Anyone else missing the panel under the dash above the passenger side fuse box where the floor air ducts are.

[HomePeace]

So I do have to mention after installing it (super easy no hardware required, just two clips). The few dangling wire harnesses that are exposed can definitely be damaged by an errant foot placement when getting in. While they have little to no slack I am sure someone with a big boot/shoe can put just the right amount of pressure to cause some real damage. Granted the dash panel when installed has cutouts specific to those harness/connection points still exposed (see pic below), I feel a little more comfortable.

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[Escape2Bronco]

So I do have to mention after installing it (super easy no hardware required, just two clips). The few dangling wire harnesses that are exposed can definitely be damaged by an errant foot placement when getting in. While they have little to no slack I am sure someone with a big boot/shoe can put just the right amount of pressure to cause some real damage. Granted the dash panel when installed has cutouts specific to those harness/connection points still exposed (see pic below), I feel a little more comfortable.

My wife and I no longer wrestle in the front seat anymore so I was quite ok with it not being there. None of my vehicles in the previous 50 years had one either. Honestly, I noticed no difference in sound either but that might be more my age than reality. For $40, I bought one to see. I guess if they really become a necessity for some and no longer available, I can use it to pay for a couple of gallons of gas.

I think if Ford really felt it was a hazard without it, it would still be there. But, if you feel more comfortable with it, then I think your covered (pun intended).

Fortunately for most, the dealers are covering it under warranty or out of their pocket. I’m guessing those not on the forum won’t even notice it’s missing or was supposed to be there at one point.

 

[Cactusjk]

So how hard is it to get to the fuse panel with this panel installed?

 

[sajohnson]

So I do have to mention after installing it (super easy no hardware required, just two clips). The few dangling wire harnesses that are exposed can definitely be damaged by an errant foot placement when getting in. While they have little to no slack I am sure someone with a big boot/shoe can put just the right amount of pressure to cause some real damage. Granted the dash panel when installed has cutouts specific to those harness/connection points still exposed (see pic below), I feel a little more comfortable.

Good eye. I noticed that too.

It's probably OK, but that does seem to be sloppy engineering. I'm not sure what's going on there. It should be covered up.

 

[sajohnson]

So how hard is it to get to the fuse panel with this panel installed?

The panel needs to be removed, but it should just pop off.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

So how hard is it to get to the fuse panel with this panel installed?

Easy if you have the push pin removal tool with you. Pop the middle of the two pins, pull the panel down and out. Small screw driver can also be used to pry the pins out.

 

[Mark S.]

My wife and I no longer wrestle in the front seat anymore...

Luckily, your car has fold-down rear seats. You just have to watch out for rug burns. You might consider acquiring one of these:

 

[Major Kong]

It's probably OK, but that does seem to be sloppy engineering.

perhaps one of the factors in the decision towards elimination
embarrassing boondoggle of wiring oversight

 

[Juliet]

I’m going to have to respectfully disagree on it having to be there, but then most of my cars have had manual transmissions, no ABS and manual HVAC. None have had engine covers, under dash covers, folding headrests, or lit up cup holders. I know I’m from a different era, but these are not things that have always been on cars and do not have to be there to be driven.

The parts guy at my dealership showed me that the under dash panel is on their spec sheet that show the placement of parts on the vehicle. They said this panel should be there and essentially a new vehicle came incomplete. Thankfully not to the degree of an F150 that came without windshield wipers/assembly. I totally get the engine cover no longer coming with the vehicle, it's not on the spec sheet. . . panel is and should be included.

 

[Budstang2k5]

Just checked and mine is missing.................darnit.

Called the dealer and they are shipping my panel out to me with all the hardware to attach it. Thank you Brown Ford of West Branch Iowa........also they were not aware of the panel being gone.
I sent them the photo from your post along with the Part number and this diagram.

 

[HomePeace]

Called the dealer and they are shipping my panel out to me with all the hardware to attach it. Thank you Brown Ford of West Branch Iowa........also they were not aware of the panel being gone.
I sent them the photo from your post along with the Part number

There shouldn't need additional "hardware" as its a single piece of plastic with two clips and two plastic "screws" that snap in.

perhaps one of the factors in the decision towards elimination
embarrassing boondoggle of wiring oversight

The wiring bundle on the right side is such a mess and massive, they probably had to cut the panel due to this oversight. It actually looks like they had to cut corners (pun intended) to get this to work.

 

[Budstang2k5]

There shouldn't need additional "hardware" as its a single piece of plastic with two clips and two plastic "screws" that snap in.


The wiring bundle on the right side is such a mess and massive, they probably had to cut the panel due to this oversight. It actually looks like they had to cut corners (pun intended) to get this to work.

Hardware = Two clips and plastic screws.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Luckily, your car has fold-down rear seats. You just have to watch out for rug burns. You might consider acquiring one of these:

I wish!

 

[sajohnson]

perhaps one of the factors in the decision towards elimination
embarrassing boondoggle of wiring oversight

It does not look good with the panel in place, but it looks even worse without it.

[That's if I understood your post correctly].

 

[sajohnson]

Called the dealer and they are shipping my panel out to me with all the hardware to attach it. Thank you Brown Ford of West Branch Iowa........also they were not aware of the panel being gone.
I sent them the photo from your post along with the Part number and this diagram.

That's because they are in West Branch, Iowa!

Only half joking. We have family in Iowa (including Iowa City, near West Branch). People are generally nicer and treat each other better out there.

The focus of most businesses is long-term. Doing what's right so that they will get good word of mouth advertising and their customers will keep coming back -- rather than doing what they can get away with to maximize profit in the current quarter.