Harold57

Do any of you know if there is any purpose of these covers other than for aesthetic?

I was looking for a rattle when I got distracted and wound up cleaning my MAF sensor & MAF temperature sensor and knocked loose one of these covers, only to discover that it was loose because there are only 2 of the 3 stakes left on them and both of them are damaged enough that they barely hold the cover. I then checked the other side (driver side) and discovered that it didn't have any of the little plastic stakes left at all. Underneath both appear to be the low beam wiring. (Cover on the passenger side has a label to that effect.) I see no other purpose for them other than hiding semi ugly wiring harnesses.

Yes

If I had to guess I would say to keep them clean and dry. You don't want moisture and dirt getting into electrical connections.

Harold57

There are no connections there, just a wrapped (in electrical tape) harness.

VVTiBob

I believe they are both cosmetic, creating a tidy and neater looking engine bay and reduce dirt and moister. Why not just order some new clips? While our lexus dealers charge unreasonable prices per clip/retainer, there are alternative sites on the Internet. Here's one for example http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Toy...eners_s/13.htm

mdpuff

My I chime in here? These covers are strictly for looks. If you don't want yours I'll take them off your hands! lol For some reason my 02 doesn't have them and I have been looking all over for some without any luck. Would any of the kind folks on this forum know where I could find some? I need both sides, clips are not a problem.
Thanks!

Harold57

Thanks VVTiBob, I'll probably order some of these once I determine which ones I need. I need some other ones besides these for both my car and my wife's Camry.

JerryB

Hi puff,

Try this guy: http://shop.xvipers.com/

I did one purchase from him and he came through. The goods were not 'perfect' as he had said but they were OK & cleaned up just fine. It was a little more work than I had intended.

Jerry Baumchen

mdpuff

Well I contacted them to see, but I don't think they ship to Canada? I will wait for their response and see what happens.

Thanks!

mandyfig

Some folks have painted these covers to match the color of the car. Looks nice. I went to my local ACE hardware store and found teh clips I needed. They are now secure. I like to keep all plastic clean and protected with AS303. Just love the look of a clean engine bay.