Dust coming out of one dash vent?

[Ray Dunakin]

I just got back from my annual Nevada & Mojave trip. Part way through my trip, while driving on a dirt road, huge clouds of dust start pouring out of the dashboard vent just left of the steering wheel. I had to keep that vent closed the rest of the trip.

How could that much dust be coming out of just one vent and not any of the others? They're all connected, and go through the same fan and filter. Also, I had it set to recirculate the air, not bring in outside air.

Anyone ever have this happen before? What could have caused it, and most importantly, how can I get it fixed?

 

[Daikon]

its not uncommon, if you didn't set the air to recirculate mode.

 

[mteolus]

Change your cabin filter, it is easy. Empty your glove box and it is in the back. A couple of tabs I think and it pulls right out.

 

[Ray Dunakin]

Found the problem when I went to change the cabin air filter -- the white plastic panel that seals it in place was loose.