Nissan Repair: 96 Hardbody is making strange noises from instrument cluster, dash designs, ac controls

Question
My 1996 Hardbody is making a rattle/buzzing sound coming from the instrument cluster where the radio/AC controls are? It almost sounds like there is something shorting out, yet the radio and AC are working fine and not cutting out? The sound was only happening every once in a while, but lately it has been happening frequently.

Answer
Brian,

I cannot hear the noise so I am going to give you some alternatives.  If the noise is constant, even with the vehicle off, then I am going to say it is electrical related.  And, as such you probably have a relay or something in the radio that needs addressing.  The only way to know is to take the radio out.  Leave it connected and look for the source of the noise.  Now, if the rattle/buzzing is only when the vehicle is in motion.  That means that there is something loose.  This is the usual case with the Hardbody and Xterra dash designs.  You can remove the radio and drive it and then the cluster and look for sources of rubbing.  Get felt tape, like the felt they put under lamps and such to keep tables from getting scratched.  Apply to areas in question and drive it again.  Nissan has this procedure in the factory service manual to address and eliminate rattle/buzzing noise.