The clip that holds the position **** for one of my HVAC vents has broken, if I am reading the schematic correctly; 55650 INSTRUMENT PANEL REGISTER ASSEMBLY NO.1, is $200!! The vent itself is fine there is just a small plastic clip holding the position **** that failed. Has anyone else had a vent fail? How did you fix it?

$200 seems like way to much just to get a single plastic clip. Additionally, the vehicle is Lexus Certified and well within warranty. Does anyone have experience with these sorts of interior trim pieces as it relates to warranty? The nearest Lexus dealer is over an hour away so unless the truck needs to go in for something else I won't be making the journey. I was hoping I could order the broken clip and replace it myself

Link to schematic:http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...X470-2008.html

 

I hate to say this, but I think you will likely have to spend that $200.00. Why? Because (as you found out) car manufacturers don't stock & sell each and every little part any more. They sell only "assemblies" which cost the consumer MUCH more when something breaks. The cost of bagging, numbering and stocking thousands of tiny parts is simply cost-prohibitive these days.

On the ES forum, another poster ripped the cloth over the speaker in his door. Buy some new cloth from the dealer? Oh no, he has to buy a complete new door panel, for $700.00!

I would think the warranty ought to cover this, but if it doesn't for some reason, your only option may be to check with some junk yards to see if any of them have a GX they're parting out. Pretty doubtful you'll find one, but you may wish to try.

 

Thanks Rick, unfortunately I think you are correct.

 

Warranty won't cover it because Lexus doesn't know if the owner (you, in this case) slammed your fist against the vent to cause the damage. On the other hand, Lexus might share the cost of repair. Worth a try!

 

Lots of interior parts on ebay. Maybe you can email one of the sellers, to see if they would sell you the part. Here is an example of items

http://stores.ebay.com/Morrisons-Aut...&_sid=70593190