2016 Explorer Sport Engine Underbody sir deflector

[km9376]

Can anyone confirm the purpose of the engine underbody air deflector? I have read many posts with 2 answers: 1 - for the towing package and cooling transmission, 2- for cooling turbos.
I found mine missing, was there 3 weeks ago. Leaving on vacation and concerned if it is for turbo cooling. I do not use the tow option, so that is not a concern. Thanks.

 

[peterk9]

Can anyone confirm the purpose of the engine underbody air deflector? I have read many posts with 2 answers: 1 - for the towing package and cooling transmission, 2- for cooling turbos.
I found mine missing, was there 3 weeks ago. Leaving on vacation and concerned if it is for turbo cooling. I do not use the tow option, so that is not a concern. Thanks.

I believe it is to help direct air to the PTU/transmission area. The item was on 5th gen Explorers before they came out with the turbos and was only found on those with the tow package.

Peter

 

[J_C]

Hmm, makes me wonder if it could be improved to even better cool the PTU!

 

[javaleo]

If you have a PTU, then you need the underbody air deflector. Those PTU set right next to a Cat and if you have a turbo, next to that too. Those PTU will cook the oil in them as they only have about 16 oz. You should change the gear oil in them every 30,000 miles.

 

[peterk9]

If you have a PTU, then you need the underbody air deflector. Those PTU set right next to a Cat and if you have a turbo, next to that too. Those PTU will cook the oil in them as they only have about 16 oz. You should change the gear oil in them every 30,000 miles.

Although I can see the logic, I don't believe that is the case. When the 5th gen came out, the cutout and deflector were only found on those with the tow package.

Lower grille cutout?

What's the cutout for on the passenger side of the black lower grill trim? I though it was weird that it was only on one side, which made it asymmetrical when looking at the car from the front, but never really thought much about it. That lower black trim had to be replaced when my wife hit a...

www.explorerforum.com

Peter

 

[javaleo]

Your car AWD? You got a cat? Then you need one. The PTU will cook the oil without it.

 

[peterk9]

Your car AWD? You got a cat? Then you need one. The PTU will cook the oil without it.

In preparing my reply, I realized that I was thinking about the deflector found on the 2011-2015 Explorers with the tow package when I posted. My apologies.
With the 2016 redesign, the front bumper valance cutout was eliminated. I checked pictures of my previous 2017 Platinum and could not see the cutout. I don't know what Ford uses to replace it. Is it a similar item? My dealer does all the servicing on my vehicles so I have had very limited exposure to the underside. Sorry for all the confusion.
Yes, I have an AWD 2023 Aviator (all Aviators in Canada are AWD).

Peter

 

[javaleo]

I have a 2018 Platinum. It has the cut out and the air deflector. Ford's design of these PTUs used on many models was poor. They even added a cooler and temp sensor to them. Still need to change the oil every 30,000 miles. Which is a PITA