Missing small doors in plastic under-cladding: solutions?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Robert Holt, Aug 13, 2015.

  1. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    As I had free maintenance for 36,000 miles, my first oil and transmission fluid change was yesterday at 46,000 miles and I found missing plastic clips plus holes that seem to indicate two missing plastic covers (two red arrows point at those locations): Does anyone know precisely what these doors/covers are?
    DSCN2729_panel1.jpg

    I have re-installed the under-cladding, but wish to construct a replacement cover for those two holes. Has anyone made a cover for these two holes out of aluminum flashing, wood, fiberglass or plastic? If so, how did it work?
    I am planning to form a plate with the outline shown in red below, and affix it to the main body of the under-cladding at the locations marked with white arrows using plastic screws or those dratted black plastic Toyota clips. I would appreciate any suggestions those of you who have Priied me down this route might have!
    DSCN2730_paqnel2.jpg
    Thanks in advance, Bob.
     
    #1 Robert Holt, Aug 13, 2015
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Those holes are normal, nothing missing.

    Here's a pic of ours, the first time I pulled it off, and I'm the only person that's done oil changes:

    Prius engine undercover - photo.jpg
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Aug 13, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2015
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  3. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    Thanks, Mendel!
    Your pic compared to mine shows minor differences, but in my view mine has the shaped indentation and the clip holes which together indicate that I should NOT have two open holes on the transmission side of the under-cladding. Will now fabricate a replacement panel, but I am considering forming one, larger panel to cover both of these holes as I think that would be more robust, particularly if it is held on with plastic screws rather that the Toyota plastic clips (plastic pop rivets). I am irritated that I was not informed about either the missing rivets nor about the missing doors at the scheduled maintenances done by the dealer. Clearly you are more careful than my dealer!
     
    #3 Robert Holt, Aug 15, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2015
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah replace your missing fasteners. The bulk of them are one type, and there's a couple that are a bit bigger, at the oil flap door (which I never use). The latter are a grey colour on mine, the bulk of the fasteners are black. I make a point to wash them in sudsy water every time they're removed, to float out any grit that can jamb them, which can lead to them breaking when you try to remove them.

    I use one of these (paint can opener) a lot for removing the fasteners. The right angle blade works well for hooking under the fastener cap. If it's a bit too wide you can grind it's blade a bit narrower. Occasionally a slim flat blade screwdriver is utile as well:

    Capture.JPG

    I'm sceptical that there was ever any doors missing on yours, at least as delivered. Maybe they're used in different markets? I'm the only person who's done oil changes on ours, always take the whole panel off, and careful with the fasteners. It'll last the lifetime of the car I'm sure.

    This attachment has the fastener description and parts numbers. It's actually a lot less complicated than at first blush, only two kinds of fasteners involved when taking the panel off.
     

    Attached Files:

    #4 Mendel Leisk, Aug 15, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2015
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  5. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    Thanks for PDF, which has the same openings at the same place as your original pic. I am convinced that yours did not have any covers as there is clearly no way to fasten them on (for both the PDF pic and your garage-floor pic).
    But doggone it my under panel looks different in that area and I can visualize a hinged flap that with hinges in the slots and the clips holding it in the front two holes. I may just be having a fit of OCD here, but I would also prefer to have a minimal amount of salty slush coming up thru those holes into the engine compartment each winter.
    But back on topic: why would my under shield look different than yours in this particular way?
    Puzzled.
     
    #5 Robert Holt, Aug 15, 2015
  6. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Many of the Prius lower engine cover panels are same p/n and spec as for several Lexuses(Lexi?), suggesting to me that while one may actually make use of an access/recess panel or fastener location, the other(s) may not.
     
    #6 Air_Boss, Aug 15, 2015
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