A/C vent vanes difficult to move left/right

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Johnny Cakes, Apr 7, 2025.

  1. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2016
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    Location:
    Virginia, USA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    The plastic a/c vent vanes that let you direct the air left/right (driver/passenger) have gotten to the point where they a sometimes very difficult to move using the "tab."

    Is this a silicone spray fix? Other suggestions?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Prius_Gnome

    Prius_Gnome Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
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    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Have you tried removing the vent panels to take a closer look at them? If I remember correctly, the vents are hinged/levered, so maybe there's crud blocking them from moving around. Or a hinge is loose/broken and isn't in its original position, such that you need to push it back into place.
    FWIW, removing the dashboard panels should be a fairly simple job that doesn't require much technical know-how.