Any ideas how to retrieve... (don't laugh)

[dmurphy]

What’s even funnier about this post are some of the responses on how to remove the offending nut. These types of troll posts as the one from the OP are getting ridiculous on this forum.

Don’t think it’s a troll post - like I said, I had a quarter in that vent and thought “Who TF designed this ridiculous hole in the floor without a grate?”

Took me 2 weeks to figure out what it was - the car was brand new so I thought at first it was one of the horrific build quality problems this forum brainwashed me into believing.

 

[brkaus]

Here is my quarter -

again, this is an S. It was about 18” down a plastic heat duct about 1/2” high that had several bends in it.

I’ll look if our 3 has a similar vent tomorrow.

 

[C141medic]

Don’t think it’s a troll post - like I said, I had a quarter in that vent and thought “Who TF designed this ridiculous hole in the floor without a grate?”

Took me 2 weeks to figure out what it was - the car was brand new so I thought at first it was one of the horrific build quality problems this forum brainwashed me into believing.

Hear what you’re saying and understand about your specific case. But M&M’s, skittles, golf balls, fingernail clippings, etc.? Is it that difficult to stick a vacuum cleaner wand under the seat and clean the car? Is there really a hole under the seat where these things go into the abyss?

 

[dmurphy]

Hear what you’re saying and understand about your specific case. But M&M’s, skittles, golf balls, fingernail clippings, etc.? Is it that difficult to stick a vacuum cleaner wand under the seat and clean the car? Is there really a hole under the seat where these things go into the abyss?

Hard to believe, but yeah, there kinda is a path to the abyss under there.

Not only is there an air vent under the seat with no grate or cover at all, but it’s also possible to end up under the carpet and rattling around. Fast forward to 2:45 into this video to see what I mean.

I know your profile says NJ; not sure where in the state you are, but I’m near Morristown. Would be happy to buy you some coffee one of these days and I can show you the silly air vent!

 

[C141medic]

Hard to believe, but yeah, there kinda is a path to the abyss under there.

Not only is there an air vent under the seat with no grate or cover at all, but it’s also possible to end up under the carpet and rattling around. Fast forward to 2:45 into this video to see what I mean.

I know your profile says NJ; not sure where in the state you are, but I’m near Morristown. Would be happy to buy you some coffee one of these days and I can show you the silly air vent!

Interesting. I knew that the carpet on the interior floor was two separate pieces but wasn’t aware that there was a gap underneath. I guess no M&M’s or skittles in the car for me then. I’m near Cherry Hill/Mt. Laurel area. If you’re ever in my area I also extend the coffee offer as well.

 

[Calaban]

Dam a opening to the abyss right under the seat!
Still waiting for our number to come up to get our model 3.
Thought we were all prepared and knew what to expect.
Didn't know we had to empty our pockets before each drive.
Ok add that to the check list! :-D

 

[UKNOWINVU2]

Since you're getting as many jokes as helpful responses, I'll make a suggestion based on what I just saw when changing the cabin air filters. If you follow the DIY instructions to take the carpet panel off of the center console footwell on the passenger side, you'll see an opening toward the bottom. I'm sure you can remove the panel from the driver's footwell too. I think this may give you access to the space under the floor. I don't know if a vacuum hose would fit in there, but an endoscope would for sure.

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GREAT IDEA!! I have also changed the cabin filter and know what you mean. Hmmm... I need to take care of this very soon, the noise is driving me NUTS!!!! lol... Every time the car moves you can hear it, now my kids are laughing at me! I'M thinking of maybe making a video of me trying to remove this nut!

 

[UKNOWINVU2]

Hear what you’re saying and understand about your specific case. But M&M’s, skittles, golf balls, fingernail clippings, etc.? Is it that difficult to stick a vacuum cleaner wand under the seat and clean the car? Is there really a hole under the seat where these things go into the abyss?

The subject M&M is NOT under the seat and YES there is a hole under the seat that leads to an abyss!! I will take a picture and video!

 

[UKNOWINVU2]

Hard to believe, but yeah, there kinda is a path to the abyss under there.

Not only is there an air vent under the seat with no grate or cover at all, but it’s also possible to end up under the carpet and rattling around. Fast forward to 2:45 into this video to see what I mean.

I know your profile says NJ; not sure where in the state you are, but I’m near Morristown. Would be happy to buy you some coffee one of these days and I can show you the silly air vent!

YES HERE IS THE OPENING TO THE ABYSSS!!! (see link below) I have messaged the video creator to see if he got the screw out.

 

[brkaus]

Don’t let the kids laugh too much about it or it will definitely happen again. Soon.

 

[UKNOWINVU2]

Don’t let the kids laugh too much about it or it will definitely happen again. Soon.

I feel like this is going to start happening to a lot of people!!! Did you read the skittle story? Now that was funny!! Rainstick Mode.

 

[derotam]

...geta small mouse...it will find it. Just make sure the mouse's head is the same size or small than the peanut M&M that was dropped. If the head fits, the rest of the mouse fits!

Then you just have to bait the mouse back out!

 

[C141medic]

The subject M&M is NOT under the seat and YES there is a hole under the seat that leads to an abyss!! I will take a picture and video!

That’s nuts. Would love to see a pic and video.

 

[tvad]

That’s nuts.

Bah-dum-bump.

 

[vickh]

Get a mouse, then a cat, then, well, you see where this goes.

dog?

jokes aside is there a rear mat seat that would cover up/prevent this problem (in the mean time no eating in the car kids!)

 

[DS 5/15]

Maybe you could tape one of those super sticky roach traps under the console after removing the panel and drive around like crazy until the M&M sticks to it.

 

[tvad]

This won't solve the problem of how to retrieve the thing...but might this screen door mesh tape solve the problem of how to prevent future things from falling into the Floor Abyss?

https://www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-C..._19?keywords=Mesh+Tape&qid=1580232282&sr=8-19

 

[Fresnel]

This won't solve the problem of how to retrieve the thing...but this screen door mesh tape might solve the problem of how to prevent future things from falling into the Floor Abyss?

https://www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-C..._19?keywords=Mesh+Tape&qid=1580232282&sr=8-19

Gotta love owning a Tesla and needing to bust out the duct tape.

 

[brkaus]

This won't solve the problem of how to retrieve the thing...but might this screen door mesh tape solve the problem of how to prevent future things from falling into the Floor Abyss?

https://www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-C..._19?keywords=Mesh+Tape&qid=1580232282&sr=8-19

Good idea, but I screen can be pretty restrictive on airflow. I might consider it if it had a wider mesh.

 

[tvad]

Good idea, but I screen can be pretty restrictive on airflow. I might consider it if it had a wider mesh.

Easily done using some creative thinking...hole punch, awl...