Lost something out of my front bumper

[Hammertime3]

Driving to a Kentucky Derby party earlier this evening, I had occasion to hit a plastic trash can, large type, rolling around in the highway. I was travelling about 60MPH, behind a tractor trailer when the trash can suddenly appeared right in front of me. I had about a 2 seconds to react..I went right, it followed. I went left, it followed and I hit it with the right corner of my front bumper, knocking the can off the roadway. When I got to my destination, I checked for damage and the only thing I could find wrong, aside from a couple of scrapes which I think will rub out, was some kind of mechanism that fits into a small hole..looks like it's threaded...on the bottom right of the bumper. I have no idea what I have lost..looks like something cylindrical that screws in. It's only on the right bottom of the front bumper. Anyone know what I have lost??

Almost forgot...I'm driving a 2013 XLT.

 

[Exit32]

Sounds like maybe the impact with the trash barrel caused the loss of the plastic cover that hides the threaded receptacle for the front recovery hook. The front recovery hook should be in your spare-tire compartment and is threaded into the receptacle only when needed.

My best guess is that you dislodged and lost only the plastic cover. Look in your spare-tire compartment for the threaded front recovery hook.

 

[Hammertime3]

Thanks...I never knew that existed but it sure makes sense. I was thinking some expensive sensor or something. Thanks again.

 

[peterk9]

Thanks...I never knew that existed but it sure makes sense. I was thinking some expensive sensor or something. Thanks again.

See page 2 of the following thread; http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=310170&highlight=tow+hook

Peter

 

[Halwg]

So you have had your car for 3 years and never noticed this?

 

[1995E]

So you have had your car for 3 years and never noticed this?

Lol, I don't notice mine unless if I specifically look for it. I can see why he didn't notice it.