Seat Clicking/Rattle. Desperate for help.

I have a 2016 4Runner SR5. There is a clicking or rattle sound coming from my passenger seat. I can't get the dealer to replicate the sound. It happens on all pavement, smooth or uneven, sporadic, and ONLY when the seat is empty. No matter what the seat back or seat bottom position is the sound persists when seat is empty. Attached is a video. You can hear the sound get louder when I move the camera under my seat on the left side. If I place my hand on the right side of the bottom cushion and pull towards me on the drivers side, the sound stops completely. I have messed around underneath when parked with a flashlight to no avail. Any ideas y'all? I can't take it anymore.. sincerely, an OCD freak.

 

Sorry but that video doesn't help much.

Have you checked all the bolts and wiring connections?

 

Yes. I hope you're able to hear the sound.. I have replicated the sound when parked, used a flashlight and looked underneath to ensure none of the plastic pieces were hitting anything and they aren't.

 

So, I was officially told by the dealer that the rattle is a result of the play in the seat track and the seat itself if the seat is all the way back in its track. The workaround is to move the seat up slightly, like at least 1 mm, and the noise will stop. Worked for me... Found it weird, but it is what it is, LOL.

Cheers,

Sean

 

Thanks for the info. Did your rattle sound identical to mine in this video? I hear the rattle no matter what position the seat is in.

 

Jesus

 

Annoying isn't it????

 

Mine sounded similar, although not as pronounced. Also, mine was also coming from the tracks, drivers side, and even when I was occupying the seat it did it... Sounds like you may have an issue with a loose track, or something stuck in between... My recommendation would be to unbolt the 4 seat bolts, pull it out and check to make sure nothing is even stuck (change) in the tracks. Just my thought.

Cheers,

Sean

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I may try this. Do I need to be concerned with triggering the airbag in the seat? Novice here.

 

Not at all... Pulling the seat out won't interfere with the airbags at all. Just be careful, because the little "seat feet (hey, that rhymes)" are a bit awkward, and if you're not, it will scratch your paint nicely (or the interior trim) if it drags along it. Just take your time. Definitely post your findings...

Cheers,

Sean