2005 997 headliner crackling!

[KeithJu]

Hey All,

Just bought a 2005 997. The car has the alcantada headliner and even with the sunroof closed the headliner (above where rear passangers would sit) makes a crackeling, poping noise almost resembling an electrical sparking noise. When I reach behind my head (about 8 inches behind the sunroof) I can feel what seems to be a cable running across the width of the car and when I put pressure on the cable the crackle, pop seems to stop. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Any solutions?

[RFM]

Most part of the noises are produced by the left and (or) right rear window adjustment system. Anyway, if you remove the top trim which covers the roof liner left, right and in front, you can pull off the headliner starting on the rear and pull out the steel tension cross wires one by one. Insulate the fastening clips from the holes where they clicks in with insulation tape or similar stuff. Turn each fastening nut of the sunroof UNIT 2 turns loose, spray a little amount of grease gently between the UNIT and the roof reinforcement and re tighten the nuts. Check the roof crossbeams, they will come loose from the roof plate (hollow sound). Obviously, it's rather a dealer job than a DIY.

[KeithJu]

RFM,

Thanks for the reply

I was however wondering what you meant when you said "Most part of the noises are produced by the left and (or) right rear window adjustment system". Do you think the problem is with something other than what's under the headliner? What is the rear window adjustment system?

Thanks,

Keith

[RFM]

The side rear windows are partial bolted to the car body by a adjustment plate, some earlier 997 have troubles with creaking sounds in that area. An adjustment is needed if it is the case.