Rattling noise and ignition problem.

[oOgocyte]

So this is something I've noticed for a few weeks. I don't drive my Astra all that much, but when I do, there's a rattle on the right door panel. It's one of those plastic-rubbing-on-plastic noises that's becoming really annoying. I usually hear it when I go over bumps and cracks on the road. It just cracks and makes me scream because I've only had the car for a little more than a month. I'm not sure if it's even "fixable" or if anyone else has had a similar experience?

Also, it's happened three times, but when I try to turn the ignition the key won't turn. At first I thought I had run out of battery or something, but I just had jiggle it for a while and it finally came through and turned. Anyone else had this experience?

I'm planning on taking it to the dealer, but I wanted to know if anyone else has had any similar experience?

Thanks.

-hector

[bliang]

No on the rattling issue, but I believe the ignition thing is a safety feature. If you look in up in your owner's manual, you can "lock" the steering column by rotating the wheel as you kill the engine. To get out of that situation, you have to rotate the wheel counter-clockwise while turning the key in the ignition.

[ftruscot]

I'm pretty sure bliang is right about the ignition thing. If the key won't turn it's likely that the steering column is locked, and needs to be turned as described. This is not unique to this car.

The rattle, I'm not sure about. Probably should ask you dealer to look at it.

[L200Pilot]

As for the rattle, when I got mine, the screws that hold the door panel on were slightly loose. The rattle was very noticeable when I turned the radio up. Try checking the screws that run along the bottom of the door panels and see if they're tight. If not, you'll need a Torx wrench to tighten them.

[unkle bik]

Maybe you guys have "Ratttle and Hum" in your CD player...

[oOgocyte]

So there's DEFINITELY a rattle coming from my passenger door AND there's another rattle coming from the plastic vents for the defroster. It sucks because I really like the car, but that makes me really upset that it's only been a month and clackity-clack-clack, clack!

My new question for people is if this is covered in the warranty, or if the dealership should or will even do anything about it?

Thanks for responding about the key, that was helpful 'cause I almost cried when it happened.

And NO I don't have a "Rattle and Shake" CD in my player. When I first read that I thought "haha" but while I was driving and kept listening to the cracks I got mad! It's not funny at all when it's happening to you...It is funny now that I'm away from my car, though.

-hector

[cstoffel]

My new question for people is if this is covered in the warranty, or if the dealership should or will even do anything about it?


I've never had a "fit and finish" problem that Saturn didn't at least try to fix.

[beach109]

So there's DEFINITELY a rattle coming from my passenger door AND there's another rattle coming from the plastic vents for the defroster. It sucks because I really like the car, but that makes me really upset that it's only been a month and clackity-clack-clack, clack!

My new question for people is if this is covered in the warranty, or if the dealership should or will even do anything about it?

Thanks for responding about the key, that was helpful 'cause I almost cried when it happened.

And NO I don't have a "Rattle and Shake" CD in my player. When I first read that I thought "haha" but while I was driving and kept listening to the cracks I got mad! It's not funny at all when it's happening to you...It is funny now that I'm away from my car, though.

-hector

OF COURSE! If anything, dealer service departments (brand regardless) do more rattle, creak, and squeak examination and repair everyday for warranty work than anything else...EVER.

Now, some aren't always great at figuring it out, but give the dealer the benefit on the doubt and take it in. The BEST way, of course, is to get a tech to ride with you or just show them the issue exactly if it happens sitting still. Even with the best description, sometimes it's hard for them to nail down what is going on alone on a drive, even if the issue is there and making noise.

[BobbyP]

The rattle fixes were especially challenging with the s-series interior with all that hard plastic trim they used. My SC had a lot of foam tape keeping everything in check.