Does anyone know the function (if any) of this rather ugly rectangular feature on the front bumper of my new TCH? (Click the thumbnail for a larger image)


I asked the dealer but either he doesn't know or is not telling. He ventured that it might be for "towing"????

Thanks in advance,
Crudmudgeon

 

It's a decorative plug to cover a threaded bushing. Your car was manufactured in Japan. During the ride over on the boat a screw-eye was installed there to attach the front tied down during transit. There is an equivalent tie down point in the rear, diagonal from the front tie-down point under the bumper. The front screw-eye is now in the trunk and can be used to tow the car with a tow strap should the need arise.
There are a few paragraphs in the manual about how to use it for towing but I don't think it mentions the primary use as a shipping tie-down point.

 

Here is a pic of a Camry built in the US. Notice it is gone.

http://67.15.66.118/south_pics/4T1BE...4/DCP_9999.JPG

 

I noticed that cover too, as I usually do on other vehicles. While I understand why it's there and have no issue with it, I like symmetry, and kinda wish there was a matching one on the other side.

 

Odd but when I was at my Mother's house today, I noticed the back bumper of a Cadillac CTS parked at the neighbor's which had the familiar square plug in it..
I didn't get a good look at the front so I can't say if it was there or not.