Sudden wind noise from back of cab

[Samsquanch]

Earlier this week I was driving home from a 3 1/2 drive cruising down the freeway when I noticed a sudden and strong wind noise coming from the rear of the cabin. I thought maybe I bumped a window switch somehow but I checked everything and nothing was open. The noise is so loud it sounds like something is flapping around back there. I folded the seat down and see nothing loose and left it down while I drove to see if it would get louder and it does get MUCH louder with the seat down. It’s loud enough that you can hear it over the cranked radio when driving 70+ so I’ll have to do something.

I was looking around and I think I have isolated the problem to one of the rear vents. I am wondering if these tend to get stuck open. Earlier in my trip I did hit the button to switch from recirculate air to fresh air which I believe opens a vent in the back. I am thinking this is now stuck open. Why I noticed it suddenly like I did is unknown but I’m fairly sure that’s where it’s coming from. On the other hand I am wondering if those vents have a seal around them that failed as I drove.

Anyone experience this before? I am pretty sure I am going to have to take it to the dealership. Unfortunately my dealer isn’t great with noises so I am hoping to go in armed with some knowledge of any issue with that system.

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[l0rdv8r]

something super simple to check - I had this issue and couldn't find it for a few weeks..... finally I found it..... one of my kids had apparently not rolled up one of the windows in the back all the way... It was sealed enough that water wasn't getting in, but on the highway you could hear wind... it was driving me nuts.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

This right here..

Take a look between the cab and bed and make sure there is not any debris jammed up against the body vents. If nothing is there then you may need to inspect the vents from inside the truck. The rubber flaps of these vents is nearly impossible to see from the outside. The pack panel on the crew cab is fairly easy to remove. On the XLT you likely will not need to unbolt the seat to get it out.

Start with removing the top cover of the center shoulder belt and then remove the long vertical cover for the belt. It's held on with 4 clips, two on top and two at the bottom. Next using a wide upholstery tool slide up under the top trim panel to release the clips. There are I believe 4-6 of them as well as a locator tab on the ends. Be careful on the tabs as they can easily snap off. Once the trim bar is removed there are 4 plastic plugs that secure the carpet panel to the back wall. Use a trim panel tool to remove these and you can then pull the carpet panel out from the ends and tilt it forward to inspect the vents. Reinstall everything in reverse. The carpet panel is a bit of a pain to fit back under the C-Pillars and you may have to pull out on the plastic trim to get them it to go back into place and the indentions on the carpet wall will help line it back up. The top trim bar is a little tricky as well. You need to slide the tab on the lower end in first before securing the top corner on each side. If you don't do that the top panel will not sit flush with the panels next to it.

 

[Samsquanch]

Thank you that’s clearly it. Did this come from a TSB or something?

 

[Trigganometry]

I had the same issues with my scab. It is from the rear vents. I ended up buying some 1/4 thick felt sheet and applying that from the inside of the cab over the 2 vents. Duct tape a box and done. Then put the carpet back up and has not been a problem since. In my case I think the rubber got stiff in the cold and wasn’t sealing properly. I wouldn’t close them off though. Otherwise you might get air pressure droning if you drive with windows open or cracked.

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