OK, dumb question time

[SOHK_Alumni]

I'm not entirely sure how, but my wife dropped a piece of non-magnetic jewelry down the dash vents under the windshield of her FX4.

Short of pulling the dash out, any ideas on gaining access to the bottom of the air plenum?

Sponsored

 

[rang19ca]

First of all, can you see it? If so you can use a grabber tool, maybe.

 

[Stevo56]

Maybe use something like this to see if retrieval is possible with small grabbers.



https://www.amazon.com/Seesi-Endosc...9&sprefix=Usb+camera+for+phone,aps,215&sr=8-3

 

[RedlandRanger]

Maybe use something like this to see if retrieval is possible with small grabbers.



https://www.amazon.com/Seesi-Endoscope-Waterproof-Inspection-Semi-Rigid/dp/B07PBF6DX5/ref=sr_1_3?crid=OKSEO4HM59AF&dchild=1&keywords=usb+camera+for+phone&qid=1602457029&sprefix=Usb+camera+for+phone,aps,215&sr=8-3

That was going to be my suggestion - the kits have a hook with them - it isn't easy, but they can get into some pretty tight spaces.

 

[rltriumph]

I may or may not have used a piece of 1/4” tubing taped to a shop vac hose to retrieve a small dropped non magnetic part from inside a valve in a refinery. Just snake tube into vent turn on vac and fish around. Then pull it out.

 

[FoD]

I'm not entirely sure how, but my wife dropped a piece of non-magnetic jewelry down the dash vents under the windshield of her FX4.

Short of pulling the dash out, any ideas on gaining access to the bottom of the air plenum?

Just two (unhelpful) ideas:

New truck time (yeah!! Bronco upgrade time ) or

If you had a damper that failed to protect the interior from disasters like this I can name the head of the Select a Damper Group that has indemnity Insurance. If you didn't have a damper I can name the Lead Salesman & Cheerleader and he'll get "special" pricing for you.

 

[SOHK_Alumni]

I may or may not have used a piece of 1/4” tubing taped to a shop vac hose to retrieve a small dropped non magnetic part from inside a valve in a refinery. Just snake tube into vent turn on vac and fish around. Then pull it out.

Outstanding idea! If I could fine the a/c condensate drain, I'd try going in from there too!

Come to think of it, I've got a vacuum hose reducer that will make a great start.

 

[Jim C]

going on the vacuum idea, ive had "some luck" using shop vac in home drain & it may work. at least worth a try.

on the 'sucky side" put a fine mesh sock or nylon (make a little pocket into the tube) then put the vacuum on the vent & seal it up as best as you can & turn it on.

it has worked for me in the past but also had some fails'

 

[rltriumph]

going on the vacuum idea, ive had "some luck" using shop vac in home drain & it may work. at least worth a try.

on the 'sucky side" put a fine mesh sock or nylon (make a little pocket into the tube) then put the vacuum on the vent & seal it up as best as you can & turn it on.

it has worked for me in the past but also had some fails'

Use a Small enough tube, unless what you are picking is tiny will simply stick to end of tube.

 

[Lone]

There's always the old, sure-fire standby. Turn it upside down and shake it.

 

[Obijack]

Reminds me of Tommy Boy when the candy going into the dash.

 

[THLONE]

Wait, what is the value of the jewelry. The value of the jewelry and the problem it causes determines how much you are going to spend getting it out. ?

 

[allcos]

Why are you concerning yourself with this problem? She caused this. Let her figure it out!
That's how I dealt with my two ex-wives.

 

[SAZ Ranger]

Here is some incentive for you to keep trying and not give up. The Ranger is an Australian design as I under stand it, the Escape in the video uses a European designed AC/Heat unit and yours may be made in a similar way. This might give you an idea of what you might be up against if you pull the dash. The part of the video you want starts at 4:45 into the video.

If you can see it but can't get it cold you put some glue in a tube and glue it in place.

 

[Shadowdraxx]

I know this is prolly an idiotic suggestion but did u take the cabin filter out? maybe it fell there or u can get easier access?

Sponsored