Clicking Noises From the Center of Instrument Panel In the Knee Protector Strip Area
Clicking Noises From The Center Of Instrument Panel In The Knee Protector Strip Area
Vehicle Type: 911 Carrera (996) / 911 Carrera 4 (996)
Model Year: MY 1999 (X) to MY 2002 (2)
Concerns: Clicking noises from the center of the instrument panel in the knee protector strip area.
Information:
Cause: Due to relative motion, clicking noises may occur in the contact area (instrument panel center; Figure 1, arrow) between the instrument panel support frame and the knee protector strip area.
Remedy: As of the introduction date stated below, strips of felt (Figure 2, Item 3a/3b) are stuck to the knee protector strip (Figure 2, Item 2) of new vehicles in the contact area with the instrument panel support frame (Figure 2, Item 1).
If "clicking noises from the instrument panel center" complaints are received on vehicles built before the above date, the felt strips must be retrofitted.
Introduction:
New vehicles - felt strips between the instrument panel support frame and the knee protector strip: March 5, 2002, as from VINs.:
99 1 2S 62 2497 USA - Coupe
99 1 2S 63 5416 USA - Targa
99 1 2S 65 3645 USA - Cabriolet
Material Required: 2 felt strips - Dimensions: 90 x 100 and 80 x 100 (in mm) - made (cut) from commercially available felt, approx. 1 mm thick.
Retrofitting of felt strips
Work Procedure:
1.0 Remove center console and partially dismantle instrument panel.
1.1 Remove ignition key.
Disconnect battery and cover battery terminals.
1.2 Unclip (left/right) the side cover under the front center console (Figure 3, Item 1).
1.3 Pull out the oddments trays (Figure 3, Item 2/3).
1.4 Remove the front trim by inserting a plastic spatula into the side of it and pressing out (Figure 3, Item 4).
1.5 Unclip to the left/right the covers on the center console (Figure 3, Item 5/6).
1.6 Unscrew 4 fastening screws (Torx) on the center console (Figure 3, Item 8) and pull out the center console (Figure 3, Item 9).
1.7 Unclip the switch cover to the left and right (Figure 4, Item 11, arrows).
1.8 Remove heating and air-conditioning regulator and car radio (Figure 4, Item 12) or PCM display and operator control unit with support frame (Figure 4, Item 13 / 14).
1.9 Unscrew the fastening screws for the center nozzle and pull it out of the instrument panel (Figure 4, Item 15).
1.10 Remove center nozzle retaining frame.
Work Procedure: Detaching the knee protector strip
In order to affix the felt strips, the knee protector strip must be pressed off approx. 2 mm from the support frame. The procedure is as follows:
2.0 In the lower part of the instrument panel (knee protector), beneath the instrument panel section for the heating and air-conditioning regulator, car radio or PCM and center nozzle, mark a bore in accordance with the dimensions specified in Figures 5 and 6.
Dimension A = Center of instrument panel section (Figure 5).
Dimension B = 60 mm from lower edge of instrument panel (Figure 6).
2.1 Using an angle drill and an arbor-type cutter (Figure 7), drill a bore of 30 mm diameter in the intersection of the dimension lines.
2.2 With a socket wrench (a/f 13 mm), unscrew the fastening nut for the knee protector strip, which is now accessible through the bore (Figure 8).
CAUTION: More complicated reassembly. Do not completely unscrew the nut, otherwise assembly is more difficult when refitting the nut!
- Only loosen the nut by 2 to 2 1 /2 turns.
2.2 With a large screwdriver, move the knee protector strip away from the instrument panel support frame in the area of the center console section (Figure 9).
2.3 Insert each felt strip individually (80 x 100 right, 90 x 100 left) - to the right (Figure 9, arrow) and left of the fastening bolt - in the gap between the knee protector strip and the instrument panel support frame.
Allow the felt strips to protrude by approx. 1 mm (Figure 10, arrows)!
The felt strips are only inserted, not glued!
2.2 Refasten the knee protector strip with the fastening nut (a/f 13).
Tightening torque: 23 Nm (17 ftlb.).
2.3 Sealing seam at bore edge:
Deburr the bore edge or remove "frays" (Figure 12, arrows). If the cover seam is cut during milling of the knee protector bore, the loose thread ends must be glued inwards, otherwise the seam may open.
Installation:
3.0 Install retaining bracket and center nozzle.
3.1 Variant: install the particular heating/air-conditioning regulator and car radio or PCM retaining bracket and display with operator control unit.
3.2 Clip in switch cover to left/right.
3.3 Insert and screw down center console.
3.4 Clip in covers on the left and right.
3.5 Insert front trim.
3.6 Clip in cover to the left/right at the side underneath.
3.7 Reconnect battery and perform all subsequent work necessary after the battery has been disconnected in accordance with the instructions in the "Entire Vehicle - General".
References: 911 Carrera (996) Technical Manual, Groups 0, 6 and 7:
Repair:
0 .. .. .. .- Measures after battery disconnection.
68 17 19 - Removing and installing center console.
70 18 37 - Disassembling and assembling the instrument panel.
Important Notice: Porsche Cars N.A Technical Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "Do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Special tools may be required to perform certain operations identified in these bulletins. Use of tools and procedures other than those recommended in these bulletins may be detrimental to the safe operation of your vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your Porsche Dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information. Part numbers listed in these bulletins are for reference only. Always check with your authorized Porsche dealer to verify correct part numbers.