Drivetrain gurus: ID this part (or lack of)

[jelloslug]

I'm working on a slightly mangled '08 and I could use a little ID help. What is suposed to be in the hole labeled "1" and what is the connector for that is labeled "2"?

[Patrick Wong]

My guess is that nothing belongs in #1; while #2 is the motor revolution sensor.

[jelloslug]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

My guess is that nothing belongs in #1; while #2 is the motor revolution sensor.

There were several black plastic chunks in the hole in the #1 circle. I am assuming that it was some kind of cover but I would like to ease my mind.

[Patrick Wong]

Looking at your photo, there is a ledge above #1 and #2, and some debris is resting on the ledge. Is that debris more of the black plastic bits? It may have come from the wiring harness plastic armor, the large black plastic cover over the radiator, or other plastic parts in the vicinity of the radiator.

I don't have a perfect view while having the hood open and looking down at the area. However it appears to me that #1 is just a hole, although on your car the sheet metal cover to the left has been damaged.

Next time you visit the dealer to buy parts, perhaps it would help to take a look at the engine compartment of a Prius waiting to be sold or serviced.

[dogfriend]

You are in the neighborhood of Hobbit's infamous starter hole plate. Maybe that is the bent sheet metal near #1?

Hobbit has some photos here: http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/starthole/

Edit: Hobbit mentions that there is a plastic filler plug behind the plate. Perhaps that is the source of the debris you found.

[jelloslug]

Originally Posted by dogfriend

You are in the neighborhood of Hobbit's infamous starter hole plate. Maybe that is the bent sheet metal near #1?

Hobbit has some photos here: http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/starthole/

Edit: Hobbit mentions that there is a plastic filler plug behind the plate. Perhaps that is the source of the debris you found.

That's it! Thanks! If you look at the pic from the link you provided you can see the plate (mine is bent) and the plastic filler. The plastic part is just below the green arrow.

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

Looking at your photo, there is a ledge above #1 and #2, and some debris is resting on the ledge. Is that debris more of the black plastic bits? It may have come from the wiring harness plastic armor, the large black plastic cover over the radiator, or other plastic parts in the vicinity of the radiator.

The debris that was just above the hole on my car were bits of leaves and road grime. I had the same though you did when I saw that.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by dogfriend

...Hobbit mentions that there is a plastic filler plug behind the plate. Perhaps that is the source of the debris you found.

Hi Jason,

Good find! I used a very bright light this morning and can barely see the black plastic filler piece, when looking at the engine from above.

[dogfriend]

Yes, it is very hard to see it with the front radiator cover (the large plastic piece) in place. I actually went out to the car last night and was trying to look at that area with a flashlight before I posted.