Cleaning The Battery Fan

The original Toyota ones can be re-used many times. They will break if dirt collects in them and fills up the gaps between the 'leaves' so that they don't expand or contract properly. That usually only happens with the ones used on external trim parts, not so much in the cabin.

Normal usage is to push the center button until it clicks to allow a very gentle extraction, then when they are out in your hand you push the point on the backside of it to reset the center button to the normal position. Then the entire rivet assembly can be clicked back into the trimpart and it will seat and lock properly until the next time somebody pushes the center button.

 

I don't know if that's a change from your model year to mine, or a lost item. Mine has a removable plate about 10"x4" held in by 4 self-tapping screws set in speednuts clipped to the edge of the main splash shield.

 

Yeah that's the main killer. If you wash them out every time you've removed them, they'll last a long time.

I find the next way they fail is one of the teeth starts to get too spread out, maybe zigged-instead-of-zagged when you pushed it in, eventually weakens and breaks off, or just becomes a pain to install.

Either way, I'll typically get a full replacement set, then just start replacing the worst offenders. Put a silver Sharpie X on the replacement fasteners, so I can keep straight which I've replaced, over time.

 

Mine's all covered with a big panel from the rear edge of the front dam to the forward ridge of the front subframe; wider at the front.

I can't tell you if you are missing one or if they just didn't include it on that year/trim etc.

 

They apparently added it on the newer ones. My 2015 is the same as his, which I thought odd coming from the full-size that has a complete cover. I assumed that was to help retain heat for better efficiency but it makes changing the oil a pain so I was happy to see the c was going to be a breeze. I was also surprised that it took a normal filter instead of just replacing the element like the Gen 3 full-size.

 

Full cover also keep the engine bay cleaner?

 

In the 5 years and 121K miles I have had to clean this filter twice, and it was easy, but somehow wasn't able to fit the clips back deep enough, so the piece of plastic is kind of dangling ... not to worry - easier to access the fan next time