So, my Xfire needed a new CPS. I ordered a new one, had all the right tools, and proceeded to change it today as the new one came in. Taking it out wasn't too bad, too me a few minutes but I've done harder things. I then went to put the new one in, guiding it into the socket along with the screw. The what I feared happened, the screw fell out...not into the abyss of the engine bay, that would have been great as it probably would have hit the floor. Rather, its lodged in between a small corner/orifice between the heat shield and engine. I can barely feel the tip of if with the tips of my fingers. I tried everything to get it out, magnets, different needle pliers, nothing helped, its really stuck deep in there.

My question now is, since the CPS sits really tight into its socket, would it be safe driving with it without the screw? Any other ideas for anchoring it in place? Or where I can get a replacement screw?

 

Once wasn't enough?

I wouldn't trust it just sitting there.. could you possible use a coat hanger to fish it out?

 

Once? This is my first time posting about losing a CPS screw

It's really wedged into a small crevice, I highly doubt its going anywhere. I don't think anything is getting it out at this point, I can barely feel it with my finger tips. If I can drive around with no screw that would be great, but I feel like eventually the engine vibrations are going to push out the sensor, albeit a few millimeters. And I'm going to sell the car soon, feel bad if I just left it like that.

 

I meant getting screwed.. as when you dropped it.. LOL. And yes I agree engine vibrations and heat expansion-contraction would most likely let it come up.

 

I think the magnet is your "go to" tool for this. But another thought is can you form a coat hanger type wire into a "hook" and get underneath it to pull it up where you can better grab it with something else?

Can you post of photo of where that screw is lodged?

 

06104076AA is the Chrysler part number, if that's any help.

 

Which is a M6X1.00X16.00 screw.
$0.65 at the Home Depot.

 

^^I scoured the internet and found two chrysler parts places that sell the screw for about a dollar, shipping and handling is about $15 lol. Are you sure its at HD? I checked their website and couldn't find it.

I'll try the coat hanger idea, don't think it will be of much help but who knows. Red, I don't have a pic but if you look at the thread by beasticles ("A Potential Nightmare Averted"), he has pics of when he took out the cps.

 

Try this .... if you can touch the screw with a finger, take a coat hanger and see if it moves a little and is not wedged in. If it moves slightly,thats good, put some clear silicone caulk on your "best finger" and touch the screw with it, and see if the screw lifts out, being "stuck" to your finger. If the space limits the use of your hand/finger, put some of the caulk on the end of a coat hanger and try to fish it out with that. Hopefully the screw will stick on the caulk when you withdraw. Just sayin...... The danger is, if with all your tries to get it out, you have wedged it in so tight, that this won't work..... good luck.

 

I tried the coat hanger this morning and I think that made it worse, its now completely wedged in and won't move I tried a few other screws I have lying around hoping that they would fit but they were all the wrong size. I'll try home depot for the screw, if all else fails I'll have to shell out $16 for a lousy screw from the parts website.

 

I lost a CPS bolt when changing one for a friend on his Stratus. The size that 180 is calling out is the same size bolt that I needed and I found it at Lowes (we don't have a Home Depot close). I'm sure HD has a large nut/bolt/screw/fastener area like Lowes does but they just don't list that area online (neither does Lowes).

 

I have a Lowe's close by, I'll check for sure!

 

vacuum cleaner maybe?

 

So Lowe's had the screw and my xfire is now back in action, thanks for the help fellas!!!

 

Glad to hear it! I could just picture the cps deciding now was the time to tweak out of position.. just as you made a jump to a left hand turn with oncoming traffic..