Electrical crackle from dash?

I've noticed a strange noise coming from the area of the dash/steering (?); when the car is going 50mph and over (not matter what road surface); I hear a sound akin to electrical wires shorting... I suspected initially it might be plastic moving against plastic, but now am not sure.

Does not happen under 50mph, ALWAYS happens over 50mph, can't determine exactly where the sound is coming from (bit awkward driving with head on dash ).

Short of ripping dash apart and checking wiring, I'm not sure how to diagnose. Has anyone else experienced this?

Try hitting the dash in different places to see if it stops. Plastic can make this sort of noise as the panels move. Does it do it when you turn the steering wheel at speed?

Ok (smiling whilst I envisage driving with a lump hammer)

No, movement of steering seems to make no difference, seems to be above certain speeds, irrespective of road condition.

I'll do another (safe) road test today and report back.

Thanks

Rich

Despite walloping all over the dash and hurting my hand, the sound persists (I also tried pulling/pushing/squeezing the fitments)

One more question - I still can't quite determine if this IS electrical or just plastic on plastic rubbing, if it is an electrical short wouldn't the fuse blow?

(trying to put my mind at ease that I'm not going to burst into flames)

(the car, not me!)

Electrical short would blow a fuse. Bad connection won't always blow a fuse unless it can draw enoguh current across it to blow a fuse. You'd see lights flicker or something intermittent. It won't be an electrical problem. More like plastic. Turn the steering wheel while stationary. Does it do it then?

Thanks Hippo, that's reassuring.

As for turning the wheel when stationary no chance, that's when my steering is VERY heavy, if I move the car ever so slightly it's fine, but not moving it's a dead weight.

So, dash apart at the weekend to see if I can ID the problem; any tips for how to avoid breaking everything (aside from "don't do it")

I flexed my muscles and turned the wheel when stationary, no noise, but now notice it at lower speeds (seems to be getting worse); real pain...

Could be a faulty relay clicking off/on rapidly.....there are lots near the fuses

How oftem does it make the noise? Can you hear it louder wiv the fuse box cover open/removed?

Seems to be more often now than before, I'll try it tomorrow with the fuse cover open and report back.

Thanks for continued help

Def not coming from fuse box area, sound emanates from dash (above steering); I'll try to take it apart at the weekend and report back.

Incredibly annoying.

Had dash apart, checked all wiring, no bare wires, nothing rubbing, put it all back together... still get the annoying sound.

Running out of ideas and patience now

Sorted! It was the plenum cover :doh: