I was installing the remote control auto up module today. I removed the connections to the battery and unforunately i stupidly removed the nut holding the positive connection. As i was putting it back on, it slipped and fell down and now I can't find it. I tried looking for about 30 min from the top and the bottom, but no luck.

At this point was is the best solution? I can easily get another nut, but I am worried about any possible damage the nut can do in there. Should I continue looking or should I just replace it and give the MINI a good go around hoping the nut will fall out?

any help is appreciated.

 

I will reserve comment on this subject until I can do so with a straight face.

 

You need a gadget like a long stick with a magnet on it, and another one with a mirror attached to it, to search and collect the nut. So frustrating when such things happen! Good luck and happy puberty! (Sorry...couldn't resist!)

 

Can you see where it landed?

There are other parts of the abyss I know things are ok, however around the intake is not one of them (Shift cables and other moving parts not friendly to nuts). Something many peple use is a magnet on an extention (loos like a slide show pointer). If that's not availible a long screw driver with a manetic tip.

Couldn't have had a better title I wouldn't settle for just any nut. If it started there then make it finish there.

 

Jinx, Drew! Same idea, same posting time!

 

i tried shifting cables and everything for a while, but I just can't seem to find the dang thing. I will try the magnet idea. What about getting a air hose in there and just trying to blow things around, would that work?

 

What if you blow it further in where you can't get to it? I like the magnet idea better, mataku! Good luck!

 

Darn, if the magnet idea doesn't work, which will be better, simply driving or using the hose. I need to know so I know if I should pick up the nozzle for the air hose.

O, the woes of losing a nut.

 

Air might work. Another thing that has been done succesfully (but be warn your neighbors may start asking questions) is driving inreverse quickly then slaming on the brakes and the same going forward. Several times yusually dislodges lost nuts. Have you treid jacking up just the front to see if you can get it to roll out (be sure to follow normal safety precautions)?

 

Telescopic magnetic grabber, sometimes sold with a mirror. Unless you are
speaking of the fleshy kind of nut.

 

You can find a full assortment of these tools to help you get your nut off... um, I mean out, at Sears in the tools department.

 

That thread's title sure got my attention, but I was a little scared to open it and read the whole story!! lol

Seriously, the magnetic stick is your best bet!

 

This gadget should be standard equipment!

 

I've had that problem with a small screw a year ago. I did try everything (magnet, air blower, etc...) but to no avail. I finally got it weeks later by going underneath the car and do a "hand search".
Good luck.

 

Yes everyone should have a magnetic nut grabber....

 

i recommend going under the car and searching where the front subframe
connects to the chassis. there's a black flat bar about 4-5inches in width. i bet
it landed on that. or remove the front air diverter just under the radiator...
or search where the front bumper wraps around the front end. could've bounced
towards the front.

 

Another nasty possibility is that the nut is aluminum. If that is the case, all the magnetic nut grabbers in the world won't help ya, but you MAY manage to grab it with one of those spring loaded devices, OR knock it into view with a thin screwdriver.

 

it definitely is grabable. or at least I think, since all the other nuts seem to be. I have already checked the front subframe area under the car, done a hand search, I saw a couple pieces of rocks, but no nut. I tried poking around for about 20 minutes, I guess now it's time to go from under the car.


I'm tempted to just whip the car around sheridan road and maybe it'll get thrown out. lol

thanks for all the help so far though guys.

 

I did that just last night.

 

okay, i give up. I took off the tires as well and I still couldn't find it. Crossing my fingers I started the car and it didn't blow up, so I would say that it's good so far. I guess it will be a lost nut, can I just get a new one at home depot? or autozone? or do I have to get it from the dealer. Since it seems to just hold the battery connector, doesn't seem like i need anything special.

on a better note, the Remote control auto up module works GREAT!!. I love this thing and to think I was almost willing to spend 300 for this option.

 

you don't need a special nut for it.

 

The depot should carry it, and I bet you'll find in your driveway or just down the street when the sun is up, a day after you replace the bolt, accordig to Mr. Murphy.

 

perhaps his girlfriend can assist; she can lay on the ground looking up and he can be on top looking down. Between the both of them, if can't find his nut, it's a lost cause.