Why is the path for the air to the air filter box closed off? 2013 Ford Flex

Gray Brick · January 30, 2015, 09:20:42 PM

The air scoop under the hood that goes from the airbox to the grille is closed?

Is there a reason Ford did this?
It make it so the intake sucks in hot air from the radiator.
It could be a ram air if it was open.

Has anyone taken this piece out and cut a hole for more airflow?

See attached:

J-Will · January 30, 2015, 09:29:56 PM

The engine bay gets hot. This setup ensures that fresh air from outside the car as opposed to air from the engine bay (potentially hotter) is sucked in.

Gray Brick · January 30, 2015, 09:43:34 PM

The grille has the opening but there is an inner plastic structural piece blocking the fresh air from the outside.

wasinger3000 · January 30, 2015, 09:47:57 PM

Most likely to keep large amounts of water from getting in. If it doesn't rain much their just cut it open.

ZSHO · January 30, 2015, 09:54:29 PM

By removing that air duct you will prevent fresh air to enter the intake,instead you can remove the rubber moulding directly on top of the scoop,across from the bottom of the hood.

Gray Brick · January 30, 2015, 10:42:04 PM

I don't want to remove the duct... it would let in more engine heat.

I want more, cold air to enter the intake.

Just curious why Ford would make the rectangle hole in the grating on the grille and then close it with something in between the scoop and the outside air.

BiGMaC · January 30, 2015, 11:03:22 PM

Quote from: Gray Brick on January 30, 2015, 10:42:04 PM
I don't want to remove the duct... it would let in more engine heat.

I want more, cold air to enter the intake.

Just curious why Ford would make the rectangle hole in the grating on the grille and then close it with something in between the scoop and the outside air.

Ford has discovered a way to run the internal combustion engine without air, but was afraid owners would miss the intake...

actually it's just to keep stuff out of the intake.

Gray Brick · January 30, 2015, 11:08:56 PM

They blocked the ram air intake.

Why hasn't anyone mentioned it on the forum before?

Great way for cooler denser air.

It looks like they made it and then changed their mind.

Now i need to figure out how to get the grill off so I can remove the blocked area.

Is there a thread on this?

Airbornemaikai · January 31, 2015, 12:05:04 AM

As much as I hate to mention the absolutely terrible explorer forum, there is a few walkthroughs for the grill removal in there, I'm assuming very similar to the flex. There is indeed a couple members that have cut out that portion of the grill, and there is even a different police version of the grill that I believe has that portion open instead of closed off

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Gray Brick · January 31, 2015, 01:25:25 AM

Can you send me the link? I can't seem to find the grille removal.

Josephm · January 31, 2015, 12:53:01 PM

Can you take a picture of that part your talking about?

Gray Brick · January 31, 2015, 01:18:24 PM

Here you are...

Airbornemaikai · February 01, 2015, 01:46:49 AM

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=415328
I'm going to assume that part you are referring to is just a part of the entire grill, looks like design to me, not an actual separate piece. Hope this helps

painterpatt · February 08, 2015, 09:36:47 AM

Mine's an 11 but i cut mine out. You can see the air cleaner thru grille. (Airaid)

J-Will · February 08, 2015, 10:09:48 AM

I doubt cutting that piece out is going to improve air flow, air volume, etc. I would be worried that it would increase the chance of rain or water to enter the intake.