When ever I jump on the throttle from a stop or at slow speed. The cupholder in the dash starts to vibrate and rattle (next to the cig. lighter). Sounds like the car is falling apart. So last week I reach over and pull the cupholder out, rattle goes away. I beleive the spring loaded retaining wire is vibrating against something. I would rather not drive around with the cupholder out all the time. It looks tacky, and so is the rattle.

I was wondering if anyone else has solved this problem. To insulate the retaining wire. I would like to hear your ideas before I begin experimenting with some solutions.

Thanks in advance.

I know this isn't really an engine tech question. But its a 4th. gen application and I don't know where else to post it.

 

Will,
Fortunately, I've not run into the inevitable rattles just yet with my '01. However, I had a similar rattle problems to what you're describing with a '94 Mustang V6 I had through college (which, BTW, including 2 years @ SDSU !!!).

The cup holder thing is a new one on me, but the rattle can be a few things:
1. loose spring (like you mentioned) in which case I'd just replace
2. cup holder is out-of-round due to temperature fluctuations
3. it never fit snug to begin with, so a bead of some kind of adhesive like what's used between fenders or similar to seal it into place and stop the rattling;


Does the rattle go away when you have the cup holder out? (just want you to be sure it's the cup holder and ONLY the cup holder that's rattling).

Basically, if it were me and I was SURE it was the spring in the cup holder, I'd just replace the cup holder with an OEM from Chevy and be done with it. Sometimes by the time you invest in chasing down adhesives/caulking/fender goo (that you'll likely only use once!) PLUS your own time in labor PLUS what if the first attempt to repair fails, then what?.... You'd be better off just replacing the thing for $20 (or whatever) at Chevy, snap it into place and be done with it.

I hate rattles too and I obsess on them 'til I fix them, but I've also learned to cut my losses and be done with them in the quickest manner available. Usually that comes down to replacing it with an OEM part.

Good luck,
Daryl

 

Get Subframe connectors and that will take away your rattles
You could always take the little metal rod out of your cup holder and coat it with something. I'd suggest liquid electric tape or something of that nature.

 

Got subframe connectors. Actually the my ride is pretty quiet except for the noted chatter. I played with it some more this weekend. I would put the pedal down, hear the chatter then pull the cupholder out, silence. It's the cupholder. Probably the retaining wire vibrating against the dash?

Any ideas for insulating it?