Dash Pad - Popping/Cracking When A/C Is On

Article No.
92-25-9

Dec. 2, 1992

INSTRUMENT PANEL - "POPPING/CRACKING" FROM DASH PAD WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ON AND INTERIOR IS COOLING



LIGHT TRUCK:
1992-93 F SUPER DUTY, F-150-350 SERIES



ISSUE:
A sharp "popping/cracking" noise may be heard from the instrument panel. This condition is most noticeable on vehicles in warmer climates. The "popping/cracking" is caused by the rubbing of the mating surfaces between the instrument panel and the instrument pad when they are cooled, such as when air conditioning is being used.

ACTION:
Eliminate the "popping/cracking" noise by inserting insulating material between the instrument panel and instrument pad. Refer to the following procedure for service details.



SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Remove the radio.

2. Open and remove the glove box door assembly.

3. Remove the seven (7) nuts retaining the pad assembly to the instrument panel.

NOTE:
THE PAD ASSEMBLY MAY BE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE BECAUSE THE PAINT MAY ACT LIKE AN ADHESIVE.

4. Remove the paint residue and other contaminants from the back of the pad assembly.





5. Install insulating tape at eight places on the instrument panel. Refer to Figure 1 for locations of tape.



6. Position pad on instrument panel.

7. Install a 3/16" I.D. X 5/8" O.D. X 1/32" to 1/16" thick, zinc coated washer (which can be obtained locally) and a nut on each stud. Hand tighten until snug.

CAUTION:
DO NOT USE POWER TOOLS.

8. Install the radio and glove box assembly.

^ Procure locally, seven (7) 3/16" I.D. X 5/8" O.D. X 1/32" to 1/16" thick, flat steel washers. The washers must be ZINC coated, not oil coated.

^ Procure polyethylene tape locally. One roll, 2" wide X 72" long, repairs about eight vehicles and costs $8.09 per roll.

Procure tape from:

Walco Corporation

Adhesive Tapes Division



P.O. Box 9

1652 East Sutter Road

Glenshaw, PA. 15116

Attn: Ron Ruddock

Telephone: (412) 486-4400

Fax: (412) 486-6884

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
NONE

WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under 12 Months/12,000 Miles

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
922509A Install Insulating Tape 0.6 Hr.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
7004320 56

OASIS CODES:
107000, 702000