Toyota Repair: 1997 Camry center air vents, fan speed control, climate control system

Question
Ted:

My 1997 Camry LE (bought gently used) has never blown more than a trickle of air out the center vents, no matter what position on the dash control.  I took it to one mechanic, but they could not seem to find what was wrong. In the meantime, I've depended on the side vents to heat and cool the car.

I noticed a couple of answers from you to other people dealing with pre-97 Camrys with a similar problem.  One question, from 06/23/05, described a 1994 Camry LE, but the response said something about a complicated, computer-controlled auto air system, with a servomotor.  My car does not have an automatic climate control system, just a regular dial for cold to hot, another to switch modes between floor, defrost, mix, et cetera, and the fan speed control.  Another response, from 07/02/04, also dealt with a 94 Camry with center vent problems, and you discussed control cables as possibly being the culprit.  

My question is whether you think my 1997 Camry problem is the simpler control cable solution or the more complicated servomotor?  The 1994 model year is different from the 1997 model year, at least in general appearance, but I don't know if the mechanics of the air delivery system are similar.  Some type of silver metallic air filter is behind the vents, so I thought that could be clogged, although the car only has 78,000 miles on it, but I do not see any way to access it for changing, short of disassembling the entire center stack and dashboard.  

Do you think the problem is more likely the control cables for the vent door(s)?  If so, would the cables be easy to access or does the dash board, glove box, et cetera need to be removed to find out what is going on?  Are there any diagrams or illustrations available?

I appreciate your time and response.  Thanks!

Keith Brown
aka "Ventless in Vegas"  

Answer
I have already answered your question and I need a little information, Your question repeated itself at least ten times, I need to know if there is a problem with the allexperts site or if you really only posted your'e question once or may times, I think it's a technical problem so let me know so I can contact the site or check my computer for problems.