Somebody, anybody, please help me out here. Is it possible to get into my '09 Ford Escape's AC vent (the ones that are mounted on TOP of the dash near the windshield?) Stupid stupid me, I put my ring up on top of the dash and forgot about it until I drove out of my garage. By then it was too late, I already heard the familiar noise of a ring dropping down one of the AC vents located on top of my dash. If someone has instructions on how I can retrieve this, I would be eternally grateful. I know nothing about mechanics or trucks but I am willing to do what it takes to retrieve my ring, it was very valuable not only by itself but also to me. Thank you for your time!

 

If you're not mechanically inclined and can not remove the dash yourself I would suggest taking it to a garage and having them do it. It isn't very difficult but can be quite time consuming.

As far as getting down into the vent you could try a hanger but the way the vents snake around you probably won't have any luck finding the ring.

 

Before you have someone rip the dash apart, tie a strong magnet onto about 3' of strong fishing line. Drop the magnet down the same place the ring went, and the magnet should find the ring. Pull it up very slowlly and have a pair of needle-nosed pliers ready when you see the ring. May take a few attempts, but it should work. Keep us posted!

 

Most rings, especially valuable ones, are gold which is not magnetic. That's why I posted having to open the dash.

It does suck to have to do it because if they do not get all the screws/bolts back in place you could have rattles.

 

Scott and Buck thank you both for timely responses! See that's the thing I was worried about with the dash, I wasn't sure if I'd cause more harm than good by going this route. I am afraid my dash may pick up some mysterious rattles if I go this route.

I opened up the hood and can not for the life of me figure out from the outside where those AC vents go to. Is it not possible to open them up somewhere from within the hood? What about the air filter, is that not connected to the AC vents in some way? Also I have no clue how deep the AC ducts are or how wildly they snake around inside. There are four or five on top of my dash and I'm not certain which one the ring fell down unfortunately. I am more than willing to spend countless hours to retrieve it though, it is worth it to me.

I still do like the idea of tying some type of hook or other small device to the end of some fishing line. It may not be magnetic but if I can just 'scoop' or hook the ring at the bottom and slowly bring it up, that may just work after all. I'm not giving up yet, I'll let you know how things turn out once I go grab some fishing line. If all else fails I'll take it to the shop but I'd like to avoid that over something that isn't even truly a mechanical-related problem.

 

All of the dash vents will meet up into one spot. Then drop down to a main vent with a dorr on it that will go to the box by the passengers feet. The only way into the box is to remove the blower motor but the a/c evaporator & the heater core are both between the blower and the vents. Wish I had better news for ya on that.

It is always possible that if you have a shop vac you could block the other dash vents except the one you dropped it in and try to suck it out you might be lucky.

 

I do have one in the garage actually. I'll give that a shot in just a bit. Great idea!

 

I spent the better part of this morning trying to vacuum it out with the shop vac. I used heavy tape to seal the other vents then I stuck the hose as close to the open vent as possible while covering the sides. I tried a few different things to no avail. I appreciate all the suggestions! I'm just out of luck on this one unless I take it into the shop.

 

From the local autobody shop: put a piece of chewed bubble gum on the string or a small ball of duct tape, sticky side out. Either one should attach to the ring......

 

I would tape a section of smaller diameter tubing to the end of the shop vac hose, then push it down inside the vent.
Removal of a vent diffuser might be necessary.

 

I like that idea Martin, but is it possible to remove the vent diffuser easily, and without first removing part of the dash? Thanks in advance.

 

I don't know what would be the best way to get into the duct work.
Here's some info concerning the 2008-2009 Escapes:

2008-2009 Instrument Panel Center Trim removal/installation
From another forum - info from post by jpark:



Removal and Installation

NOTE: The ignition switch must be in the OFF position if disconnecting the passenger airbag deactivation (PAD) indicator electrical connector. Otherwise, a DTC will be set in the restraints control module (RCM) memory and must be cleared before releasing the vehicle.

Upper Instrument Panel Center Finish Panel (17)

1) Position the ignition switch to the OFF position.

2) Remove the upper instrument panel center finish panel (17).
* Pull the upper instrument panel center finish panel outward.
* Disconnect the electrical connector. End.

Note: I don't know if there's a better/easier way to get into the ducting.

 

I'm afraid to say this is now a lost cause. I've poured a lot of time into getting it out but it's a no-go. Thank you ALL for taking the time to respond and help.