2002 V70 XC - Center Dash Air Vent Issue

[S1L3NTSH0UT]

Greetings. This is my first post of probably many.

I'm a recent owner of a 2002 V70 XC. A minor issue has happened with the right center air vent on my dashboard. It's very specific to explain. Basically there is a little piece of metal inside of the vent just behind the flaps which keeps all of them aimed in the same direction when it is adjusted. I've been using this on-dash iPhone mount which has a rubber bumper on the back that inserts onto the vent flaps. I guess I pushed this bumper onto the vent flap too close to the edge, and pushed the little metal piece off of the vents.

I want to take this part off of the dash and fish around inside of the vent to try and find it. Can anyone give me some tips on how to do this with the right tools so that I don't ruin the dash or crack anything?

Thanks!

[thirdstick]

there should be 4 tabs on the inside corners of the vents. pry those up with a tool (use whatever can fit and be gentle on the plastic) but they may need some force. Once the four tabs are up, pull out the entire two-vent housing using a tool around the edges of the plastic where it meets the dash leather, and replace with a salvage yard one. dont forget to unplug the hazard button once the vents are removed. I recommend disconnecting the battery before unplugging anything electronic.