Thanks for the quick reply. That answer makes sense. Would have never thought.

Would I beable to bend the line slightly myself? How did you or the dealer do it?

 

[RoGuE]

Thanks for the quick reply. That answer makes sense. Would have never thought.

Would I beable to bend the line slightly myself? How did you or the dealer do it?

I honestly don't know what was involved. My invoice says:
"Fuel line contacting body at firewall, bent fuel line away from body"

It is interesting to note it took the tech 1.7 hours of disassembling practically the entire dashboard to find the problem.

Good luck.

 

[slt321]

Thanks. Ill see if I can tackle this myself.

After all this isnt my car. Im not that concerned, just a minor annoyance for the owner. Im shooting for the blue sedan SS. :dro: Im keeping my hopes up.

Thanks for the help RoGuE!

 

[likearock00]

Why would this cost money? This car should definitely be still under warranty.

 

[slt321]

Because if its as simple as slightly bending a line, its not worth taking all the way to the dealership for. But if an ABS pump or AC compressor died under warranty, then I would be more inclined to take it in and have them deal with it.

If I cant fix this problem myself, then Ill take it in.

 

[FenwickHockey65]

I think every single 5th gen Malibu had that problem...it was so freaking annoying too.

 

[FenwickHockey65]

I honestly don't know what was involved. My invoice says:
"Fuel line contacting body at firewall, bent fuel line away from body"

It is interesting to note it took the tech 1.7 hours of disassembling practically the entire dashboard to find the problem.

Good luck.

Really? My tech guy knew what the problem was within minutes of hearing it...

 

[Xtreme08]

I heard a similar noise in a 2008 G6 2.4L I took for a drive last week. Any possibility it is the same thing?

 

[likearock00]

Thanks. Ill see if I can tackle this myself.

After all this isnt my car.

If it isn't your car, why are you gonna work on it? Have the owner take it in.

 

[FenwickHockey65]

I heard a similar noise in a 2008 G6 2.4L I took for a drive last week. Any possibility it is the same thing?

I hope not. Dealers have known about this problem for quite some time in the Epsilons. I would hope that they've corrected the issue.

 

[malibufixer]

Alright, my parents and I own 2006 Malibu's one a LTZ and the other an SS. We both experienced the same problem as discussed in this thread with a rattle sounding like it was coming from the middle of the dash and that it has something to do with the defrost. After having the dealer looking at it a number of times, we fixed the problems are selves. The piece on the outside of the windshield that is a breaker between the windshield and the hood is loose is causing a vibration against the windshield. If you tap against the black piece against the windshield you should see that it is loose and that if you stick something between it and the windshield to apply pressure the noise should lessen or go away. We advised the dealer of this issue and they replaced the piece and have not had any issues with this since then! Best of Luck and I hope this helps!

 

[MKL1960]

I have a 2006 Malibu LT, love the car, hate the rattle. It appears that several other people have the same exact problem. I am off to the dealer for a fix. I noticed when I test drove other used Malibus that all of them had the same issue at some point.

 

[Triple-X08]

i just remembered this vehicle today, i had a malibu come in for this problem it was an 06, and i found the bulletin for it, happened at 35+ weird noise, never heard it before.

found the bulletin for it in SI.

i removed the cowl panel and installed some 2 sided tape on the back side of the cowl panel, where it seals next to the windshield, performed the procedures as it said, and it fixed it.

problem was apparently with air getting up under it or something or over it and anyways it rattles up against the windshield. amazing what 2 sided tape can do.

 

[prowlerjc]

I just bought a 2007 Maxx, and I'm having the same rattle, with loose cowl panel. Guess I'll run it by the dealer Friday. Sounds like a quick fix.

 

[Shotgun]

I'm reviving an old thread, I guess. I've noticed that my 2005 Malibu has a similar rattle, occasionally. I would always turn the fan on or up and it would go away. I figured it was something in the duct work until i saw this thread. I went out and put double sided tape in a few places to see if it quiets it down as someone suggested. Once I did go out there and press on it, I heard the oh too familiar tap that I've been hearing, so hopefully the tape will have solved the issue.

 

[prowlerjc]

It has worked for me so far. Took 'em less than 15 minutes and iit was under warranty.