Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > Ford Australia Vehicles > Small and Mid Sized Cars > Focus

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 21-09-2009, 03:42 PM   #1
science
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Default TDCI plastic underbody panels

Hi there, I've just bought an 07 TDCI. Seems great so far. However, something I didn't really notice at the dealer was the fact that one of the black plastic panels under the bonnet is missing!

It's the panel that goes right at the front between the bumper and the bottom of the intercooler/radiator.

I'm not sure how vital this panel is, does anyone here have any thoughts on whether I should try and get one fitted? And if so, I guess a Ford dealer would be the only place to try?

I'm also not sure what the purpose of this panel actually is, maybe it improves airflow into the itercooler and radiator, or it might be just a small aerodynamic issue???

science is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-09-2009, 05:10 PM   #2
Turbodiesel
Torquer
 
Turbodiesel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 393
Default

If it's supposed to be there, that's reason enough for me.

I think it's main purposes are aerodynamics and protection, might get dirt and stuff up there without it also.

Ford could probably get them, but I bet they aren't cheap.
Turbodiesel is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-09-2009, 06:45 PM   #3
science
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Default

Hmmm thanks.. Guess I better ask how much it's going to be, not looking forward to the answer!

I only just discovered the global open/close thing that closes the windows as you lock the car - cool!
science is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-09-2009, 06:52 PM   #4
Loris
Focus & Territory TDCi
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 251
Default

there are a couple of other little cool things i figured out while driving a focus eg.

if you just tap the indicator stalk it will indicate automatically 3 times then stop.. good for quick lane changes

and if you have your front wipers on engage reverse your reverse wiper automatically starts going
Loris is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-09-2009, 10:24 PM   #5
Tj-zetec
Knows nothing. Apparently
 
Tj-zetec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: On the front steps, Brown-baggin' it.
Posts: 517
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Loris
there are a couple of other little cool things i figured out while driving a focus eg.

if you just tap the indicator stalk it will indicate automatically 3 times then stop.. good for quick lane changes

and if you have your front wipers on engage reverse your reverse wiper automatically starts going
It's cool when you discover little things like that huh? When they're on the 1st speed, and you stop say at a set of lights, they automatically go back to intermittent. sweet huh?

When i had my LR it took me 18 months to find the ashtray. And even then it was by accident

I also the under body trays are there to prevent snow packing in under the front of the car. I spose it's a problem in Europe, not much of a hassle out here.
__________________
2008 Electric Orange LV XR5. With dreamscience strategem SCT, K&N 57i Gen2 cold air intake for more fun and demonic vaccum cleaner noise!!

1975 Mitsubishi/Chrysler GC Galant 2-door Hardtop. 4G63 DOHC heart transplant nearly complete!
Check out the build over here
Tj-zetec is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-09-2009, 06:30 PM   #6
Loris
Focus & Territory TDCi
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 251
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tj-zetec
It's cool when you discover little things like that huh? When they're on the 1st speed, and you stop say at a set of lights, they automatically go back to intermittent. sweet huh?
I didnt know that!! Will check it out next time it rains :P
Loris is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-09-2009, 10:39 PM   #7
mohit
 
mohit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 183
Default

So it looks like only the TD has an under engine plastic panel
Both our LS and LT petrol Focus don't have that panel
mohit is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-09-2009, 09:35 AM   #8
science
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Default

Cool, interesting about the snow, and that the underbody panels are only on the TDCI?

I searched and searched on the internet and couldn't find much information about what they were for or how much they might cost.

I guess you have to take them off to change the oil/filter etc too?
science is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-09-2009, 12:35 PM   #9
mohit
 
mohit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 183
Default

As you can see no plastic panel under the engine of a 2.0L petrol Focus by default

mohit is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-09-2009, 01:13 PM   #10
marg99
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 804
Default

You learn some thing new about the car everyday! I thought the TDCI underbelly plastic was designed to stop you jacking the car up in the centre cause you could not see where to put the trolley jack!
marg99 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-09-2009, 05:45 PM   #11
science
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Default

Yeah, it's totally smooth under the 07 TDCI! Well, black plastic with a few lumps and bumps. Looks pretty tricky to take off for oil changing etc... Pretty much have to take it to the garage.
science is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 11:03 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL