I just got an Acura TL 2012 Tech package and I was going to replace the engine air filter when I noticed that 2 out of the 3 screws were seized. To prevent stripping the screws, I pulled out a power drill and then got to work... Only for the tight clearance to remove the drill bit from the drill and proceed to fall into the engine bay.

I read online that dropping things into engine bays are common but should I be worried about anything? I drove around today and it's been fine so far but I can't help but be worried. I even tried looking up the engine bay schematic but couldn't find anything to trace the path. I can attach a pic if that helps!

Side note: I'm so excited to be here!! This 2012 TL is the smoothest car I've driven!

 

have you tried removing the plastic trays under your car? It’s probably sitting on one of those.

 

I can look into that and try that at my nearest AutoZone. Do you recommend I jack up the car or just slide right underneath?

 

How comfortable do you enjoy working?

 

you should definitely jack your car up and put it on jack stands. You can probably hit the plastic panels and If the drill bit is there, you’ll hear it

 

Fair point!

 

Gotcha! Hopefully I can get this done tomorrow or something before classes start. Thank you for your help!