Help! What is this hanging under my 2016 Explorer?

[FordExplorer16]

I noticed something was hanging under my vehicle as I was walking towards it today. It didn’t make any strange noises while driving it home and it’s not dragging on the ground. Is it part of my exhaust? As you can see in the picture it’s hanging underneath the front portion of the vehicle. Will I be ok driving it to work tomorrow? I live alone and don’t have a 2nd vehicle to drive.
Help!

Thanks!

 

[JAPeterson]

Is it round or flat, do you have the tow package, and do you have the turbo?

It could be the air defector for extra cooling. If it is you can remove it until you can get it reinstalled correctly.

 

[Kpwweb]

It's not the air deflector for the PTU--it would look different on the end. Almost looks like a heat shield for the exhaust? Should be okay if driven slow-to-moderate and you are able to get it checked as soon as possible just in case.

 

[reserved50]

just wiggle it off, its looks like a heat shield for exhaust pipes

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

Add bumper sticker "HONK HORN IF PARTS FALL OFF!"

 

[peterk9]

I noticed something was hanging under my vehicle as I was walking towards it today. It didn’t make any strange noises while driving it home and it’s not dragging on the ground. Is it part of my exhaust? As you can see in the picture it’s hanging underneath the front portion of the vehicle. Will I be ok driving it to work tomorrow? I live alone and don’t have a 2nd vehicle to drive.
Help!

Thanks!

Welcome to the Forum.
Can't add anything else to what has already been posted.

Peter

 

[blwnsmoke]

Welcome to the Forum.
Can't add anything else to what has already been posted.

Peter

Except a post that doesnt add anything lmao.

 

[FordExplorer16]

Thank you everyone!
I appreciate all your input. I was able to make an appointment for today after work to get it checked out!
Here’s hoping it’s only the heat shield!

Sandie

 

[Flying68]

Thank you everyone!
I appreciate all your input. I was able to make an appointment for today after work to get it checked out!
Here’s hoping it’s only the heat shield!

Sandie

Was it a heat shield? Do you happen to still have the part number?

Pulling in tonight I found a heat shield lying on the floor. Part BB53 5K287 AA.

Trying to figure out where it goes. The welded on clamp strap rusted and broke. I am just going to cut those off and use two new band clamps to put it back on, if I can figure out where it goes.

 

[peterk9]

Comes back as a front exhaust pipe.
BB53 5K287 AA. - Google Search:

Peter

 

[Flying68]

Comes back as a front exhaust pipe.
BB53 5K287 AA. - Google Search:

Peter

Thanks. I tried searching all the parts sites and put the number in google and didn't come up with anything.

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

Can it be lined up on the pipes to find the spot it goes, probably a clean spot on the pipes where it went.

 

[Flying68]

Well it goes on top of the exhaust pipe between the front and rear down pipes. Only guess may be that it reduces some heat transfer, but there is a huge gap between it and the transmission. The second picture you can see where the bands were.