Remove/fix left vent in an '88

[megerian]

I have noticed that in the left-side vent, the vertical louvers are not properly engaged, and more importantly. the flap at the back of the vent does not open and close properly. I figured I would remove it and fix it.

The Bentley manual doesn't give the steps to remove it. Some searching at least gives me hope that its not too difficult, but I could only find details on removing the center vents, not the left vent.

In the picture below, I removed the small screw visible on the left but that was only there to secure the black plastic trim piece and did not seem to aid the removal of the vent.

Any suggestions?

[tig]

+1 - except in my case it's the right one.

[kuehl]

Remove phillips head screw.
Carefully, slowly, peel back plastic side fascia.
Pull vent out.

[megerian]

I removed the phillips head screw. I carefully and slowly removed the plastic side fascia.

Now what? The vent seems no closer to removal, and the phillips head screw mostly appears to secure the fascia piece, not the vent itself.

Is there some other trick? Even with the side fascia removed, the vent is solidly attached.

[AVDCAV]

You have the take the lower blower motor out and work from the inside it's fairly
Simple . You'll see the connection points

[kuehl]

Here are a few Kuehl steps to easily remove the vent on either side:

1) Remove phillips screw


2) Carefully remove plastic side fascia (sometimes the have double sided
tape underneath)




3) Place your hand underneath the knee pad and you can feel the flexible
plenum which the vent inserts into. Hold the plenum with two fingers to
keep it in place.


4) Pull the vent panel out with one hand while holding the flexible
plenum with your other hand.


5) Out comes the vent (ignore all 'stuff' on the carpet.. another work in progress)


6) Note there is cut notch or recess in the side of the plastic plenum to allow
clearance for the louver's movement rod.... for when you put things back together.

[megerian]

Nice photos - thanks! I suspect those two tabs at the top serve to hold the vent in place

[kuehl]

Yes, the 2 metal spring tabs keep the unit in place. Alike the center vent above the radio. Be careful when you slide the vent out, the tabs can break off.

[Unobtanium-inc]

Another Pelican lifesaver. Thanks Keuhl..

Matt