Strange noise coming from the odometer area

[KXM98]

Hello dear reader,

I tried my best to find the phenomenon described on the internet, but I didn't get an answer, so I figured I would try it on the forum.
I have the following problem.
When turning the steering wheel left at speeds higher than 30 mph (45-50km/h) I have a strange intermittent buzzing sound coming out of the left corner odometer/vent area.
I removed the dash and checked the area behind it, but everything looked okay. My next guess something could be wrong with the odometer since it's 26 years old and from time to time it likes to not illuminate some of the bulbs. I have recorded the noise it's a bit hard to hear it out from the road noise.




I hope the description and the video clues help so somebody has a better idea of what could be wrong.

 

[J_C]

I can hear the noise but have no idea. Are you certain it is coming from in the dash rather than engine bay (on the driver's side)? It just seems like this would more likely be a brake, wheel bearing, or CV axle problem given when it happens... or even slightly loose wheel lug nuts.

Is there any chance that your multi-function switch (turn signal lever assembly) is broken or has the wiring harness connector losing wires out the back of it, and they are shorting together intermittently and the noise is a relay fluttering on and off? IDK what relays are in the vicinity of that part of the dash. There is the interior fuse box to the left of that, but I don't recall any relays inside that box.

 

[KXM98]

I can hear the noise but have no idea. Are you certain it is coming from in the dash rather than engine bay (on the driver's side)? It just seems like this would more likely be a brake, wheel bearing, or CV axle problem given when it happens.

Is there any chance that your multi-function switch (turn signal lever assembly) is broken or has the wiring harness connector losing wires out the back of it, and they are shorting together intermittently and the noise is a relay fluttering on and off?

I'm certain it's roughly coming from that upper area. While rolling and leaning out I cannot hear it from the wheels. Also, the brakes are okay and I replaced the wheel bearing at the front on both sides with the sensors too not so long ago. I don't recall the CV axles making any noise while turning.

Good that you mentioned it, just remembered more than 3 years ago it was acting up while putting it on and making a stop. I cleaned it and reconnected never again making trouble. I'm not sure about the cause, but it could be the exact thing happening that you described. I will check it out on the weekend. Anyway, I want to take off the back side of the odometer also I might try it with a right-hand drive odometer to see if anything changes.
If my memory serves me right the only relays seen in the near vicinity are the one in the middle by the gas pedal and the other in the engine bay corner close to the firewall.
I'll update the thread if there's any finding.

 

[KXM98]

Update!
I've remembered incorrectly my hazard light switch was playing many years ago.
However, back to the noise issue, I tried with a different odometer, and the noise still persist. It's not coming from there. I took down the back side of my current odo nothing broken everything in its place. I did a few test drives with the dashboard off the noise is coming roughly underneath the odometer area. I tried playing with the cables to see if it changes anything, but no noticeable result. I have an aftermarket switch installed for the lights on the bullbar and will follow up on its path to see how was it done maybe it is the culprit.

 

[KXM98]

So I tracked the aftermarket bullbar light switch control cables and found no issues. However, the GEM control module has been sitting like this since I got the car. Somebody messed with it over the years. I checked how should it be sitting positioned, and tightened to its bracket, but wasn’t the culprit sadly, and still persist.

 

[KXM98]

Update,
Yesterday I wiggled most of the connector around the steering column and everything was solid. However, I think I found the culprit. I think it was the brackets holding the shield/metal plate behind the lower dash panel (The shield/metal plate was missing since I have the car).

 

[J_C]

I could imagine that being possible, that without that front plate, the pieces it mount to may flex back and forth, possibly even loosening their fasteners at the other end.

 

[KXM98]

I could imagine that being possible, that without that front plate, the pieces it mount to may flex back and forth, possibly even loosening their fasteners at the other end.

I bumped into the steering wheel with my head accidentally and heard a similar sound resonating in that area. The fasteners were rather tight but the bracket is very thin, especially in the middle, and not so rigid without a plate. The bracket doesn't need much force or vibration to emit that strange sound.

 

[J_C]

So get a plate from a junkyard, or at least some scrap piece or two of metal L-channel (or whatever fits) to brace between them?

 

[KXM98]

So get a plate from a junkyard, or at least some scrap piece or two of metal L-channel (or whatever fits) to brace between them?

I forgot to mention it, I removed the 2 brackets. For me, it was the fastest solution. Sadly only 1-2 junkyards have them in the country. It's rare to see them on the road even scarce in the yards.

 

[J_C]

i thought that the outer plastic trim, attached over the metal bracket? Am I wrong, or is it that you just don't have any covering at all on the lower half of the dash under the steering wheel?

 

[KXM98]

I might have not worded what I was trying to say correctly. Allow me to correct it.
I have the lower column cover. It bolts up to a dash rail on the bottom to the same rail the OBD2 connector is attached. (1st picture)
The plate that I am referring to is pictured on the 2nd pic and sits in a middle area pictured on the 3rd.

 

[J_C]

You probably worded it fine but I forgot where that plastic trim piece attaches.