Triangular Dashboard Vent Popped Out!!

[Phillip]

As the title says, the small triangular dashboard vent cover (there is one of the top right and the top left of my dashboard) for my 2005 Ford T-Bird just popped out, and I cannot put it back in. There were three tabs at each point of the triangular-shaped vent cover, and two were broken. I guess the force of air through the vent cover must have caused the breakage, who knows!

Anyway, I did a quick search on google, and did not find anything.

Has anyone else had this happen to them?

Also, I assume that since this happened 2 1/2 years after I bought the car, it is covered under warranty, is that right?

Also, I assume that I can get the part from my local Ford dealership, and even if it is not covered under warranty, it probably only costs a few dollars, correct?

Strange thing to happen, but my Inca Gold 2005 Ford T-Bird has held up well over the past 2 1/2 years (18,500 miles on it, so I do drive it a lot).

The last time I posted here about 8 months ago, it was about my ordeal in replacing my air filter, and boy oh boy, it was an ordeal 'wrastling' with that air filter cover and finally getting it off, and then putting in a new air filter and having to wrastle with the air filter cover again to put it back on. Really a bad design by Ford on the location of the air filter (they practically cram it in the front right on the engine compartment, with no room to maneuver).

[George]

Phillip:
You should be covered under warranty as long as it's within 3 year 36k miles. I had never heard about this happening

You may also want to use the search function about extended warranties. There are pros and cons but worth your consideration before you run out.
If you develop COPP problems it's rather expensive and for many it's been after original warranty.

[Phillip]

Thanks, George. I will be heading to a close-by Ford dealership this morning. Worst case scenario, I can always super-glue the triangular vent cover with the two broken clasps (they are on the inside, and so you would never see them anyway) in place onto my dashboard.

[George]

I agree, glueing is always an option but only after warranty. Not sure what part of the country you're in but I would bet direct sun may affect some glue/adhesive
Actually, they should be replaced to make it right. Let us know the outcome and part numbers replaced

[jetbird]

I had the same problem with my 03 bird; again, for no apparent reason. I bought a new vent at my Ford dealer. However, I don't remember the cost.
Good luck with your Car. Additionally, If you don't have an extended warranty; you would be wise to purchase the one from Ford before your factory warranty runs out

Regards,

Jim (jetbird)

[Myers6]

When I bought my 04 the vent was missing. I ordered a new one from the dealer and it was less than $5.00.
New one fit fine.

[00mustng]

....some bits are already no longer available....as I've found out, through being rear ended twice in less than two weeks....little clips, attachments, brackets that are behind the visual exterior panels....Ford really has swept the 'Bird under the rug....so my repair now becomes a restoration....we'll be going to independent parts specialists sooner than later, I think.....

[George]

I agree OO, maybe we need a junk yard watch, so we know where the crashed ones are

[RI Red]

My driver side vent popped out and all three prongs were broken off. I just order one from the part department at the dealer. It cost me $12.

[George]

Originally Posted by Phillip

Thanks, George. I will be heading to a close-by Ford dealership this morning. Worst case scenario, I can always super-glue the triangular vent cover with the two broken clasps (they are on the inside, and so you would never see them anyway) in place onto my dashboard.

So Phillip, what was the result from your dealer visit??