Parking bumper almost took off front driver side under guard

[jadei]

This happened today at lunch. When I parked I pulled onto the parking bumper and heard it bottom out so I pulled back off of it. It didn't sound good but I've done this before so didn't think much of it. After lunch I drove back to work and parked and noticed it hanging loose there.

 

If you look at the pictures it has 3 clips which the screw fastens into. I lost all but the one screw and clip. Luckily with how the plastic teeth connect into the underside along with the one screw/clip it seems to be fastened well enough. As long as I don't pull back over a parking bumper again.

 

I'm planning to go back to the original parking lot tomorrow to see if I can find any screws and clips so I can fasten it correctly.

 

Anyway, this is a post to warn others about possibly doing the same and I hope it helps avoid similar issues.

[md13ffhguy]

I know the feeling! ;)

[Texasota]

I did the same thing with my 2012 Focus. Most of the new cars have this problem and I am very careful now to keep the front end from going over the parking curbs.

[SteveB_TX]

I truly believe the automotive repair industry and the concrete parking stop industries are in cahoots. May as well toss in the insurance industry, since they can raise your rates for having to pay to fix your car after ripping the front bumper off! ;)

[FernMTL]

Sorry to see that. Everytime I park, I gotta be careful not to hit the front bumper, really a pain in the ass!

[Waldo]

I had that exact same thing happen to me in a rental Fusion last week. The rental was even the same color! Fortunately haven't had that happen on my own yet and fortunately I still had 2 of the screws so I could put it back together before returning it.

[machoman1337]

When I see that there's a concrete slab, and the space is angled (which prevents me from backing in), I pull forward VERY slowly until I feel the light bump. So far my bumper has not been damaged in that way. You can attach some rubber "feeler" to the front bumper to help as well.

 

If the space isn't angled, I back in over 99% of the time which avoids this problem (and several others).

[Texasota]

I can't think of any need for the parking curbs to be this tall. Parking curbes 4" tall would still serve their purpose and would not damage the low front end clearance of modern cars.

Edited December 17, 2015 by Texasota

[jsolan]

I've always been fearful of the type of damage you've taken, sorry to see that happen to you.

 

The front parking sensors on my '13 HyTi typically pick up the parking curbs that are high enough to cause damage. I have the active park assist, which may be a requirement for the front sensors if I recall from earlier posts on here.

[jadei]

Thanks for all the comments. I found one plastic push in screw but not sure where it goes. I'd like to find some clips and screws for the 2 spots I know need them. I'm hesitant to take this to the dealer and get gouged but maybe I will mention it when I go in for my first oil change if I don't come up with something to replace the fasteners. Only 5600 or so miles on my car so far and I'm planning to take it in at 7500.

 

I could take the warranty angle at the dealer but doubt it would work. "Yeah, those screws must have fallen out!" :)

[murphy]

Ford "Christmas Tree" plastic pins are available in the specialty screw section at Lowe's.

 

http://www.lowes.com/pd_138275-37672-881204_0__

[jadei]

Ford "Christmas Tree" plastic pins are available in the specialty screw section at Lowe's.

 

http://www.lowes.com/pd_138275-37672-881204_0__

 

Thanks murphy but I'm not sure that's what I need. What I think I need is a clip that is inserted into the plastic to allow a screw to fasten to it. I attached a picture. On the left is an existing clip/screw and on the right is one of the two holes I need connectors for. The connector you linked might work but would probably pop out easy I think.

Edited December 18, 2015 by jadei

[murphy]

How about this with a matching sheet metal screw.

 

http://www.lowes.com/pd_139365-37672-881244___?productId=3013203&pl=1&Ntt=spring+clip+fasteners

[jadei]

Yeah! That looks like a great candidate. I just need a washer and screw for it and that should work. Saturday morning I know what I'll be doing. Thanks!

[machoman1337]

I've always been fearful of the type of damage you've taken, sorry to see that happen to you.

 

The front parking sensors on my '13 HyTi typically pick up the parking curbs that are high enough to cause damage. I have the active park assist, which may be a requirement for the front sensors if I recall from earlier posts on here.

 

Correct, that was why I made the active parking assist a requirement when I was shopping for a Fusion. I wanted the front sensors far more than I wanted the auto-parking.