Toyota Repair: 1997 Camry center air vents, center vents, control cables

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. I hesitate taking it to the dealer, because I frankly do not trust them. 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 just has a regular dial for cold to hot and another to switch modes between floor, defrost, mix, et cetera. Another response, from 07/02/04, also dealt with a 94 Camry, and you discussed control cables as possibly being the problem.  

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.  There is what appears to be some type of silver metallic air filter 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
There should be no filter behind the center vents and what you are seeing may be some sort of obstruction in the vent, the vent louvers pop out by applying pressure on the sides with a small screwdriver then you should be able to remove whatever is inside blocking the vents.