You know that little plastic plug that sits at the base of the windshield at the center of the dash, well, as I was taking it out to install the LED for my alarm, I dropped it into the defrost air vent. I cannot see it. I cannot hear it rattle with the air on (a good thing). But, I would like to get it out.

How can I remove the top of the dash to gain access to the defrost vents? Can anyone offer up suggests or tips?

Thanks,
Ron

 

Ron, you ever get a suggestion or figure something out? Anyone else? Same damned thing just happened to me today as I was attempting to diagnose a dash rattle in my new-to-me '02 MINI.

 

Heres a good idea, take your car to the dealer so you won t have to take apart the whole dash and tell them to fix the rattle and grab all the junk you ve dropped into your vents/ defrost or where ever else you guys hanve dropped your stuff

 

To remove the top of the dash near the front windshield.

Go to the sides of the dash where there is a small plastic panel facing the two doors. Pry up one edge with a fine small screw driver. You will see some screws, take them off but don't loose them. Once the screws are removed on each side you can lift off the top of the dash and search for the missing piece.

If you don't find it then order a replacement. It's very likely you have lost it but maybe you can get lucky and find it.

See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=11315
Check out post #2.

 

Thanks Minihune. No, it's definitely down deep inside the vent. In fact, i had the dash cover off when it happened as i was trying to cure some rattles. turns out this little round plug piece was rattling in it's hole so i was gonna pop it out to see how i can make it fit tighter. it popped out much easier than i anticipated...and went straight down the adjacent vent opening. Sigh....