what is this engine guard

[posmindset]

what is the name of this guard under the front of my 2002 ford explorer eddie bauer so that i can find replacement parts or the best way to fix?

see pic here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxlt9KkK_s5INnNHekY4ckFJYzg/edit?usp=sharing
it has 4 plastic threaded rivots that are supposed to hold it in place, 2 seem to be sheared off and one is stripped out.

is this guard absolutely necessary?

city and interstate driven, nothing off road

thanks for any help

 

[Number4]

Pretty sure it's the guard that protects the transmission oil cooler from road debri.

 

[posmindset]

thanks Number4,

you got me going in the right direction and I was able to locate the part...

it's called a front engine air deflector

here is what it looks like with the rivots included

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-FORD-EXPLORER-OEM-LOWER-FRONT-ENGINE-AIR-DEFLECTOR-1L2Z-8349-AA-/230695240987?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AFord%7CModel%3AExplorer&vxp=mtr&hash=item35b682051b

 

[D Hook]

Thanks for the pix. I think mine is missing. Was that way when I bought the truck so didn't even know it was missing.

 

[Number4]

I know that without it, the trans cooler is exposed to road debris. I'd get one installed, even if it's just a 'wind' deflector according to Ford.

 

[turborich]

Do you guys know where the trans cooler is located? That's not a trans cooler under there, it's a p/s cooler.

 

[swshawaii]

Do you guys know where the trans cooler is located? That's not a trans cooler under there, it's a p/s cooler.

Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Cooler (#22)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/229492566/Auxiliary-Transmission-Fluid-Cooler-in-Vehicle-Repair

 

[Sedition]

That plastic shroud provides little to no protection to the bottom of your radiator, it's purpose is to hide the bottom of your radiator from view. It's not required for on road driving. Also it does nothing for off road protection of your radiator and is often the first item to be lost along the trail.

Even though it has a fancy name I can assure you it's just for aesthetics.

 

[Number4]

Do you guys know where the trans cooler is located? That's not a trans cooler under there, it's a p/s cooler.

You appear to be correct. I never chased the lines back. Looks like a remote trans cooler needs to be added then.