Underbody

SLINGERLANDSTYX

MEMBER
2004 DODGE STRATUS
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

A 2' U-shaped aluminum plate came off the underbody of my car ('04 Stratus SXT, 2.4L DOHC) while driving, I'm trying to figure out what it is/if its important that I get it fixed. I recovered it, found some numbers stamped in it, 06204 and 4878869AA. Googling these didn't return much, only a Russian car parts site but I think it might be a heat shield of some sort. Any ideas?

ALSO - since this happened, my mileage seemed to drop by about 50 miles per tank.

3 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Is it light weight/thin like tin? Must be a heat sheild. Dont know how it could effect mileage unless something else got damaged like OX sensor from it coming loose.

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Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 AT 9:59 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Sounds like an exhaust heat shield for the catalytic converter or exhaust pipe. That won't affect fuel mileage. They are used to reduce the heat radiated to the floor of the car and to keep dried leaves from hitting the converter and catching fire. If there is enough to attach to, a pair of large hose clamps can be used to hold that shield in place. When the first few welds break or rust off those shields can rattle. Hose clamps can solve that too.