I messed up some of the engine cover clips doing some installs and was wondering where to get replacements, any ideas besides the dealer?

 

I got mine from the dealer, mainly because I didn't feel like searching around for some other ones. We searched the exploded diagram of the engine bay on the parts department computer, and discovered they are Lexus part # 90467-07211, and cost $1.74 each. They've changed the clips, though - these fill out the hole better and don't break NEARLY as easily. However, they are unfortunately a bit more difficult to take out than the original clips. To take these out, you have to work your fingernail into the center lip of the button, instead of just pressing the small head all the way down like on the original clips. Anyway, I like the new ones WAY better than the old ones...

Javier

 

Are you talking about the engine cover, or engine bay trim panels? The plastic retainer clips on the 3 black panels suck. I just removed them all since the panels all stay in the right place without them.

 

those lil black push clips are expensive! paid 1.95 each for mine from the dealer...

 

This is good info for everyone to know. Unless you take your IS to Lexus for service, you can bet that every mechanic type that has to service under your hood is going to butcher those clips all to hell trying to remove them. I had a jackass car stereo installer lose one and break two of mine last week trying to run power to the sub amp.

 

Honestly, I haven't figured out how the clips are supposed to work. What is the little button for in the center? I accidentally pushed one of the buttons in once, and couldn't get it to pop back out again.

BTW, I wonder how many quick-lube places will know how to handle those things when they check the air filters... just another reason to DIY...

 

A nice diagram on how to pop the center button back up by spreading the legs of the clips are nicely illustrated in the Owner's Manual. There is a big illustration in one of the pages, if I am not mistaken, under the section: how to replace your headlight bulb.

 

you're suppose to press the button in the middle down. then take out the entire clip. when the clip is out you can spread the legs to pop the button in the middle back up. place the clip back in to the hole and press the button down to lock the clip.

 

Well, if pressing the button "locks" the clip in the hole, then how do you get the clip back out to "unlock" it?

 

That makes him a jackass?

 

the button has 3 positions. middle position when it's "flush" is the locked position. when you press it down it goes into the unlocked position and you can pull the entire clip out. when the clip is out you have to pull the button back up so the button is actually sticking out of the clip. this is when you put the entire clip back into the hole and press the button down to the middle locked position. i wish i had a picture or something... would make describing it a lot easier...

 

That makes sense.

 

Just go to the dealer.

 

take them off a loaner next time you have the car in for service hehe

 

... and evil prevails ...