Help me locate this dash rattle in my Golf R. $100 prize for correct diagnosis

[Lucas_R]

EDIT - rattle solved. Turned out to be related to my P3 gauge, in particular to the cable that plugs into the OBD port and goes to the control box of the P3 gauge. I had removed the airvent+P3 display+control box previously trying to track down the rattle, but had never removed the cable from the control box to the OBD port. Once this cable was removed the rattle went away - so im assuming it was perhaps the connection pins in the cable plug?


Ok this rattle in my Golf R has been doing my head in for months and months - and i cant seem to find it. I have posted previously about this here. I've done all the simple things as well as simply ridiculous stuff like removing the steering wheel, centre console, radio and center vents, door trims, A pillars etc etc. I've also been under the car and checked heat shields and plastic under trays etc etc. I've found so many other rattles, BUT NOT THIS RATTLE !!! This past week, i even took my front bumper off to double check all my work from my intercooler install just in case i had left a bolt loose or something. Still no luck. I also removed my dog bone mount (the aftermarket insert bit) incase the vibrations were causing the rattle - still no luck.

The only thing i haven't been able to check is the VIN plate behind the windscreen, which is a possible suspect - but also a huge job to get to it (dash removal).

So this rattle first appeared about 2 years ago, from no where. It starts at about 2,500rpm and continues up to 3,000rpm or so - so basically you hear it every time your drive and often. Below are a couple of sound clips i took with my phone last weekend. I placed my phone in the little cubby just to the right of the steering wheel. The rattle sounds close to this area.

Hopefully some of the VW tech's we have on here might be able to chime in with their idea's.

The car is a 2011 Golf R and i've never fiddled with any of the wiring or other components in the dash area. $100 prize if you correctly diagnose this rattle for me.

In this first sound clip, you hear the rattle come and go as i am accelerating.




In this second clip, the rattle is more constant because i am on the freeway and able to keep the rpm's within the 2,500-3,000rpm range where the rattle is very noticeable.