So here’s a really dumb question for y’all.

[BabyBroncoBob]

What is the purpose of this plastic plate on the Bronco Sport Outer Banks? I’ve seen people install after-market side marker lights there, but is it intended for something else? Does it actually have a function such as a fender vent/engine compartment vent or is it just a place-holder?

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[Mark S.]

It's a fashion statement. It also ties the Bronco Sport in with other Ford models, which all seem to have similar non-functional side vents.

 

[Meanderthal]

It has no real purpose that anyone can discern. It's just aesthetic as far as we know, which is why so many people have put in the marker lights. At least it becomes functional. Maybe Ford intended to have marker lights, or turn signals there, but at the last minute did a cost cut and just dropped in the plastic part?

 

[Bucko]

 

[Glamdring70]

It saves on overall weight of the vehicle and reduces the GCWR by about 1/4 ounce.

 

[Sarah Davis]

That is a nonfunctional vent. they have after market parts to make it functional so you can mod it out for off-roading. but It also adds more of the big bronco/ford esthetic.

 

[AmazingSieve]

It saves on overall weight of the vehicle and reduces the GCWR by about 1/4 ounce.

Oh thank God that really helps me in the 1/4mi.

 

[PaulOinMA]

Could it be a placeholder for countries, if any, that require side lights, turn signal or otherwise?

 

[Tigger]

First, there are no dumb questions, just Tigger questions.
Second, I’m glad you asked that as I have been wondering that too.

 

[John J]

I was told it's where the wings extend from.

 

[davidb1841]

When your Bronco is hanging off a cliff and you fall out on to the fender....

Its a hand hold so you can climb back in ....just before you go over the edge!

 

[Bucko]

Ford is tossing meat out there to the aftermarket to create something to replace it with.

 

[Mrmike]

I don't know what Ford was thinking, but I'm really glad that Tectico came out with their light kit. I hooked mine up as turn signal only. My other vehicles had turn signals built into the rear-view mirrors. The Tectico kit replaces the missing side turn signal. I see no need for a running or side marker light in this location, but I think the turn signal indicator is a no brainer.

 

[gatornek]

First, there are no dumb questions, just Tigger questions.
Second, I’m glad you asked that as I have been wondering that too.

Asking questions is a tigger's favorite thing to do (after bouncing of course)!

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They are pretty to look at for sure, and they are definitely something I would like to add but I’ve had bad experience with poorly made electronics (especially lights) that are exposed to the “weather”. Some companies do it well and usually charge a premium for it, so the price on these makes me skeptical. Anybody had them on for more than 2 years now that can speak to that?

My suspicion is this might be a part you’d have to replace every year or two because they just “go bad”. But that’s just an initial gut feeling based on where they’re located and the price.

 

[Bucko]

The flux capacitor is behind it.

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