Where does this part go??

[Bobs2018ExplorerSport]

I just finished installing the OEM Ford Engine Oil Cooler on my 2018 XLT, as part of a complete tow package addition, and among the parts my friend at a Ford dealership sent me to complete the installation was a rigid-foam piece called a "Deflector" (Part # BB5Z-8349-D).

I am assuming that this piece is an air deflector of some sort, and likely installs somewhere on the front, or underside, of the vehicle... but, for the life of me, I cannot figure-out where it is supposed to go! It has 4 little rectangular metal clips on it, as if those are supposed to attach it to something, perhaps on the front of the frame, or near the radiator? However, I cannot find any corresponding holes in the frame or elsewhere that might accomodate this piece. The only thing I've been able to find from Ford so far is an exploded parts view that includes this part, but nothing to show where its actual intended placement on the vehicle is.

Does anyone with the factory tow package on their own vehicle recognize it, and be able to provide any photos they might be able to share, of where this same piece might appear on their vehicle?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[peterk9]

It appears to be called a Lower Air Deflector. Do you have the active grille shutters on your XLT? I'm not sure if that is part of it or not. The diagrams aren't that helpful here either. how to install BB5Z-8349-D - Google Search

Peter

 

[Bobs2018ExplorerSport]

Yes, I do have the Active Grille Shutter system on my car, but unfortunately, I'm still unable to find the actual placement of this particular part.

I will keep on looking, and maybe someone else on the Forum will recognize it from their own vehicle.

Thanks!

 

[Mope]

Don't quote me - it's been quite awhile since I replaced the radiator on my 16 (that's another story), but it's familiar. Does the molded portion fit into the radiator on the bottom? I believe it would be closing any gap around the radiator so that air is only directed through the grill/radiator instead of escaping.

Edit....yes, see below.

 

[Bobs2018ExplorerSport]

THANK YOU so much for this diagram, as all of the other diagrams that I was ever able to find never seemed to have that line that appears to place it directly under the radiator itself!

I now know where to take a closer look... and I do appreciate your help!

 

[Bobs2018ExplorerSport]

My thanks again to "Mope", for helping me solve the mystery of where this foam piece goes! My parts guy had included that piece as part of an entire package he had put together for me, to add an engine oil cooler, but clearly it was not needed, as it turns out there is already one there in-place. Upon closer examination, there is one sandwiched directly between the bottom of the radiator and the "shell" (opening") that the radiator sits in... and (using a flashlight), I can see and feel the edge of the existing one as it sits.

Many thanks for solving my mystery!