While checking oil level, etc. under the hood of my 2005 RL, my little guy "inadvertently" dropped a small crescent wrench down the duct at the right front (as you look at the engine from the front of the car) of the engine area. Opening is approx. 1 1/2" x 5" and then leads to a 3" dia. tube which runs down and curves towards the area in front of the left front wheel well (I think!). Unable to reach down the duct (too small) and cannot see to the bottom (it curves) - no opening underneath and because underneath area is all covered, cannot see where wrench ended up.

Anyone have an idea what this "duct" is for and where it leads? More importantly, how do I extract the wrench?! Thanks.

Art

 

I don't imagine you have a digital camera to show us exactly where this is? (Mainly so I can compare it to the diagrams in the service manual). With that, hopefully we can tell you what to take apart to get to it. If it is going to be too involved, the best bet is to call roadside assistance and have your car towed to the dealer to have them pull it out.

 

From your description alone, I'd be inclined to think this had something to do with the air intake?

 

^ That was my original throught as well, but wanted a picture to try to verify.

 

I assume that you mean the small duct just in front of the battery located about 8 - 10 inches to the right of the radiator cap (viewed from the front of the car). I don't think that this duct is related to the air intake as most of that ducting is behind the battery. It's function is a mystery to me as well. As far as getting the wrench out, I'd at least try fishing around with a magnetic pick up tool before I started taking apart the engine bay. I tried out my magnetic pick up tool with a small crescent wrench and it easily lifted the weight of the wrench. You can buy them for a couple of bucks at any automotive supply shop - try to get one with a flexible extension that will make it easier for you to get down the duct. Alternatively, tie a string to any small magnet and lower it down the duct - just like jigging for large mouth bass. Good luck.

 

Good thoughts hondamore. I second his idea

 

Hondamore - that's the correct location and thanks for the heads up - the magnetic pickup tool did the job and the wrench has been removed!! No idea what purpose the duct provides but will definitely ask at my next service visit. Thanks again!

 

Great to hear it was pulled out without much problem. hondamore.

 

C-lad, glad I could help you out, although you are the one that did the great job of fishing it out, I only provided the bait.

 

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