Replacing air vent vanes that push air side-to side = $2,179.50

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Johnny Cakes, Jun 17, 2025 at 1:23 PM.

  1. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2016
    1,036
    773
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    Location:
    Virginia, USA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    This question is about the air conditioning air vent on the center dash above the infotainment screen. While I can move the center piece side-to-side, it doesn't move the rest of the vanes. Up/down works just fine. It is like the side-to-side vanes are no longer connected. I can reach in and redirect the vanes with needle nose pliars, it is just that they no longer move side-to-side with the main tab.

    I Google'd but didn't find anything on this.

    The dealership estimated repair cost: $2,179.50. Needless to say, I declinded. This was their description:
    OTHER) : center instrument panel register assembly broken (center vents on the dash) instrument panel must come off and part of the lower instrument panel as well due to center vent being screwed from the rear position

    I can jerry-rig something that connects to the vanes, but I'm wondering whether there is a "real" fix that doesn't involve disasssempling the entire instrument panel.
     
    #1 Johnny Cakes, Jun 17, 2025 at 1:23 PM
  2. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2014
    1,271
    722
    0
    Location:
    Cedar Crest, NM, USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The question is rather how often you need to adjust them /
    I adjusted mine once when I got the car (11 years ago) & that's it /
    (pretty much the same thing as with the seat: once set & it's done)

    Answer with help from AI:
    "
    ️ Problem:
    In the 2015 Prius center dash vent, the side-to-side vanes are usually linked by a small plastic connecting rod or tab behind the front slats. That connector has either popped off or broken. This is fairly common in many Toyota models.

    Diagnosis:
    • If only the center tab moves but other vanes stay still, the link is detached.

    • Since you can move them with pliers, the vanes themselves are intact—just no longer linked.
    ✅ Fix Options:
    Option 1: DIY Reconnect (Non-Destructive)
    1. Get a small mirror and flashlight.

    2. Look inside the vent to see if the horizontal connector rod is:
      • Hanging loose

      • Snapped

      • Just popped off
    3. If it’s just popped off:
      ➤ Try guiding it back into place using needle nose pliers or a bent paperclip. It snaps back in gently.
    Option 2: Remove & Repair Vent
    If the connector is broken:

    1. Pop off the entire vent unit (gently pry around the edges with trim tools—YouTube has Prius-specific guides).

    2. Check the back of the vent assembly. If the plastic linkage is broken:
      • You can use super glue or plastic epoxy to fix it.

      • Or 3D print or rig a small connector (some people use heat-shrink tubing or a plastic zip tie loop as a fix).
    Option 3: Replace Vent
    If it's badly broken:

    • OEM part: around $40–$60 online.

    • Look for "Toyota Prius 2015 center air vent assembly"

    • Junkyard or eBay often cheaper. "
     
    #2 StarCaller, Jun 17, 2025 at 2:54 PM
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