Diagnosis, Comments, Road Test, Visual Inspection Information

Diagnosing wind noise conditions is basically a three-step process:

1. Customer Comments.

2. Road Test.

3. Shop Tests.


CUSTOMER COMMENTS:

The service advisor should get as many details about the problem as possible by asking a few basic but important questions.

First, where does the customer think the noise is coming from, and where is it loudest?

When does the noise occur? At what speed is it noticeable? Is the interior fan on HIGH, LOW or OFF? Are the windows UP or DOWN?

The customer should also be asked what the noise sounds like.

If the service advisor has obtained good information from the customer concerning the nature of the problem, verifying the condition should be easy.

ROAD TEST:

The next step in diagnosing a wind noise condition is to road test the vehicle to experience the customer complaint, and begin to pinpoint the noise area.

VISUAL INSPECTION:

Before going on the road test, give the vehicle a quick visual inspection. Look for obvious things such as misaligned components, loose fasteners, broken weld joints and sealer or adhesive skips. Weatherstrips may be torn, or trapped under garnish moldings or the passive restraint clevis.

If you find any of these conditions, don't make a repair yet - just note them, then listen for any noise they may be causing on the road test.

Bring masking tape, a screwdriver and a china marking or grease pencil on the road test.