Paper in my Heat/AC Vents?
Asked by JVZ81 Nov 09, 2018 at 12:38 PM about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
So, I noticed weak air flow from the drivers side vent; and when I fiddled
with the controls, bits of shredded paper came out of the vent. Using
tweezers we cleaned it out, only to have more show up in the vents a couple
days later. (The paper looks like a cheap napkin?)
I'm trying to figure out a) where this paper is coming from and b) what I
should do about it.
I've checked the Cabin Air Filter to see if it's shredding - nope, looks fine.
Same for the engine air filter (just cuz it made sense).
What else is paper-like that could get in the system? Could an actual
napkin get in through the air intake?
5 Answers
With the heater controls in max air or recirc the intake air for the blower will suck stuff up from the floor. If you take the blower motor out you should be able to clean it out
Thanks Mike - I'll give that a try. I'm not sure I realized that the air intake could suck that much debris up - but there is definitely debris on the floor of the the car that could explain the paper. This car hauls our preschooler around, and messy has become the norm. :(
Or you have a mouse!
True story, I had a customer call to say there was a sqeaking noise in his car and it even did it with the battery disconnected, Long story short I tracked the noise down to the blower motor as I removed it I had it half way out when I noticed a mouse trying to run in the squirrel cage, pictures ended up in Motor Age magazine. You can hear the power of that motor when you go from norm A/C to recirc.
Well, it was a rodent. Do you guys know if there is an easy way to access the ductwork? I'm thinking I could try to shove a vacuum hose in after removing the blower motor? I'm being quoted over $1000 because the shop says they cannot access the ducts without removing the entire dash assembly...
