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Hole in lower housing, would that affect driving the car?

Tiny
MARGROCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 PONTIAC SOLSTICE
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 123,000 MILES
My car was backed into and there is a hole in the bumper. The estimate for repair that I got says that there is a hole in the lower housing. I'm curious how that hole might affect driving the car and if it can be repaired as opposed to replaced.
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Monday, July 25th, 2022 AT 1:41 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
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Hello,

So, are you talking about a hole that is on the lower part of the bumper or some other component?
If the hole just in the bumper and not interfering with any lights or other components then it can be driven.

Let me know a bit more details and possibly upload few pictures.
Thank you.
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Monday, July 25th, 2022 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
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The hole in question is in the air cleaner "lower housing". I'm just wondering if it's safe to drive until I can have it repaired or replaced. I was told it might cause more gas to be used or something about too much air rushing in, etc. I didn't understand what was meant by that. I just want to make sure that driving it will not damage anything. Thanks so much!
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Monday, July 25th, 2022 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
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If the hole/damage is before the air filter, depending on the location it can let water get into the intake system, if you drive over a water puddle or in heavy rain. Other than that 'excess air' is not an issue.
Uploading a picture would help us further determine.
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Monday, July 25th, 2022 AT 9:45 PM
Tiny
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Here's what the hole in the bumper looks like. So, I'm assuming the housing hole is right behind it. But I can't open my hood because the hood release just broke off in my hand. Any idea how to get the hood open without it? I tried but can't seem to get it to work. Ugh.
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Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 AT 8:16 AM
Tiny
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Can you access the cable for the hood release? The cable is attached to the plastic piece.
You should be able to use a plier to grab the cable and pull to release the hood.
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Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 AT 3:18 PM
Tiny
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I did try that but didn't want to pull too hard. Will give it another try tomorrow. Thanks!
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Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 AT 4:38 PM
Tiny
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You will have to pull it fairly hard on the cable.
Let me know how it goes.
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Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
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I can only get the driver's side latch to release. Is there any other "hack" besides doing all this? - (Found on a forum):

See if you can grab onto the end of the cable and pull it to release one side of the hood. If you can, try to put a rag or similar over the latch to prevent the hood from relatching on that side.

Then you will need to jack up the other side of the car where the latch does not release, pull the front wheel, then the inner fender and you should be able to access the hood latch that is not releasing.

You will have to go in there and manually release the latch

Failing that, you can probably remove the four bolts that hold the latch to the hood and get it released that way.
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Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 AT 10:08 AM
Tiny
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Unfortunately, given the design of the latch and cable system it will require you to remove the tire to get to the latch as that instruction suggests. Any car with that style hood opening is little difficult to work on the latch.
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Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
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Bummer. So, bottom line, from your expert "speculation", is it safe to drive long distances with a hole in the housing? I need to make an emergency trip before I can have it looked at. Thanks for all your help! Much appreciated!
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Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
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From the picture it is likely the hole is below the air filter, which should be ok for the most part. The only thing I would say is to avoid water puddles just in case you get water splashed in there.
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Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
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Okay. Thank you so, so much for all your help!
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 6:23 AM
Tiny
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You are welcome!
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 8:41 PM

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