Help! I lost my mailbox key INSIDE my car :(

**gizmo99** · 12-04-2009 06:32 PM

I was holding to my mail box key when it accidentally slipped in between the "Coin holder compartment door" and the Vent system.. as shown

I basically need to remove the "door" to get back my Key. Any ideas what I should do ?? :(

**plokm** · 12-04-2009 06:37 PM

you have to remove your radio then ac controls and last your whole ash tray unit

**AudiTFSI3o3** · 12-04-2009 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by plokm

you have to remove your radio then ac controls and last your whole ash tray unit

x2

remove the HU and then remove the climate control. then pop off the gear shift cover and you'll see 2 bolt screws. remove those and the whole cig. lighter/assembly will come out.

GL

**gizmo99** · 12-04-2009 06:48 PM

holy crap... i must not put stuff there around that area next time.... arghh!!!

Is the AC unit easy to take out once the radio is out ? Or do I need keys (like the Radio keys)

**blmlozz** · 12-04-2009 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by gizmo99

holy crap... i must not put stuff there around that area next time.... arghh!!!

Is the AC unit easy to take out once the radio is out ? Or do I need keys (like the Radio keys)

the HU is the only thing that's held down, everything else pops out gently.

**kharsnett** · 12-04-2009 06:46 PM

i knew where the key went even before i opened this thread lol sorry about your luck

**blmlozz** · 12-04-2009 06:48 PM

X3. When I first did it during a heater core replacement, there were 50million personal cards stuck in there. Which is probably why it wouldn't open up by itself.

**AudiTFSI3o3** · 12-04-2009 06:50 PM

once you remove the HU with the "radio" keys you can just reach back and pop the climate control to the front. comes out just as easy

**plokm** · 12-04-2009 06:54 PM

You might can try removing the trim then unscrew the two bolts and slide your hand in the crack the get the key

**ducati** · 12-05-2009 07:34 AM

you must remove the headunit with the radio keys,then the heating and air unit,then if its really deep inside you must remove the ashtray....

**gizmo99** · 12-06-2009 11:31 PM

Here's a write up of what I did, hope someone will benefit from this. 10 minute job

1) Get your ratchet ready,

2) Insert Radio Keys and pull radio out

3) Remove Gear box Trim (easily pops out) so that the bolt is revealed.

4) remove the two bolts on each side

5) Push out and remove the Air Control Unit

6) I had to hold up the raido + Ac Unit with one hand [its better if you get a friend]

7) with the Ashray door open, pull out the ashtray

8) shake the ashtray in place [with wires connected] so that whatever gets stuck comes out

9) try not to put small objects in that area again

**Quattro** · 12-07-2009 12:35 AM

awesome!

**crew** · 02-17-2010 07:33 AM

I managed to remove and replace the ashtray without ever touching the radio or HVAC controls.. if that helps. It's just patience, maneuvering and steady pressure. I know, that's what she said.. haha