Found a piece of cover that came off from under my Fusion. How worried should I be?

[Youngtusk]

Here is a picture of what I found.

 

It was raining particularly hard this morning and I hit a few good puddles which is what I think broke this off.

 

Anyone have this problem? My Fusion is only a 2013 with less than 30,000 miles on it...

 

Is it particularly important such that I should replace it? Is it expensive? Can I do it myself without a lift?

 

Any info would be useful.

[Cobra348]

Looks like part of one of the underbelly panels used to reduce air drag. Did you notice any noise at all before this came off? Like a deep humming that changed pitch with speed change.

 

Not sure but you may need a lift as that looks like only part ... and the rest might well be still fastened on. I don't know but MAYBE the b2b warranty would still cover? It depends on when your 3 years started AFAIK. I had 3 loose panels that gave a noise so got them fixed under warranty ... the retainers didn't seat properly after they undercoated the car.

[jeff_h]

Looks like part of one of the underbelly panels used to reduce air drag. Did you notice any noise at all before this came off? Like a deep humming that changed pitch with speed change.

 

I think it may be a portion of the yellow piece in the diagram below?

 

[Cobra348]

Yup Jeff ... looks like you're right.

 

Youngtusk - if you didn't get the FFH new, but got it used is there a warranty period you can use to get this fixed in? But Jeff has it pretty well doped out and I agree ... it's that one deflector panel. Others might be a bit worn and maybe looked at as well. Check fastener clips/screws to insure they are seated/in properly. On my '15 these are fastened with clips.

[Youngtusk]

 

I think it may be a portion of the yellow piece in the diagram below?

 

 

It looks very similar, with a higher res picture I think I could verify, but I think that is it.

 

Yup Jeff ... looks like you're right.

 

Youngtusk - if you didn't get the FFH new, but got it used is there a warranty period you can use to get this fixed in? But Jeff has it pretty well doped out and I agree ... it's that one deflector panel. Others might be a bit worn and maybe looked at as well. Check fastener clips/screws to insure they are seated/in properly. On my '15 these are fastened with clips.

 

I bought it used, the B2B is expired. I know these things are known to decrease drag, so having one damaged with negatively affect MPG, which is one of hte main reason I got a hybrid to begin with...

 

I don't have a lift and it is pretty hard to get under my car (so low to the ground, which is probably how this thing got scrapped up to much). Guess it's time for a trip to the dealer.

 

Thanks guys!

[murphy]

If it's the one directly under the engine it can be removed with the car on ramps. I've done it to change my oil. Note that you need low profile ramps because the car is too low for my standard ramps. I'm guessing that the last time the oil was changed all of the bolts and clips were not put back properly.