I recently had some non vehicle keys sitting on top of the dashboard fall in the defroster vent. This was a freak accident and I am was wondering if anyone ever had to retrieve an item that has fallen into the defroster vent. I had to drive the vehicle after this happened but haven't heard the keys rattling. I have not adjusted the climate controls since, currently in the coolest temperature setting in vent position outside air. I have two questions 1) What will happen if I don't retrieve the keys (especially as I change the settings such as for colder weather) and could the keys cause damage? 2) Any suggestions for retrieving the keys? Completely removing the dash is beyond my technical abilities at this time and I know I can take it into the shop. I have heard of trying to drop a magnet on a string or a magnetic snake down the vent to see if I can retrieve the keys. I haven't been able to find good information on removing the defroster vent and don't want to damage the dash, vent or windshield in the process.

 

Try removing the waterfall panel , the two vents will come out and you might be able to get the keys from there



The panel just pulls out from the dashboard

 

Unfortunately, the defroster is a tube. Good news is no harm from debris.

 

Thank you for the responses. Just to be clear the keys dropped through top vent. I wasn't sure where it would drop into and if I could access, I will try to remove the waterfall panel. I was also concerned as I change the climate controls the keys could get caught in a door or fall into other components. Right now this in my main vehicle so I didn't want to tie up unnecessarily or get stuck removing parts/components and can't put back.

 

Yeah, I won’t change the HVAC settings until you fish out those keys!

 

there are magnetic probes
You know it's the magnet at the end of the flex rod
most car services have such a tool, if you drive by - ask a question, they will help you

 

Why did I post the diagram? The defroster is fed by a tube with an inverted P trap.

I took the time to draw red lines on the air routes, if anyone cares to look.

 

But he dropped them in the part you didn't demarcate.

 

Silly me; AssUMeing again.
For further clarification the defrost vent is shown detached above the duct work.

 

It's the long thin duct behind and above the red lines