Mark,

I'm sorry to hear about your grief with solving the dash noise issue.

Have you tried checking the torque on the eleven torx scres that secure the upper dash? You should also check the two torx screws that hold the center of the lower dash to the shifter frame. BTW you'll need to remove the console to access these.

I did the above on my car and the popping and creaking noises have not returned. Also, you might check the torque on the five major bolts that secure the lower dash to the bulkhead.

Hope you are able to get some satisfaction. Nothing is more irritating than a problem that defies solution.

Bryan