Hiya
I have noticed a rattle that eminating from the parcel shelf that is noticed on rough roads. I took it into Volvo today and they told me that the rattle was coming from the centre seatbelt mount in the parcel shelf??. The cost of replacing the centre seat belt unit would be approx £ 300 which seems rather excessive. I have requested the dealership to take this up with Volvo on my behalf as a seat belt item is fundamental to the safety of the vehicle and does not constitute a wear and tear item. The Dealership said they would try but were not optimistic? If this repair cost is rejected and if i were to take it up with Volvo what points to i need to make to make the case stronger?
your advice would be much appreciated. By the way the seat belt does work
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 08/08/2008 at 13:30
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Doubt if Volvo would consider a claim on a rattling seat belt on an 04 reg car.
In order to verify the dealer's finding, I would suggest that you take a passenger with you over these "rough" roads. When you hear the rattle, stop and get your passenger to sit in the back with the centre belt done up. If you hear a difference, you know you are looking in the right area.
Alternatively, the rattle could be from the rear shock absorber top mountings, or are the rear shelf speaker(s) secure? There is also a cable/harness in the ventre of the rear shelf on the underside. Make sure it has not come away from its clip. It can be snagged by luggage.
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Thanks ex Triumphman, your comments appreciated. I did have a friend sit in the back but could not pin point the rattle, we knew it was coming from near the parcel shelf, i checked the speakers but they were absoloutely solid. The noise is more of a tinivibration. Anyway the dealer was helpful and road tested it twice before coming to the aforementioned conclusion. Anyway as expected Volvo have said no to this request but i am not giving up. I rang them myself and explained that seat belt units on a car less than 4 years old should not be rattlling/potentially failing. i argued that the safety of the vehicle was being compromised on tenant that you regard as no 1 priority.
They said they would review and get back to me Monday, any other points would be welcome.
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You could always tilt one or both of the rear squabs forward thus allowing rear passenger to get his/her head in to the boot whilst you are driving. That might help.
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recieved a call from Volvo customer services who said that a 'manager' would make a decision and call me back, any last minute comments would be apprecaited
thanks
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Result!!!
got a call from Volvo who have agreed to pick up the bill for the repair
thank you all
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Well done. It just shows how determined Volvo are to upkeep their name for safety.
Best wishes.
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Inspite Volvo replacing the rear seatbelt unit at a cost of over £300 to them, the rattle returned yesterday, albelit intermittently. I am starting to get just a bit annoyed with this, i hate rattles!!!!!
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Rattles are the bain of the workshop technician as hours can be spent "off time saved" trying to find them.
You will probably find - after you have stripped out the seats, interior trim panels, carpets etc that it is either a loose nut, bolt or washer in the seat, broken trim clip, harness clip, discarded clip, nut or bolt from the factory, coin, cigarette lighter, grandsons toy or something similar that has fallen down and wedged itself in a crevice.
It is also very possible that it is a rear shock absorber.
Check the rear ashtrays, cubby holes etc for something that has worked its way behind them.
It is also possible that it is something worked loose in the headlining or interior light above the seat.
happy hunting...
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Thanks Mapengo, really useful information, will keep you posted
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golf balls in the wheel carrier are a common one for knocks & rattles in the rear of cars!
Inj Doc
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Remove the battery cover, and check down between the battery and the rear light cluster / rear panel as well. I had a £1 coin and a couple of sockets down there which were making odd noises. Not visible with the cover in place.
Cheers
DP
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Thanks DP, just had a quick look but cant see anything, i have booked the car in for next Tuesday. will keep you posted
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Well car came back from the dealer without the problem fixed! they road tested the car and found no rattle, i suspect the heavy rain did not help at all. What to do?? i have just come back from work and the rattle is not my imagination....a ticking sound is eminating from the parcel shelf area when there are impefections in the road
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Well its been almost a month since the car was at the dealer and the rattle has now turned into a creak. The creak/rattle eminates from the rear passenger area and is much more pronounced when coasting. Infact going down hill on a ribbed road with the clutch down (dangerous i know) is probably when i hear it the most? my wife is tone deaf and cannot hear anything!!!
what to do?
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