Replacing dashboard vent...

[akarol]

Well, like an idiot, I broke the plastic flap from the middle vent on my dashboard. Because I am very meticulous, I took the plunge and ordered a new unit from my parts guy for $39.99 (I know, I know). Apparently, the don't have the flaps separately and I was forced to order the entire unit. How hard is it to replace it? The unit itself seems quite big and I'm worried about the wire that goes to it for the light. Anyone have any guides that might cover this step?

Thanks in advance...

[A4 in SC]

I used a very small flat head screw driver. Just 'pry' it out little by little, all the way around. There is a small plug for the light that you'll need to unplug, and that's very obvious when you get in there too. The front of the vent (the part you broke) separates from the rest of the vent too. Once you get it out, you should see how.

I removed mine because I had problems with the vent closing whenever it was HOT outside. I used black rtv on them (on the ends) and it has worked great.

[dirtybrd]

Just don't pry against the dash. it'll leave permanant damage. Kinda put it behind the vent and pull against the vent.

[risc427]

Just be happy you didn't crack the surround that goes around the vent. I broke my left vent surround trying to get it out and that part is $100.

[akarol]

Thanks for the replies. Is there a way to just remove the flaps? I figured that would be the easiest thing to go about it.

[risc427]

I assume you mean remove the louvers (flaps) without removing the entire vent? That could be possible, but extremely difficult and would probably result in broken louvers.

I would:

Take the vent out, the housing and surround will all come out as one piece. Be careful because there is a fairly short wire connected to it for illumination. Once you have it out you can (again) carefully remove the surround. At this point you'll be able to remove the horizontal louver (flaps) and then the vertical louver (flaps).

If you need I can take pictures of this although it is not difficult at all. Like I said though when initially removing the entire vent be careful as you can (I did) crack or break the surround.

[dirtybrd]

If you bought a entire vent assembly, you can just break out the louvers so you can grab the outer housing to pull it out.

[akarol]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Pictures would be awesome. I am terrified of messing something up on my dashboard as it is very visible. I already have a psychological problem with my headlight switch being cracked and my air conditioning buttons being faded. :(

[risc427]

All right, I'll try to get 'em snapped tonight.

As for the headlight switch and button, there's a solution to that. Buy new ones...

[Teratorn]

Can you still return it? I installed a vent gauge and kept the "flaps". The middle one is aluminum and the ones above and below are plastic. I can mail them to you. PM me if you want.

You have to pull the entire assembly out so it's easier to get the "flaps" off. Instead of prying the assembly off the dash, what I did was loop around a long zip tie on the middle "flap" (since it's aluminum) on both vents, and pulled straight out. You can then remove the trim around the vent assembly by prying small clips around it, and replace the flaps. Be careful with the wire that powers the vent light.

[akarol]

risc, any luck with those pictures?

[risc427]

Sorry about that man, got home a bit late last night. I'll take 'em today, should have em up around 7:30pm EDT.

[risc427]

All right, sorry for the delay. Anyway I created a short "guide" for this. Hopefully this makes sense and helps you (and potentially others) out.

Vent Removal "Guide"

[ApexIt]

All right, sorry for the delay. Anyway I created a short "guide" for this. Hopefully this makes sense and helps you (and potentially others) out.

Vent Removal "Guide"

im assuming the steps are very similar for the center vent right above the radio and all

[risc427]

Yes, this should apply to all. Obviously with the center vent there are going to be additional tabs due to it being bigger.