defrost vent removal???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 901
Likes: 2
From: Palm City Fl
defrost vent removal???
Hey guys, I am in the middle of taking the dash out of mw wife's 99 coupe to do R&R on the A/C actuators, and I can't get the defrost vent out of the top of the dash. I think it should just pry out, but I don't want to break it. Anyone know the trick to removing it? I would really appreciat any help. thanks
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Dan,
Please tell me how you did it. I have taken the top of the dash off and can see the defroster vent clearly.
My e-mail address is albertm1943@gmail.com
Thank you.
Al
Please tell me how you did it. I have taken the top of the dash off and can see the defroster vent clearly.
My e-mail address is albertm1943@gmail.com
Thank you.
Al
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 901
Likes: 2
From: Palm City Fl
As I recall, I used 2 small flathead screwdrivers. Starting at the right bottom corner, I gently inserted one screwdriver between the dash and the vent. Then, I took the second screwdriver and inserted it the same way about an inch to the left of the first one and gently pried up. It finally started to give way and then I could remove the first screwdriver and place it about an inch to the left of the second and pry up a little more. It will give but, you have to go easy or it will break. Work your way around like that until it pops free. There were no screws holding it down. Make sure the sensors are back in place before you put it back or you will be removiing it again. Ask me how I know. 
I didn't think I was ever going to get it out. It is just a really tight fit. Hope this helps, good luck. 
I didn't think I was ever going to get it out. It is just a really tight fit. Hope this helps, good luck.
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You can also use a credit card or plastic panel removal tool and insert it between the dash and edge near one end. Gently pry and slide the credit card along as you go and it will pop it out. Don't pry too hard in the center as that plastic will crack. Some vents are held in in more snugly than others. Beneath it are two screws required for dash removal.
Tip: after removing the sensor(s) from the vent grill - if you have them - be SURE to secure the pigtail(s), or they may drop back down behind the dash area and are hard to retrieve.
Tip: after removing the sensor(s) from the vent grill - if you have them - be SURE to secure the pigtail(s), or they may drop back down behind the dash area and are hard to retrieve.
Advanced
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 53
Likes: 61
From: Naples
You can also use a credit card or plastic panel removal tool and insert it between the dash and edge near one end. Gently pry and slide the credit card along as you go and it will pop it out. Don't pry too hard in the center as that plastic will crack. Some vents are held in in more snugly than others. Beneath it are two screws required for dash removal.
Tip: after removing the sensor(s) from the vent grill - if you have them - be SURE to secure the pigtail(s), or they may drop back down behind the dash area and are hard to retrieve.
Tip: after removing the sensor(s) from the vent grill - if you have them - be SURE to secure the pigtail(s), or they may drop back down behind the dash area and are hard to retrieve.
