Tesla Model 3 RHD - Air Filter Cover Screw

[Tazza]

Hi All,
I changed my RHD M3 air filters today and accidentally dropped the air filter cover screw behind the driver side floor trim....
As a temporary measure, took one of the easier accessible screws from the side and used that to finish the job till i buy another screw from somewhere. Unfortunately, after a quick drive i can hear the bloody lost screw rattle every time i take a turn.
Is there any guides on how to remove the floor trim so i can get access to behind it to find the screw?
or am i screwed...

 

[Gumball]

Pull the left or right centre console side trim, easy to do, only clips, and see if you can get to the screw with a magnet or something. To pull the floor trim, you have to remove the seat, not a real problem, only 4 bolts.

 

[Sophias_dad]

You need a magnet on a stick and maybe a borescope.

 

[afadeev]

Hi All,
I changed my RHD M3 air filters today and accidentally dropped the air filter cover screw behind the driver side floor trim....
As a temporary measure, took one of the easier accessible screws from the side and used that to finish the job till i buy another screw from somewhere. Unfortunately, after a quick drive i can hear the bloody lost screw rattle every time i take a turn.
Is there any guides on how to remove the floor trim so i can get access to behind it to find the screw?
or am i screwed...

Buy this replacement screw instead:

Tesla Model 3/Y Cabin Air Filter Access Panel Screw Replacement | eBay

Instead of trying to use a screwdriver to unscrew the factory screw, which is located in a very awkward location that is hard to access, this thumb screw requires ZERO tools to remove. Just turn the thumb screw with your fingers to remove or install the air filter cover plate.

www.ebay.com

 

[Tazza]

You need a magnet on a stick and maybe a borescope.

Yea, I think i might need to get a borescope if i cant get the carpet peeled back to just use my hand.

 

[Tazza]

Pull the left or right centre console side trim, easy to do, only clips, and see if you can get to the screw with a magnet or something. To pull the floor trim, you have to remove the seat, not a real problem, only 4 bolts.

So i have a RHD drive (Australia) car. So the air filter cover opens up in to the driver foot well. I got the left (centre console) and right (near door) trims off and noticed a couple of clips holding the floor cover down. Removed them. But the biggest issue i have is that the floor cover seems to be glued to the dead pedal foot rest which appears to be a chunk of foam. Rather than removing all of the floor cover, i was just trying to peel it back enough to get access to under the drive//brake pedals to see if can see it and retrieve it using my hand. But The floor cover does not want to lift off the floor, i didnt want to force and do any irreparable damage.

I couldn't find any guides/videos online on how to remove the floor cover. For now i've resorted to turning the music up so i cant hear the bloody thing rattle

 

[Tazza]

Buy this replacement screw instead:

Tesla Model 3/Y Cabin Air Filter Access Panel Screw Replacement | eBay

Instead of trying to use a screwdriver to unscrew the factory screw, which is located in a very awkward location that is hard to access, this thumb screw requires ZERO tools to remove. Just turn the thumb screw with your fingers to remove or install the air filter cover plate.

www.ebay.com

YEP! I wish i rad up on this and bought one before i tried this.... I'll get one now and save myself the hassle for future filter changes.

 

[Sophias_dad]

Of course if you think its just on the other side of the carpet, you might be able to use a strong magnet and walk it back up to where you can grab it.