Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting some fixes for dash squeaking (with pics)

The plastic valence ford uses around the instrument cluster is a POS. I've built sturdier airplane models in the 4th grade. It is a source of lots of squeaking, especially around the vents.

To fix this, first find some silicone spray or WD40. Remove the valence: five screws, two behind the clock, two by the instrument cluster, and one behind the defroster switch. Notice if you twist it back and forth, it makes all sorts of noise. Some areas that made noise on mine:





Spray a tiny bit of lube into those seams and tabs. Don't overdo it, capillary action will draw it around. Flex it some more to work it in and to make sure the squeak is gone. Repeat for all similar areas. The springs on my rubber flap thing on the steering column also squeaked, be sure to get those. Where the dash cover meets the valence also squeaked on mine, hit the edges of the cover with baby powder. Wipe off any excess, reassemble, and on your next drive, enjoy the silence.

This is so funny because this same problem has been bugging me for a long time. I will be all over that a.s.a.p too lol

Great Post, definately a sticky somewhere ...

WOW Louis.. you aren't as worthless as people say...

Thanks for that info, serisouly! NOTHING bugs me more than the minute squeak of a cheap plastic automotive part. One thing to add on this "how to", is put a rubbergasket type o-ring/washer on each screw so that it "cushins" between the two pieces. Did this on my door panels with a HUGE inprovement. I'll defently do this ASAP!!

Thanks for the photos for the squeeking valance. I will get this done if the dealer's recent fix does not last. They tightend the dash cover, and the rattles have been quelched--for now. We'll see what happens. Fortunately, they got right to the issue and only charged my $46 after another dealer fussed and moaned that it would take 2-4 hours @ $95/hour.