I always get the job done but usually mess something up in the process.

Here goes:

Removed the center console, stereo/navi unit and then the upper vents that hold the info display.

while removing the display, I should have removed this part by prying from the outside. Well, I did it from the inside (didn't work this way) and popped out the little vent fans (all five of them) and they went down the vent tubing into the bowels of god knows what or where. I then tried to fish them out as I could see a few down there maybe 8-10 inches. Yup, lost the tool I was fishing with down there too. Now, they are too deep to see and I have no clue as to what will happen when I use put everything back together.

It is easy to just replace the part holding the vent fans but what about these parts down in the bowels of the ac/heating system?

Anyone know how to get these out without tearing out the entire dashboard?

What to do ....?????

 

I admire you for having the guts to tear apart your car, but I have to ask why?

The one thing I have learned the hard way is to leave things to the pros. They have the know how, tools, and expereience to do things right.

Good luck!

 

I once retrived some screws that fell down a car's defroster vents by using a flexible "grabber" tool.

Home Depot sells the tool. It's about two feet long and can bend moderately. It won't do a ninety degree turn. At one end is a thumb controlled plunger-type button which opens and closes metal fingers at the other end.

Maybe that will work.

 

Do you mean vent "fins?"

Maybe you can fashion a retriever using some silly putty and string. Tie a loop in the end of the string and glob the silly putty onto it so the string won't pull out. Lower that into the vent and let it sit a minute or two to settle onto the parts. Gently pull it back out while being careful not to knock the pieces loose of the silly putty. Repeat until you have everything.

If what you dropped down there is metal, use a magnet on a string to fish that out first. The silly putty should be able to grab the lightweight plastic items, though.

 

Magnet is a good idea. regarding the fins, I cannot see them so the grapple hook idea is good but may not work.

Silly Putty!! Good, but bad idea. last thing I need is to add silly putty to the mix of things down there. That is how I got the metal bar down there...

In regards to gurneyeagle, I was installing my IR sensor and fm modulator for my dvd player. That is why I tore apart the dash. I also installed my musiclink and have done this before.
Always something.

The heat and ac work fine. no obstruction of airflow and no rattles. contemplating just leaving them down there. The dealer said they would have to take apart the entire dash (the whole dashboard) and that is not an option here...

 

I've used Silly Putty this way before. The key is don't let go of it. Of course, should you accidently lose it, it's easy to grab with a retriever like Justy described.

Here's another idea: Turn on the vent fan full bore and then use a shop vac to suck on the vent. You may get the lighter plastic bits out that way. Just make sure you have a good seal between the vacuum's nozzle and the vent opening.

 

wrap a magnet up on a thread and tape it up..... throw it down the vent and hope everything gets magnatized

 

I went out and bought magnetic fingers, a mirror on a stem, and a strong magnet. Got home and removed the vent trim and looked down. Nothing to be seen. I was afraid of putting the fingers down there as there was nothing to grab. The magnet looked like a bad option as I saw the sensors (to determine the temperature) down there. There is one on each side (2 vents) and they look fragile and possibly magnetic. I did not want to do more damage by bouncing a magnet off them.
Anyway, There has been no issues with the temperature, rattle or anything else, at this time. So, my only choice is to leave it as it is.

I need to replace the fins though. Probably going to cost me a hondy ($100). If you were to price out just the interior on this car I bet you would be up to $12 grand alone.

Thanks for all the ideas. I only wish I would have had the chance to retrieve these pieces.

I hope you heed this good advice for anyone who loses a fin:

1. Do not ram your fingers or anything else inside the vents.
2. If you do lose a fin, do not drive your car. You need to keep that piece in plain sight.
3. Get yourself some silly putty or magnetic fingers and fish it out.
4. If all else fails, fugettaboutit!!!

 

HAHAHAHAH excellent solution!!!

 

Glad you solved your problem.

Usually I use masking tape or boxing tape wrapped with the sticky side out, on a 3 or 4 foot section of something flexible like some 18-2 copper house wire. If that does not work then a shop vacuum sucking through a smaller house vacuum hose may work using tape to adapt the hose sizes.

Of course if you have a small web cam....