dust from vent

[orangebud1]

I have an 88 Oldsmobile in so-so shape. Today when I turned it on, dust started to fly from the vents (where the heat or air condition usually comes out). There was no smoke - only dust, and there are no warning lights. Even if the heat is turned off, dusty air still comes out of the vents. What could be the problem? I am a student and don't have much money to take it to a mechanic (I just spent a few hundred fixing the brakes). Please help me.

[CraigFL]

I don't know about your Olds specifically but most cars get fresh air from the lower part of the windshield/hood area. This is a great place for leaves and other stuff to gather. It could also be some of the duct/filter material deteriorating in the vent system.

[orangebud1]

Thanks for the reply. My car was burried under lots of snow for several days. Is it easy to clean the lower part of the windshield area? Should I just turn the car on and let the stuff flush out?

[CraigFL]

On mine, I had to remove plastic trim(screwed down) which allowed me to reach in with my hand to remove the big pieces and then I used my shop vac to clean out the rest.

[orangebud1]

I'll try to do that. Thank you for all your help.