How to get at something stuck between dashboard and dash in VW Jetta?

July 20, 2013 10:18 AM

This morning, I tossed the RFID parking strip that automatically opens the gate for my building onto the dash and it slid under windshield. I can't see it, but when I slip a thin piece of cardboard in, I can feel it rattling around. Has anyone else ever experienced this and have any suggestions? Is it possible to remove the dash?
posted by perpetualstroll to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

Can you put some double-stick tape on the end of the cardboard and try to snag it?
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 10:21 AM on July 20, 2013 [3 favorites]

Or a large, really sticky post-it (which may be slightly easier to find depending on your office.)
posted by cobaltnine at 10:32 AM on July 20, 2013

could you vacuum it out (assuming you have access to the vacuum canister)?
posted by TheLibrarian at 10:42 AM on July 20, 2013

removing the dash on a car is no small job. On some cars you can get to that area by removing a vent cover right in front of the windshield (long shot on a modern vw). You might also be able to access the area by removing the 'cabin' air filter, look in your owners manaul or do a web search on how to replace cabin air filter in xxxx jetta. And also use the all the above methods already listed.
posted by bartonlong at 10:52 AM on July 20, 2013

Best answer: I once retrieved an important document inadvertently thrown into a shredder bin by using a long, narrow piece of cardboard with these super-sticky double-sided 3M mounting squares stuck all around the top.

I think I cut the cardboard from a Staples box containing a case of A4 size paper.
posted by invisible ink at 11:26 AM on July 20, 2013

If you can get a vacuum with a hose, then rubberband a thin sock or stocking around the end of the vacuum hose. That way you won't suck up the item into the vacuum, but will catch it instead.
posted by Crystalinne at 11:35 AM on July 20, 2013

Yes, you can remove the dash. Chilton's and Hayne's are the big repair-manual publishers, and their books are available at many public libraries (Chilton's also offers a database which many public libraries subscribe to), bookstores and chain-style auto-repair shops (e.g. Pep Boys, AutoZone, etc.), as well as on Amazon.

As others have noted, though, removing the desh is usually a big hassle--chances are, there will be many, many steps, and more than one opportunity to break small plastic pieces and/or make things rattly for years to come. Before you take apart the dash, make sure that you have exhausted all your other options.
posted by box at 1:38 PM on July 20, 2013

I bet if you pop by a VW dealer and ask nicely they will fish it out for you for free (though I say this as a young woman who is used to privilege of the free-favors-from-men sort, so YMMV).
posted by amaire at 2:44 PM on July 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

Best answer: A thin plastic ruler with a mounting square did the trick!
posted by perpetualstroll at 4:35 PM on July 21, 2013 [2 favorites]