a screw fell through the defroster vent :'(

E

eJay

Member
Location
Fairfax, VA
So a couple of weeks ago my iPod adapter stopped working so I took out the radio head unit to rewire the adapter. In the process I placed a couple of screws on top of the dashboard and one of them fell through the defroster vent underneath the front windshield. I tried tying a magnet to the end of a string but the screw could not be fetched. Up until today it hadn't been rattling but it started to rattle today. It's very annoying and distracting as it would constantly move around & rattle. What can I do to take out the screw? I'm even willing to take apart the dashboard to get to the vent underneath. If anyone has tips on how to remove the dash, please let me know. Thank you!
 
Do you have a body shop you trust? Maybe they have a trick for removing the screws. Removing the dash would be a PITA but if you are anything like me listening to a rattle is going surely going to make you lose your mind......do you have any bubbles on your dash? Dash replacement time :)
 
Hmm.. No i dont have any shops in particular that I trust or know of and I already got my dash replaced two years ago. I did some search and some people seem to have the diagram / tech manual for dash removal. Do you know where I can find it??

I really need to get that screw out or going crazy is just a matter of time. (Im the same way as you when it comes to noises..)


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Long time no post Eric, nice seeing ya around! I hate rattles... non-car folks will never understand why it drives us nuts.

Question - can you pinpont where the screw fell? Center, passenger or driver's side?

I was able to dig up some part diagrams for the front vents. Hopefully this can help you pinpoint where to look and where to start taking things apart (e.g. if screw is on the passenger side, maybe you can get a magnet to where the cabin filter is and fish it out)

Nozzle and duct front:
007-E-273-2.png

Two different views of the dash:
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007-J-680-7.png

Source: http://infiniti.sewellparts.com/oem-catalog/BodyElectrical-FX35-2008.html

Good luck!!!
 

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Wow pat! Thanks for the diagram. It fell in the passenger's side and the rattling noise also comes from the passenger side although it doesnt sound like its located too deep in the vents. I just ordered a grade N48 magnet so I'll try fetching it from the top one more time as well as trying getting to it from the filter area.

P.S. Seeing that diagram made me think twice about taking apart the dash


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eJay said:
Wow pat! Thanks for the diagram. It fell in the passenger's side and the rattling noise also comes from the passenger side although it doesnt sound like its located too deep in the vents. I just ordered a grade N48 magnet so I'll try fetching it from the top one more time as well as trying getting to it from the filter area.

P.S. Seeing that diagram made me think twice about taking apart the dash


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Click to expand...

Nice, hopefully the stronger magnet does the trick.

I was googling to see if there was anything helpful. Found this unfortunate dude who lost a wedding ring in his AC vent: http://forums.nicoclub.com/diamond-ring-inside-front-defrost-vent-do-i-remove-dash-how-t227337.html
 
Dude that's too funny. I think these car companies should start putting anti-engagement ring doors on their defroster vents. And i guess i should be happy my screw doesnt cost $15,000!

But seriously, I hope I dont have to take apart everything like that guy had to. I'll let you guys know in 2 weeks!


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