1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

How to retrieve beads from heat duct?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by 7th_paramita, Oct 5, 2009.

  1. 7th_paramita

    7th_paramita Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2009
    14
    1
    0
    Location:
    Lexington, KY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Apparently the floor has some openings under the chairs for heat ducts. Unfortunately, I have now more than 20 beets from a necklace rolling around in this air duct under the floor. There are openings in the floor for anything to fall in. Any idea how to get them out? The sound of rolling beets is clearly underneath the front seats.
     
    #1 7th_paramita, Oct 5, 2009
  2. RoyThePriusGuy

    RoyThePriusGuy New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2009
    186
    25
    0
    Location:
    phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    If they are purple and a root vegetable, doubt if anyone can help you.

    If they are plastic or glass perhaps someone can....
     
    #2 RoyThePriusGuy, Oct 5, 2009
  3. radiocycle

    radiocycle Active Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2007
    550
    78
    0
    Location:
    Vallejo, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I'd just turn the heater up full-blast and roast 'em for a snack.
     
    #3 radiocycle, Oct 5, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,871
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I suspect they mean Beads, but I must say Beets is more entertaining.
     
    #4 JimboPalmer, Oct 5, 2009
  5. creativeguy

    creativeguy Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2009
    301
    17
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I'd send in a mouse to eat the beets. Then a cat to eat the mouse. Then a snake to eat the cat. Could get expensive fast!

    You can also try putting a fresh vacuum bag in your full-size vacuum and try to suck everything out of the vents.
     
    #5 creativeguy, Oct 5, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  6. jay_man2

    jay_man2 jay_man_also

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    1,246
    144
    0
    Location:
    Manassas, VA
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    You've earned your username, creativeguy! Your solution Sucks Beets!:D
     
    #6 jay_man2, Oct 6, 2009
  7. Jon S

    Jon S Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2009
    185
    84
    0
    Location:
    The Aloha State
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I am trying to imagine a necklace made of beets... sounds messy...

    [​IMG]
     
    #7 Jon S, Oct 7, 2009
  8. neilz

    neilz Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2009
    134
    10
    0
    Location:
    Staten Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    How about one of those vacuum extension tubes that are used to vacuum out a dryer vent? You could stick it in the vent and suck out the beads.
     
    #8 neilz, Oct 7, 2009
  9. Maineiac

    Maineiac Monkey Wrencher

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2009
    71
    9
    0
    Location:
    lobsterland
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Finally! A thread just made for fun! I love it. Thank you, 7th_paramita, whether intentional or otherwise.

    I'd offer a solution, but frankly, I'd find those already here tough to, er, beet.
     
    #9 Maineiac, Oct 7, 2009
  10. 7th_paramita

    7th_paramita Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2009
    14
    1
    0
    Location:
    Lexington, KY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Glad that some got some fun from my misspelling. Ofcourse I was referencing beads instead of beets. I begin to rely to much on the spelling correction tools. It did not trigger the wiggly red underline. Anyway, if you have looked where the opening is of the duct, you can see that using a vacuum hose is not likely to work. The opening in the floor is actually underneath the vent opening which is about one inch above the floor and not easy to get a hose connected to.
     
    #10 7th_paramita, Oct 8, 2009
  11. 7th_paramita

    7th_paramita Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2009
    14
    1
    0
    Location:
    Lexington, KY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Glad that some got some fun from my misspelling. Ofcourse I was referencing beads instead of beets. I begin to rely to much on the spelling correction tools. It did not trigger the wiggly red underline. Anyway, if you have looked where the opening is of the duct, you can see that using a vacuum hose is not likely to work. The opening in the floor is actually underneath the vent opening which is about one inch above the floor and not easy to get a hose connected to.
     
    #11 7th_paramita, Oct 8, 2009
  12. DeanFL

    DeanFL 2010 owner - 1st Prius

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2009
    1,015
    355
    0
    Location:
    Leesburg Florida USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Glad you weren't offended by the friendly ribbing. BTW, we all knew what you meant....

    With that, allow me to continue >>>

    In order to dislodge the beads:

    1. Lighten the load in your Prius - no passengers or stuff in the hatch.
    2. Start the car.
    3. Turn off the audio system.
    4. Put the heat on full blast - mode at floor level - fan at top speed.
    5. Buckle your seat belt.
    6. Push the power button.
    7. Drive car to a safe road and stop.
    8. Floor the gas pedal.
    9. Drive for about 11 seconds.
    10. Slow down and stop.
    11. Retrieve beads from the rear floor.

    Momentum and that blazing 0-60 speed from the Prius will roll the beads out of the ducts. Place beads in a baggie. Take them out of your car - never to enter your vehicle again. If this works notify Toyota so they can develop a Technical Service Bulletin.

    Alternative:

    1. In a safe area put the car in reverse.
    2. Floor the gas pedal for 2 seconds.
    3. Slam on the brakes.
    4. Retrieve beads from the rear floor.

    (the usual legal stuff goes here - no liability yada...)     :D
     
    #12 DeanFL, Oct 8, 2009
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)