2004 Maxima Air Vents Are Stuck Closed
06-25-2012, 02:34 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
2004 Maxima Air Vents Are Stuck Closed
I have a 2004 Maxima and my son pushed the dial that adjusts the open to close (for the dash vents) past its normal stopping point and now it is stuck closed. I've tried to move the dial but it just won't budge. Any suggestions on how to get my vents re-opened????
06-25-2012, 02:44 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,625
Unless you have the ability to completely remove and disassemble the vent housing your best bet is to force it back open, or replace it. at least if you force it back open you have the chance of fixing it, or if it breaks but you still the the function of the air conditioning.
best method..
Take a flat head screw driver, get it in between the vent flaps and at the same time as you pry it open take the other hand and try to move the dial back. Do this simultaneously as a little force from both ends of the dial may get it back on track. take a towel and place it over the dial to get a little bit more traction and cushion, kinda like placing a towel over a hard to open pickle jar. this may be the only edge you need.
Report back.
06-25-2012, 07:03 PM
#3
Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 155
The vent flaps work on a simple plastic gear from the dial. Your son forced the dial past the last tooth on the gear causing it to become stuck. The only way to fix this is to take it apart and reset the gear or force it to jump back just as your son forced it to jump foreward.
Unless you have the ability to completely remove and disassemble the vent housing your best bet is to force it back open, or replace it. at least if you force it back open you have the chance of fixing it, or if it breaks but you still the the function of the air conditioning.
best method..
Take a flat head screw driver, get it in between the vent flaps and at the same time as you pry it open take the other hand and try to move the dial back. Do this simultaneously as a little force from both ends of the dial may get it back on track. take a towel and place it over the dial to get a little bit more traction and cushion, kinda like placing a towel over a hard to open pickle jar. this may be the only edge you need.
Report back.
Unless you have the ability to completely remove and disassemble the vent housing your best bet is to force it back open, or replace it. at least if you force it back open you have the chance of fixing it, or if it breaks but you still the the function of the air conditioning.
best method..
Take a flat head screw driver, get it in between the vent flaps and at the same time as you pry it open take the other hand and try to move the dial back. Do this simultaneously as a little force from both ends of the dial may get it back on track. take a towel and place it over the dial to get a little bit more traction and cushion, kinda like placing a towel over a hard to open pickle jar. this may be the only edge you need.
Report back.
06-26-2012, 10:01 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,625
yeah, i mean why not, if its broke why not try to fix it, not like you can make it any worse... unless you try and fix it with fire or something.
07-16-2012, 02:52 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,625
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