I have a 240 station wagon (1992) and some sort of a molded piece (approximately 2 1/2 ft by 1 1/2 ft with a slight upward curve..maybe hard rubber) came off from underneath, near the front. It screws in, maybe as a wind baffle, and was torn off at the screw holes when I possibly hit a snow bank. I don't know what it is call or what it's purpose is, or if I need to replace it. I would appreciate any help!

 

The plastic piece is there to keep water/dirt/junk out of the engine compartmant. Mine came off on my wagon 7-8 years ago - broke in the same way you described. The shop said you don't need it.

I kinda liked the fact that it keeps the engine comparment cleaner so I went ahead and repaired mine. I just used some galvanized steel and riveted it onto the corners, drilled new holes and re-attached it. Still working fine this way.

 

It's called a gravel shield, or splash pan, or skid plate. Enlarged mounting holes can be reinforced using fender washers. One of the primary purposes is to protect the oil sump from flying rocks.

I am on my second splash pan, a plastic Volvo one. When this one goes I'll install a metal pan.

 

IMHO replace the pan if you can as noted above or get another. In addition to the previously mentioned functions, it looks to me like it helps air flow under the car. With gas prices heading to $4 -any help is to be appreciated.