Dropped Something Into Center Air Vent

[ClevelandBaller]

I removed the silver bezel from around the head unit so that I could remove the head unit, and the metal thing that I'm holding in my hand in the picture fell down the air vent (there are four, and I'm missing the one for the top left bolt). I reached my hand down the vent to pick it up, and I found that it was sitting on a foam-like shelf. I tried to pick it up, but it fell farther down into an opening on the left side of the foam thing and now I can't reach it. Is there any way I can get it back?

[korat102]

If you can see the thing, you should be able to get at it with a pearl catcher, a multi-pronged tool used to retrieve parts from inaccessible locations. They come in various lengths. You can get magnetic ones as well for those dropped screws. Should be able to find one online or an electronics store. Something like: http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/4-prong-pearl-grip-pick-up-tool-n24fa, or my favourite: http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/telescopic-magnetic-pick-up-tool-645mm-rm35q

Otherwise, you can try attaching a magnet to the end of a rod of some sort and use that to try to retrieve the thing. Or just wrap some sticky tape around the end of the rod, sticky side outwards and try to grab it using that.

If all that fails, it's dismantle time...

[ClevelandBaller]

I can't see it at all so I don't think that will work. Also, the duct curves downward so anything with a magnet attached would have to be able to do the same.

[gjnorthall]

Chances are that if it's reasonably heavy and it's not causing a rattle - it's not going anywhere. You might think about leaving it, certainly for the time being.

[korat102]

If it's magnetic, it would probably still be worthwhile fishing around with a magnet. Might be lucky and attract the thing, even if you can't actually see it.