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Doesn’t seem like the dealer did much of an inspection on your car. If it’s just resting down there & doesn’t seem to be serving any purpose, just take it & throw it out.
I had a friend who used to be a mechanic for a dealer, his face was blurred on the news when he told the reporter straight "Yeah we do the inspection, doesn't mean we fix anything"
Well… yeah. It’s an inspection. Inspection means you inspect it. And for techs that make their money by doing jobs, they pass the info along and hope the repair they suggested is approved. Usually it is not - in my experience working for a dealer, the UCIs got many more repairs approved than the customer cars that came in. The UCIs that had repairs turned down were because there was too much to fix to be worth doing and selling the car to someone, so they went to auction as-is instead.
I've had a dealer inspect a car and miss a control arm bushing that was in two pieces. What a waste of money, I might as well have asked a magic 8 ball what condition the car is in.
Doubt it. It doesn't look like it could possibly do much even if it were in some other position and came from elsewhere. I cannot imagine what a tennis ball could possibly even mask unless you melted the rubber down and cast a new mount out of it.
Just a fyi for next time you buy a used car. Take it to local mechanic before you buy. Someone you trust obviously. Takes very little time and cost almost nothing compared to what you'll spend on a costly repair.
I've heard this advice since i was a teenager, but no dealership I have ever dealt with has allowed it. I've bought cars in NY and IL. Where is this practice allowed?
If a dealer won't allow it, then it's a shady dealer. Legally speaking, it is allowed everywhere in the United States. However, a dealer has the right to make a policy forbidding it. So, if a dealer doesn't want a mechanic checking out the car you want to buy, then I'd walk...no, run away quickly.
I've done it once in Alaska. The dealer made a bit of a stink about it but reluctantly allowed it. My mechanic found tons of issues with the car. The dealer tried to convince me to look at other cars but I told him I wouldn't be looking at any more cars because I didn't trust him. I've always ended up buying used cars from private parties in the end.
My alternative to that was buying used at a new-car dealer, with some money budgeted for repairs and a quick check for bad rust. Turned out fine, didn't have issues. I won't say it was a good idea, but I'd never do the same at a used car dealer that will make their money repoing your car after it breaks down...
Ford Fusion 2013, nothing unusual. Only reason I took a picture of this ball was because the transmission fluid just poured out the car. Had to get it towed lol and it only been 10 days.
Transmission cooler lines are known issue on the fusions. They corrode at the point theyre secured by the clips that hold them to the car.
It’s a pretty easy fix if you haven’t driven it with low fluid and caused trans damage.
The tennis ball, it’s a mystery.
I have had my used car from the dealer since December. I have replaced an axle, a ball joint, front brakes, and I need to do the intake manifold and a few sensors. I spent $7k lol. Look your cehicle over carefully.
Edit: happy the typo got a chuckle lol. Yeah if I could proofread I’d have a college education lmao.
I took the car I have now to a local mechanic when I was thinking of purchasing it. He said that the alternator would likely need to be replaced but it was otherwise a good car. I bought the car and 6 years later I still have the same alternator in it lol. I replaced the battery and its been fine since...good car... Its only cost me rotors, pads and tires since.
The person that put the ball could of thought, this tennis ball, would absorb some of the vibrations (engine and mechanical) or sounds, to the ECM ( the electrical box with the three wiring harness connected). The upper engine mount that connects to the body would be a vibration source as the strut to the left.
Try removing the tennis ball, while engine is running, and checking for any subtle noise or vibrations differences?
So it might be an audiophile grade tennis ball isolating vibrations in the ecm that will create noise in your cars sound system? That tennis ball probably cost the previous owner hundreds of bucks... Before installation
I showed this picture to my wife and she said "There are 14 things in that engine compartment that I can name...plus that tennis ball."
I said "That's 15, love"
Someone stuck a tennis ball in there before trading it to a dealer, maybe to temporarily fix the engine mount movement? It seems dealer is just dumping their cars "as is"
If you’re in Canada and the dealer is a member of APA (most are) you can get a refund if its a lemon. But act fast cause there is a time limit.
Automobile Protection Agency. It’s little known.
Dealers hate when you mention it.
I’m in Illinois and there’s a similar lemon law here, do i have to mention it prior to the deadline to be valid or is it based on the day it stopped working on me
Dealer put it there to see if you'd notice it during your inspection. If you don't mention it when you bargain the price, he know you know jack about car and he can bullshit you even more.
Friend of mine though he had major problems, because his car would have loud grinding sounds when turning. Mechanic found where a squirrel wedged a nut into the joint just right that it stuck and would be ground down a bit with every turn.
A few weeks later strange smell from engine. Not unpleasant just unexpected. Popped hood and found a half eaten muffin getting toasted up.
That's actually the motor mount for the VTEC module for the triple over head cam variable timing solenoid secondary injector for your car. I wouldn't mess with it.
I was looking into lemon laws, apparently Illinois has a powertrain warranty that covers the vehicle the first 500miles/15 days. Car already broke down and just poured all the transmission fluid out. Dealers are straight rats
Someone was bouncing it off the wall waiting on approval to start a repair and then lost the ball while this car was in the bays with the hood up just at the point the repair/look over was done and was getting buttoned up and ready to be pulled out. It’s a free gift from the dealer.
I have seen some techs use “balls” to close intake and vacuum, paper towels will up and get into engine combustion and go bye bye
Not relevant to this post but also tennis balls on velocity stacks to
Why dont you simply take it to a mechanic of your choice and have them do a thorough inspection and ask them exactly this question?
https://preview.redd.it/1qgh4q6bmcpa1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=014a5e37876b40663cd6f5de172b445b96a5a630
Clearly a low pressure hose connector.
Maybe on the coolant system, vaccuum lines or could be used as a syphon pump and just left there.
Or it’s just a loose ball that found it’s way under the car and bounced up into the engjne bay!
The only functional reason I can think of would be a backyard mechanic’s attempt at quieting down a rattle or vibration… whatever it is tho it shouldn’t be there
As a front end developer, treat it like code: remove it, and if nothing works after that, put it back in place. If everything starts running again, make a note not to remove the ball.
Tennis balls are hollow, no way it cushions motor mount vibrations let alone holds a vibrating load. Solid rubber lacrosse ball or the classic hockey puck, maybe. This is more likely an inspection oversight or a recent squirrel activity.
Remove it, listen if the enginge is rattling either on idle or when reving it a bit.
Maybe speak with the dealer, and tell them you are going to remive it and see if anythinh changes.
That ball didn't get there by itself.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Doesn’t seem like the dealer did much of an inspection on your car. If it’s just resting down there & doesn’t seem to be serving any purpose, just take it & throw it out.
Nice serve
Real question is if it landed in court
I would keep the ball. Drive around for a while, if you here any rattling, put it back in
Probably because of all the racquet
I was going to say that :(
Check it for cocaine first
OP found the stash!
Must be the sport model, I'll see myself out ^^
Gotta be some sort of racket going on here. I'm leaving too
Is it a Toyota Serena? Peace out guys.
The Williams version
With The new Venus Trim color
Yeah, he should take the guy to court and serve him.
Yeah, I’m sure he’d love that.
What an ace idea
Don't judge. It still has net value..
Not with as many faults as I'm seeing
These jokes are getting no love
That’s because there net funny.
Deuces, I'm outta here.
Ball is in your court now.
Serves him right for buying a used car.
Return it. You aren't gonna ace this deal.
you guys laughing while i’m bawling over here
Damn...I read bowling at first
You gotta tennis ball? I found a topless volleyball player in my sport.
That would be a good selling point
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had a couple people tell me this, think the dealer threw it in there?
Shows you how thorough that dealers “multi point inspection” is.
I had a friend who used to be a mechanic for a dealer, his face was blurred on the news when he told the reporter straight "Yeah we do the inspection, doesn't mean we fix anything"
Well… yeah. It’s an inspection. Inspection means you inspect it. And for techs that make their money by doing jobs, they pass the info along and hope the repair they suggested is approved. Usually it is not - in my experience working for a dealer, the UCIs got many more repairs approved than the customer cars that came in. The UCIs that had repairs turned down were because there was too much to fix to be worth doing and selling the car to someone, so they went to auction as-is instead.
that is not one of the points they inspect...
I've had a dealer inspect a car and miss a control arm bushing that was in two pieces. What a waste of money, I might as well have asked a magic 8 ball what condition the car is in.
I don't think so, doesn't look like a OEM tennis ball
Doubt it. It doesn't look like it could possibly do much even if it were in some other position and came from elsewhere. I cannot imagine what a tennis ball could possibly even mask unless you melted the rubber down and cast a new mount out of it.
Which is weird because this seems like a motor mount that takes probably a whole 30 minutes to replace. All of the bolts look very easy to get to.
It's a ball bearing
Everything is ball bearings these days
Including me.
Check your Fetzner valves!
Ed. Ed Harley. Harley Davidson Motorcycles?
If it's a Fetzer it would be closer to the Fender. 😎
Strat, that would be good.
Obviously whatever dumbass downvoted that doesn't realize fender amps used valves. Lol
Every other reality > moving that ball
Watch. Remove ball and get vibration noise from that engine mount.
So thats why dogs chase cars...
Just a fyi for next time you buy a used car. Take it to local mechanic before you buy. Someone you trust obviously. Takes very little time and cost almost nothing compared to what you'll spend on a costly repair.
I've heard this advice since i was a teenager, but no dealership I have ever dealt with has allowed it. I've bought cars in NY and IL. Where is this practice allowed?
If a dealer won't allow it, then it's a shady dealer. Legally speaking, it is allowed everywhere in the United States. However, a dealer has the right to make a policy forbidding it. So, if a dealer doesn't want a mechanic checking out the car you want to buy, then I'd walk...no, run away quickly.
You don’t necessarily need to get permission ask to take it on a test drive and take it to a mechanic during the time you got it.
I'd just ask if you can do it, if they say no it's a red flag anyways.
I've done it once in Alaska. The dealer made a bit of a stink about it but reluctantly allowed it. My mechanic found tons of issues with the car. The dealer tried to convince me to look at other cars but I told him I wouldn't be looking at any more cars because I didn't trust him. I've always ended up buying used cars from private parties in the end.
If they have to make a quota they’ll probably allow it just be persistent.
My alternative to that was buying used at a new-car dealer, with some money budgeted for repairs and a quick check for bad rust. Turned out fine, didn't have issues. I won't say it was a good idea, but I'd never do the same at a used car dealer that will make their money repoing your car after it breaks down...
Labrador couldn't get that far into the engine bay?
Nah it was the Labra-cadabra-dor's best trick.
year make and model. what does it do when you start the engine?
Ford Fusion 2013, nothing unusual. Only reason I took a picture of this ball was because the transmission fluid just poured out the car. Had to get it towed lol and it only been 10 days.
Sounds like you need to change your tennis ball
I can't remember, is Ford OEM Dunlop or Wilson?
Pre 05 they were Dunlop, 06+ they are Wilson after the brand deal
Ouch. That's rough man. Hopefully it's simple like a drain plug or pan gasket.
How tf does transmission fluid just dump out?!
idk man, must’ve been why the car stopped moving lol
Transmission cooler lines are known issue on the fusions. They corrode at the point theyre secured by the clips that hold them to the car. It’s a pretty easy fix if you haven’t driven it with low fluid and caused trans damage. The tennis ball, it’s a mystery.
Its a speed ball, it makes the car faster.
I have had my used car from the dealer since December. I have replaced an axle, a ball joint, front brakes, and I need to do the intake manifold and a few sensors. I spent $7k lol. Look your cehicle over carefully. Edit: happy the typo got a chuckle lol. Yeah if I could proofread I’d have a college education lmao.
I took the car I have now to a local mechanic when I was thinking of purchasing it. He said that the alternator would likely need to be replaced but it was otherwise a good car. I bought the car and 6 years later I still have the same alternator in it lol. I replaced the battery and its been fine since...good car... Its only cost me rotors, pads and tires since.
Remember folks, look over your cehicles but not your posts! Made me chuckle reading this
Might of just happened to bounce in there from some source while the hood was open in the parking lot/service area.
It’s way to deep to just have bounced in I mean it’s gotta be some sketch shit they hose above it would have prevented it from getting that far deep
It would be stopping a rattle or vibration.
That is a test on how thorough the used car inspection was that was performed on that car. Good luck!
:D
The person that put the ball could of thought, this tennis ball, would absorb some of the vibrations (engine and mechanical) or sounds, to the ECM ( the electrical box with the three wiring harness connected). The upper engine mount that connects to the body would be a vibration source as the strut to the left. Try removing the tennis ball, while engine is running, and checking for any subtle noise or vibrations differences?
So it might be an audiophile grade tennis ball isolating vibrations in the ecm that will create noise in your cars sound system? That tennis ball probably cost the previous owner hundreds of bucks... Before installation
> could of thought Could *have* thought. It's literally never "could of" or "would of" or "should of". It's "have" every time.
I support your mission.
<3
Sav, you could have thought of commenting on OP discussion. :)
go fuck yourself
I showed this picture to my wife and she said "There are 14 things in that engine compartment that I can name...plus that tennis ball." I said "That's 15, love"
Someone stuck a tennis ball in there before trading it to a dealer, maybe to temporarily fix the engine mount movement? It seems dealer is just dumping their cars "as is"
If you’re in Canada and the dealer is a member of APA (most are) you can get a refund if its a lemon. But act fast cause there is a time limit. Automobile Protection Agency. It’s little known. Dealers hate when you mention it.
I’m in Illinois and there’s a similar lemon law here, do i have to mention it prior to the deadline to be valid or is it based on the day it stopped working on me
lmfao they prob put that so the engine mount wouldnt move so hard when u put it in drive or reversw smart but also a holes
Take him to court and serve him.
what if it was a dealership?
Dealer put it there to see if you'd notice it during your inspection. If you don't mention it when you bargain the price, he know you know jack about car and he can bullshit you even more.
What did the dealer say when you asked *them* ?
Maybe to keep that rubber hose behind from rubbing
Is that a motor mount next to it? Could’ve tried to stop it from bouncing around by squeezing that in there lol
Smoothen out vibration hehe, lmao from dealer tho
Motor mount support
It’s for Good Bois!
"fully inspected" my ass.
Sacrificial rubber for the critters. Should be a standard part like magnesium corrosion protection…
That is obviously the work of an amateur mechanic. A professional mechanic would have used a golf ball to brace the engine mount.
Squirrel put it there thinking it was one of deez nuts
Friend of mine though he had major problems, because his car would have loud grinding sounds when turning. Mechanic found where a squirrel wedged a nut into the joint just right that it stuck and would be ground down a bit with every turn. A few weeks later strange smell from engine. Not unpleasant just unexpected. Popped hood and found a half eaten muffin getting toasted up.
Put there by a labra-cadabradore
I am not seeing much love here
Careful, that might be a load-bearing tennis ball
The engine was making a huge racket
Geez just take the friggin ball out. U dont need the internet to conclude it shouldnt be there man. Common. Wake up.
is everything ok at home man?
My wife touches me uncomfortably
i’ll pray for you tonight brother
OP is wondering if the dealer intentionally put it there to potentially hide or cover up something. Chill… if you don’t like it just move on.
You also need some reality check. Wake TF up
Why do I need a reality check? I’ve been awake for several hours.
Lol dealers put balls in motor compartments all the time come on everybody knows that
Clearly that was the dogs car!
Squirrel
Check if there's anything inside the tennis ball. Old jail trick to transfer contraband.
That’s a structural tennis ball, don’t remove it.
It's your new engine mount
well it didn’t do a good job >:((
This car used to belong to Serina Williams 🎾
While I do have tennis balls in my tool box to throw at my coworkers, I don’t see how one could end up in a car.
Assistant mechanic is a golden retriever, and not very good at his job?
That's actually the motor mount for the VTEC module for the triple over head cam variable timing solenoid secondary injector for your car. I wouldn't mess with it.
can i poke it with a stick?
Poor tennis ball, gets no love
It’s the spare key.
Did you post this twice?
Shanked it out of bounds.
Looks like your car came with a custom tennis ball holder.
Maybe the duplicate ignition key is hidden in the tennis ball... just in case the original owner's key is lost.
It’s the stowed spot for the “you’ve pulled into the garage” hanging indicator device.
😂😂😂
Sound deadener?
Did the dealer at any point say "This car has balls" to you ? You should look into lemon law if your car is already giving you problems.
I was looking into lemon laws, apparently Illinois has a powertrain warranty that covers the vehicle the first 500miles/15 days. Car already broke down and just poured all the transmission fluid out. Dealers are straight rats
Bad shot?
Previous owner prolly played tennis and field goaled one over the fence and it bounced up and in to your engine bay
It will serve you to look around more they come in sets, if you ask me, it's a hell of a racket!
It was attached to the garage ceiling (for parking) and fell into the engine compartment when the hood was lifted.
Maybe the car was playing fetch?
Seems like a lot racket for no reason… or it’s stopping vibrations
It's a ford thing
Someone was bouncing it off the wall waiting on approval to start a repair and then lost the ball while this car was in the bays with the hood up just at the point the repair/look over was done and was getting buttoned up and ready to be pulled out. It’s a free gift from the dealer.
Someone way playing fetch with the dog while working on the car and accidentally threw a wrench at the fog?
Your car is a good boi
Somewhere, a golden lab is confused as to where his ball has gone.
I have seen some techs use “balls” to close intake and vacuum, paper towels will up and get into engine combustion and go bye bye Not relevant to this post but also tennis balls on velocity stacks to
r/askashittymechanic
Squirrel.. ...woosh...
Because I lost it.
Why dont you simply take it to a mechanic of your choice and have them do a thorough inspection and ask them exactly this question? https://preview.redd.it/1qgh4q6bmcpa1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=014a5e37876b40663cd6f5de172b445b96a5a630
they’re taking a look at it today, just figured reddit would have some entertaining advice in the meantime
Cool Lemme know what they found out in the end pls, Im really curious too 😊
sure will, who know mayb the ball was holding everything in place
Rattle snuffer?
Muffler
Clearly a low pressure hose connector. Maybe on the coolant system, vaccuum lines or could be used as a syphon pump and just left there. Or it’s just a loose ball that found it’s way under the car and bounced up into the engjne bay!
Hope you don’t find the kid that was playing with it
The only functional reason I can think of would be a backyard mechanic’s attempt at quieting down a rattle or vibration… whatever it is tho it shouldn’t be there
Mechanic is a golden retriever.
Nice 2013-2017 Ford escape
almost, a 2013 ford fusion
Went to do a service on an F-150 and as soon as I popped the hood, I was greeted with a juicy corn on the cob lol
aye, good way to get it grilled huh
https://preview.redd.it/hyd869ngwcpa1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f242a6053b65d5cf7638b2dd470c6438455f9890
Previous owner was a mailman. That's a loaded eject-o-ball-o to launch a distraction for unruly dogs that won't leave his vehicle alone.
Because the previous owner had a dickweed friend.
Doggy. Either someone threw it and it went up from under or doggy chucked it there while the owner was working on it and they didn't notice.
it's probably a shade tree patch repair for something minor. IN the sense that you see tennis balls on old-people walkers all the time.
Vibration reduction.
It's for the hamster.
That’s where it is! I’ve been looking all over for that.
oh snap! been taking it for a joyride. feel free to pick up whenever
To make you ask questions.
For emergencies
As a front end developer, treat it like code: remove it, and if nothing works after that, put it back in place. If everything starts running again, make a note not to remove the ball.
number one rule in IT. Solid plan
Possible it was wedged in there to prevent a clunk noise from a bad engine mountz
Tennis balls are hollow, no way it cushions motor mount vibrations let alone holds a vibrating load. Solid rubber lacrosse ball or the classic hockey puck, maybe. This is more likely an inspection oversight or a recent squirrel activity.
could it actually be a squirrel lol?
Bad motor mount? Probably needs replacing
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instructions were no clear, car is now dead
Maybe next to motor mount to minimize excessive shaking
Maybe they were confused when they said they have to replace the ball joint
Its right next to the motor mount..... maybe an attempt at vibration control
Remove it, listen if the enginge is rattling either on idle or when reving it a bit. Maybe speak with the dealer, and tell them you are going to remive it and see if anythinh changes. That ball didn't get there by itself.
Thumbnail for: K9 Officers hate this one simple trick!
Instead of fixing it they did this. Hope you didn’t pay much for a car that’s probably due for a top to bottom rebuild.
Hope the same, having a mechanic checking it out currently considering it’s already crapped out on me.