FYI, this part has been redesigned in some way. The original part number was 62930-12160. The new part number is 62930-12161. They're less than $30 each from Internet retailers. Seems pretty silly to me not to just replace a bad one with a new one especially at this pricing.

 

Thanks. I’m curious what the difference is. I’ll post pics after I get to mine tonight. The one on the driver side looks fine. I can’t see the passenger side due to the amp.

 

Both of my flaps are completely intact. Just looking at them, I can tell it isn’t air tight in either direction. I taped them both closed, with zero change in behavior closing the trunk. The trunk smells badly of exhaust, so I’m confidant that is a big part of the issue.

Sadly, I broke one of my bumper tabs on the quarter panel area. Couldn’t figure out how to remove that clip. It all went back together fine, but I’m OCD so stuff like that bugs me.

 

just following up. Both of my vents are completely intact. I taped them both shut for an experiment. My trunk and doors all close as usual with zero resistance.

My exhaust smell was drastically reduced this morning. My interior smells like exhaust when the car is off, so it probably just needs a clean and to air out now. Windows were up, and heat on full blast. As the airspeed of the vents increased, there was no discernible change in smell.

so I’m rather confident that these flaps, in perfect condition, allow exhaust into the car with the stock exhaust tips. I didn’t pay attention to which model of flap I have on my car, but I’ll get that data when I remove my bumper completely to remove the oem tips and replace with aftermarket ones.

 

Just got a new pair of vents and went to inspect the old ones.... looks like the flaps were completely missing on both sides. Comparison of the old vs the new

 

Looks like I have the old. After I get my exhaust extended, I’ll try the new. Thanks for posting.

 

I finally installed 2 new ones last month as I noted a faint exhaust smell in some spirited driving..

Mine where 12 years old with 178K miles on them.. Still enacted but age was making them curl at the bottom edges. Also was getting the flap slap sound when closing the drivers door.. Basically the pliable material was getting harder..

The updated part number appears to have the new molded plastic and now the side that presses onto exterior body has a different style of foam material gasket.

Install tips.
LH - Drivers side is breeze.
RH - Passenger side has the ML AMP in the way.
When locking in the tabs on the inside surface, I used a 12" length small speaker wire to pull the 2 Top tabs into locking positions.

Joe Z

P.S. - I replaced a few aging things that day..

 

The hardest part of replacing the vents for me was snapping them back on. I had to unbolt the left and right side of the bumper to have enough space to pressed the vents on.

 

Wish I wouldve thought of this. Driver side was a breeze, passenger side was a PIA since the positioning is so weird even with the ML Amp moved to the side. I had a hell of time getting it to lock into position but eventually got it, along with some cuts on my arm from reaching between the bumper and pulling/pushing.

 

So mine were no different than anyone else's. The flaps were hard as rocks and not sealing at all. I ordered new and just assumed mine would be bad. The install went just fine. Instead of wire, I used a pair of stork pliers and grabbed the rib right behind the locking tab and pulled until it clicked. It's easy enough to get the bottom engaged and locked, just the top needed a pull to lock in place.

Now I am wondering if the HVAC will work better with this seal working again. This definitely needs to be added to the known issues, and I would suggest anyone with one of these cars check and see what condition the flaps are in. I'd bet a lot of money anything 10 years or older needs replacement, maybe even less.

 

I replaced both of mine recently, both had perished. The right hand side was harder to push in, but it was relatively simple with a second pair of hands.

I had a bit of a smell coming in but it went away when I had the secondary cats removed. I checked the vents anyway and thought Id better replace just in case.

 

Totally agree with lobuxracer with this being added as a known issue, especially those running aftermarket headers/no cats. Ever since installing the new flaps, I'm not getting any exhaust smells in the cabin anymore... go figure!

 

Thread added to the Purchasing a Used ISF stickied thread.

 

I did get a message or two on where the "Sunroof Ventilators" are located...

Just in case..



Joe Z

 

I'm having a similar smell. Previous owner gutted the cats. Did you guys notice that there is no smell when the hvac air was on recirculate? I usually get the smell when my air is coming fresh from outside. I also noticed smell when bending over the engine bay after doing the spark plugs. Possibly a leak in the header.