Interior - Rattling Noises From The A-Pillar Area

T-SB-0214-09

Rev1

July 22, 2009

Rattle Noise From A-Pillar

Service Category
Vehicle Interior

Section
Interior Panels/Trim

Market
USA





Applicability

TSB REVISION NOTICE

^ December 2, 2009 Rev1:

^ The part number for Noise Kit in the Parts Information table has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this service bulletin should be discarded.

Introduction

Some 2009 Corolla vehicles may exhibit a rattle noise coming from the A-Pillar area. The noise typically occurs when driving on slightly rough roads at slow speeds during cold temperatures. The noise may also be noticeable during driving when the engine speed is between 1600-2000 RPM. Use the following repair procedure to correct this condition.





Warranty Information

APPLICABLE WARRANTY

^ This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.

^ Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin.





Parts Information

NOTE

New clips are required for vehicles with Curtain Shield Airbags.





Required Tools & Equipment

Repair Procedure

1. Confirm the noise is coming from the A-Pillar area by test driving.

2. Remove the A-Pillar trim garnish. (w/o Curtain Shield Airbag)

A. Pull the upper part of the garnish toward the inside of the cabin and disengage the 2 clips.

B. Disengage the 2 guides and remove the front pillar garnish LH / RH.





3. Remove the A-Pillar trim garnish.

(w/ Curtain Shield Airbag)

A. Pull the upper part of the garnish toward the inside of the cabin to disengage the two (2) clips.

B. Cut off the clip at location "A".

C. Disengage the two (2) lower guides and remove the front Pillar garnish LH / RH.

D. Remove clip "A" from the vehicle body.





4. From the noise kit use the 0.5 mm felt and cut 2 pieces to the following dimensions.

5. Apply the felt to the A-Pillar garnish ribs in 2 locations. See Figures 4 - 7 for details. Repeat repair for opposite side if necessary.





A. A-Pillar Garnish Felt Application Point.





B. Cross Section A.





C. Cross Section B.





D. After felt application it should resemble the illustration.





E. Add a NEW clip to the front A-Pillar garnish at location "A" (w/Curtain Shield Airbag).

6. Reinstall the A-Pillar trim garnish.

7. Test drive the vehicle and confirm the noise is eliminated.