Hey all.
I took my wife's 2002 Protege to the dealership this weekend for an oil change and belt replacement.
Before I left, the service advisor showed me that one of the clips on plastic housing for the air cleaner was broken. Problem is, neither my wife or I have touched the air filter in 9 or 10 months. Everytime we have taken the car to the dealership, they have checked the air filter to see how dirty it is.
Is it possible that this clip broke under normal usage of the car?
I kind of suspect that the clip may have been broken by the mechanic during one of his inspections of the air cleaner.

I am interested to see what other people have to say about this.
Thanks.
Dave

 

Just two things to say.
1) Never ever take your car back to the dealer for anything once you drive it off the lot. Unless you are trading it in or getting warranty work.
2) Get an aftermarket intake and throw the stock stuff in the garbage.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.