There may be a vibration or rattle sound in the body of the vehicle on some 2025 Equinox models. The vibration or rattle may be more noticeable under light load, with the engine at 1,800 – 2,000 rpm.
The rattle condition may be due to the Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) system.
Begin diagnosis by checking the ANC microphones, which may not be fully seated in each headliner retainer, causing the ANC system output to the speakers to vibrate or rattle in the body. (Fig. 15)
Fig. 15
If a rattle condition is found, test drive the vehicle to verify the rattle in the body is present. During the test drive, raise the engine rpm to the range where the sound occurs. Once the sound is active, maintain engine speed and disable the ANC system to determine if the sound stops.
Once verified that the ANC system is the source of the sound, check that all four ANC microphones are properly positioned in the headliner. Use a suitable plastic trim tool to release the retaining tabs and remove the microphone grille from the headliner. If the ANC microphone is properly positioned, it should not move when gently pushed. (Fig. 16)
Fig. 16
If any of the ANC microphones are out of position, lower the appropropriate corner of the headliner and fully install the microphone into the retainer. It’s not necessary to remove the headliner to access the microphones. Only lower the corner(s) of the headliner that require access to the microphone. (Fig. 17) Refer to Headlining Trim Panel Removal and Installation in the appropriate Service Information.
Fig. 17
For more information on the ANC microphones condition, refer to Bulletin #24-NA-182.
If there is still an ANC performance issue after checking for proper installation of the ANC microphones, update the radio with the latest software, which contains a new calibration for the ANC system. Refer to A11 Radio: Programming and Setup in the appropriate Service Information.
For more details on the ANC calibration, refer to Bulletin #24-NA-227.
– Thanks to Rob Smith
