Hi Friends I got my oil changed, and they forgot one of the rivets or something. I tried to tie it up, but it got loose, maybe after bottoming out somewhere, and now the plastic is all mangled. A piece actually came off the car, and I can't see whats going on. My questions are 1. How do I find out what parts I'm going to need, without paying an arm and a kidney? 2. What Kind of damage could I cause if it stays as is for a while? 3. If I find out what parts I need, and order them online somewhere, what kind of a place can I take it to to install the new parts? I'm not a do it yourself guy, although I wish I was. Thanks for any help or advice.
I would take it back, but it was too long ago. So that plastic inst neccessary down there? Im just worried that my carmax warranty wont pay if something goes wrong
The shields are there to improve aerodynamics and to provide some protection from scrapes and rocks. it is not necessary and aerodynamic benefit is minor. There are two main pieces, one under the bumper and a larger one under the engine. I replaced both after they got damaged (long story). Non Toyota replacements can be ordered from Parts Geek for about $35 each. Since they play no role in the cars actual operation, non Toyota Brand parts are OK. I don't see where just removing the damaged shields would void your warranty.
The simplest way to get started would be ramps I think, so you can the front end raised, about 8", safely and without a major cash outlay. There are plastic pieces all the way down the car underside, and I'd suspect if you remove the pieces near the front the next in line are going to be more vulnerable. I take the main engine panel off every six months, for oil changes. It takes about 10 minutes, at most, either taking it off or putting it back on. There's a combination of two kinds of plastic push-in fasteners, mostly one kind, and a couple of slightly larger ones (with distinctive grey heads) at the back end. There's a couple additional, of a third type, but if you're removing the whole panel they are "internal" ie, you don't have to touch them. There's also maybe 6 small steel bolts at the front end. I would suggest to remove the whole thing, take a tally of the fasteners, clean what are still serviceable, in hot soapy water, get all the grit out. That is what causes them to jam, break, fall off, and cause the panel to fail. I'll attach a pdf with parts numbers.
