Dash vents- getting them out...?

[TimR]

I know this has come up in discussion before. The heater matrix replacement thread tells of simply removing the two outer most vents as part of the process- no further details.Pretty sure I know how these are fitted and they are the same as the center console/rear seat vents...
My question is this: can the larger of the vents, the two central units, be removed? If so how? I remember perhaps something about them being screwed in from behind somehow...?
cheers

 

[conaero]

I have two new ones in a box at work I will have a look for you, I expect tabs that have to be pulled.

I do know the central vents are all black so the outer chrome bit stays in the dash.

 

[TimR]

Thanks Matt. That’d be great...

 

[safrane]

The centre ones are fixed from behind and the inner tube will not pull out in the same way as the outer ones or rear ones (32/42/GS)

 

[RichTaps]

Peer into the vent and you'll see some black tabs that lock the vent in place. Get a small pick or something else pointy and retract the tabs towards the centre of the vent whilst gently tugging the vent towards you. Its easy to snap the tabs, so patience and a bright torch are your friends.

 

[TimR]

@RichTaps - are you sure that the centre vents are designed this way..? I know the outer, and the rear seat vents are but seem to recall, the larger vents are held in from behind in some way...

 

[Vampyrebat]

@RichTaps - are you sure that the centre vents are designed this way..? I know the outer, and the rear seat vents are but seem to recall, the larger vents are held in from behind in some way...

Just be careful releasing these 3 clips as they become very brittle over time!

 

[TimR]

Great stuff - seeing is believing...!