Cabin Air Filter Change Went Wrong

[MikesMachE]

I was attempting to change my cabin air filter this evening, when I snapped one of the plastic fasteners (see pic). The left one is still intact but the right one snapped off and I’ve used duct tape to secure the assembly shut. Any suggestions on what to do? It seems like there’s a hole for a screw. Anyone know the screw size? TIA

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[DevSecOps]

This is a common issue. Just find any old screw that will fit in there and use it. You're not screwing into something that's tapped, it's just plastic so anything that will hold it should work.

The Service Manual for the MachE actually shows screws there, but there aren't any so one could assume that there was meant to be.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Yes, just use screws to hold it shut.

 

[Mach1E]

I was attempting to change my cabin air filter this evening, when I snapped one of the plastic fasteners (see pic). The left one is still intact but the right one snapped off and I’ve used duct tape to secure the assembly shut. Any suggestions on what to do? It seems like there’s a hole for a screw. Anyone know the screw size? TIA

I don’t see the problem.

Duct tape = fixed.?

 

[TRP]

If it moves and it shouldn't = Duct Tape
If it doesn't move and it should = WD-40

?

 

[RickMachE]

I'm always amazed that vehicle connectors are designed so poorly that they break, or fall off. Like the Mach-E frunk panels, with at least 3 different types of connectors. One is permanent, so if it breaks you're SOL. Then two different ones, that like falling off into the innards. At least you can get replacements, the Lightning frunk panel connectors (two different types) are not orderable, they have to order you an entirely new panel (absolutely ridiculous).

 

[AliRafiee]

Autozone sells plastic rivets for a couple of $

Take the broken one or the other side to make sure you get the right size

 

[fawadasaurus]

I just did the exact same thing.

I tried jbweld plastic weld but that doesn’t seem to adhere to this type of plastic.
I have ordered a loctite plastic super glue and will report back if that works.

For now I have used a small screw but hate that I already broke something in my new car

 

[PhillyYa]

Exact same thing happened to me. I just closed it with the one side snap and it seemed to stay shut. Put the glove box back and forgot about it.

 

[krafty81]

Add me to the broken right clip club! Looking for ideas. I have the part that broke off. Using a clip to hold the right side in place, closes a 1/8 inch gap.

 

[Tomatoboy]

Just adding a data point to this old thread…I broke mine too today, but the left one. It still snapped closed. Terrible design, the flex tab should be on the part that comes off and the plastic is way too fragile. The door on the F-150 and Explorer is much better.

 

[Track9979]

What a dumb design and brittle plastic. In addition to the broken ear clip, at first the the filter door wasn't budging, so i pulled on the bottom clip right under and it broke too . Time go to looking for a screw. Not going to worry about the bottom clip tho, as that whole assembly seems pretty secure.

 

[Silentmache]

What a dumb design and brittle plastic. In addition to the broken ear clip, at first the the filter door wasn't budging, so i pulled on the bottom clip right under and it broke too . Time go to looking for a screw. Not going to worry about the bottom clip tho, as that whole assembly seems pretty secure.

I thought the door had 4 clips... the two on either side and the two below the door.

So i currently only have the one clip on the left as I snapped off the other 3, any idea what the two below the door do?

 

[Track9979]

I thought the door had 4 clips... the two on either side and the two below the door.

So i currently only have the one clip on the left as I snapped off the other 3, any idea what the two below the door do?

Hold the blower assembly together.

 

[music_cities]

I was attempting to change my cabin air filter this evening, when I snapped one of the plastic fasteners (see pic). The left one is still intact but the right one snapped off and I’ve used duct tape to secure the assembly shut. Any suggestions on what to do? It seems like there’s a hole for a screw. Anyone know the screw size? TIA

Oh yeah I totally forgot that I also broke this. I think I just put it back together and hid it so my wife wouldn't see that I'd injured her baby... I should probably have a look with a flashlight and a roll of duct tape.

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