[sbihue]

All four front AC vents on our 12 XLE are getting harder to move vertically. The horizontal slat movement using the little tab is still manageable. I was thinking of removing them for a thorough clean followed by a good spray of a silicone lubricant.

The question is how do you get those out. Checked the archives and googled/youtub'd but didn't get any hits specific to the 3rd Gen Sienna. Anyone else run into this

Thanks

 

[jareza]

its fairly easy
the two in the middle come out by removing the stereo:
first pry the trim that holds the 3 computer buttons in the middle (above the cupholder), unplug said buttons
twist the shifter knob counter clockwise to remove
remove the trim from the shifter and unplug the wire
remove the AC controls by pulling towards you, its held with clips.
remove the 4 10mm bolts that hold the radio and remove the radio by pulling towards you.
and thats it
for the pass and driver they are held by one screw, remove screw and pull out

 

[sbihue]

Thanks, i replaced the headunit a few years ago and now remember the center vent assembly being part of the bracket.

Regarding the side vents which are in worse shape, where is the screw located? Does the vent assembly need to come off or is it just the vent?

 

[Therbi]

Isnt it tilt the vent upwards and you can see the screw on the top side of the vent?

 

[sbihue]

Looked at the part pics and it seems that the side air vents are part of the bezel (Part# 55680-08010) which itself is connected with 4 friction clips. Once you remove it, getting to the vent internals should be straightforward.