Hey all,

This past weekend, I've noticed that the overhead DVD screen started rattling over harsh freeways (with the screen up or down). I checked the screws (tight) and anything else that could rattle but it seems to be something between the screen mount and the roof itself. (maybe an unsecured wiring harness?)

I'm inclined to take it apart myself and check it or just take it to the dealer.

Has anyone run into this issue?

Thanks in advance,

-Ray

Mine was rattling as well. As I was driving (so I could semi-locate the source), I ended up just slightly pushing the whole assembly towards the rear and up - no more rattle.

mine's been doing that since new. I took it to a local dealer and they tried to add some insulation per the service advisor but he said the tech told him it was attached to the headliner and not the roof itself so there's not a lot they can do with. I've tried pushing it backwards while driving and it does stop rattling for a while but then comes back. Damn irritating and I'll be taking it to another dealer and have them give it a shot. I'm thinking it may be in the DVD unit itself. I told the first dealer that unless every grand cherokee with the system rattles his answer was not good enough and if they all rattle then I'd take it up with Daimler-Chrysler and bug them until they come up with a permanent fix. This is my first domestic product in a long while and a big reason for not buying has been squeeks and rattles and their terrible residual value. I liked the SRT-8 so much I took a chance and hope I don't get stuck with a rattle-trap after a year or two, my fingers are crossed as turning up the radio only works when you're alone in the car.

just found out from a Jeep factory guy that they have a new retainer clip for the DVD system in the headliner. This is for any Jeep built before June 28th of this year and according to him, will stop the rattle. He gave me a part number but my local dealer couldn't find it so I'm waiting to hear from one or both with a valid number that can be ordered for me to stop this irritating rattle. As soon as I get a good part number or tech bulletin, I'll pass it on.

Thanks for the feedback Gary.

I'm looking forward to that fix.

-Ray

I dealt with that damn squeak for three months... couldn’t take it anymore! Today I took the assembly apart and found the problem. It was definitely those retainer clips that garyb mentioned. Here’s a step-by-step that solved the problem for me.

The DVD player is attached to the headliner by two screws and two plastic tabs. Remove the remote control and you’ll see the two screws. Remove the screws and carefully pull down the entire assembly from the rear. You’ll see two plastic tabs that fit into the metal retainer clips. Continue to pull down gently and the tabs will come out. Unhook the wire harness.

I removed the retainer clips from the mounting plate with a pair of pliers. I had some leftover adhesive-backed Velcro strips in the garage... I cut four ¼” wide by ½” long strips and stuck one strip on each side of the slot of the overhead mounting plate (the slots where the retainer clips slide into). You don’t have to use Velcro – any rubber or fabric that’s thin and strong enough will work. I used the Velcro because it’s pretty much indestructible. Re-insert the clips and put everything back together.

No more squeaks, rattles, or pissed-off drivers. I hope this helps someone!

The second dealership I took mine to in Scottsdale, AZ did roughly the same thing and so far no rattle in the DVD. What's bad is the first dealership in Phoenix told me there was nothing they could do and I'd have to live with the rattle. I told them in not so nice terms they were fired and would never get another dime of my money.

I dealt with that damn squeak for three months... couldn’t take it anymore! Today I took the assembly apart and found the problem. It was definitely those retainer clips that garyb mentioned. Here’s a step-by-step that solved the problem for me.

The DVD player is attached to the headliner by two screws and two plastic tabs. Remove the remote control and you’ll see the two screws. Remove the screws and carefully pull down the entire assembly from the rear. You’ll see two plastic tabs that fit into the metal retainer clips. Continue to pull down gently and the tabs will come out. Unhook the wire harness.

I removed the retainer clips from the mounting plate with a pair of pliers. I had some leftover adhesive-backed Velcro strips in the garage... I cut four ¼” wide by ½” long strips and stuck one strip on each side of the slot of the overhead mounting plate (the slots where the retainer clips slide into). You don’t have to use Velcro – any rubber or fabric that’s thin and strong enough will work. I used the Velcro because it’s pretty much indestructible. Re-insert the clips and put everything back together.

No more squeaks, rattles, or pissed-off drivers. I hope this helps someone!

If someone else does this, pictures would be excellent to have in the thread.

I was going to take the damn DVD system down, I hated the rattles so much. Then attach two TFT's to the headrests. But I'll give this a try first. If so, I'll post pics.

The reason why the overhead DVD is not attached to the roof is that the sunroof sliding out needs room back there. Otherwise, I'd bolt the focker to the roof.

Originally my idea was to put two rods, from left to right, over the headliner, and attach the DVD to them, securely. But if this glue-on technique works, I'll give it a shot.

I dealt with that damn squeak for three months... couldn’t take it anymore! Today I took the assembly apart and found the problem. It was definitely those retainer clips that garyb mentioned. Here’s a step-by-step that solved the problem for me.

The DVD player is attached to the headliner by two screws and two plastic tabs. Remove the remote control and you’ll see the two screws. Remove the screws and carefully pull down the entire assembly from the rear. You’ll see two plastic tabs that fit into the metal retainer clips. Continue to pull down gently and the tabs will come out. Unhook the wire harness.

I removed the retainer clips from the mounting plate with a pair of pliers. I had some leftover adhesive-backed Velcro strips in the garage... I cut four ¼” wide by ½” long strips and stuck one strip on each side of the slot of the overhead mounting plate (the slots where the retainer clips slide into). You don’t have to use Velcro – any rubber or fabric that’s thin and strong enough will work. I used the Velcro because it’s pretty much indestructible. Re-insert the clips and put everything back together.

No more squeaks, rattles, or pissed-off drivers. I hope this helps someone!

I started doing this fix last night with my digital camera, but it had an error when I went to take the first picture. I had everything apart and decided to complete the job instead of put everything back and find another camera.

Honestly, the fix goes EXACTLY as described above, and probably takes more time to explain than perform.

I used some double-sided 3M "trim" tape (excellent to use for just about everything) and put two layers over the "boss" that the retainer clips fit into. I then used a razor blade to open up the holes where the clips go. I spread the clips out a bit to ensure that the plastic retainer tabs went into them okay, but the clips are now firmly in their holes and the trip tape keeps them from rattling.

You then have to get that unit back up there (remembering to first plug in the wiring harness) and those tabs into the clips. Its a tight fit, but they go in. You will find that it is hard to get leverage to push the unit into the headliner, but you can do it.

I replaced the screws and the whole thing is really tight. This is how it should be mounted from the factory to prevent such issues.

I am sorry for no pictures, but this is a really easy fix to do without dealer intervention. If you don't want to do it, print out the text and take it to a car audio shop. They'll do it really fast.

I love the internet!!!!! I started hearing the rear dvd screen rattle a few days ago and knew exactly the deal remembering this thread. I remove the screen easily, knowing what to expect. The improved clips were already there and tight. Then I notice the rattle is still there. Upon close examination, I have FOUR clips in the rear! Yes, two properly installed, and two where someone at the assembly line installed them upside down, and just pushed them into the hole before installing two more!!!!! Just spent 30 minutes working the two extra clips out. Thanks Detroit!