I was inspecting the cabin air microfilter the other day under the hood, and as I was lifting the cover, I saw a loose part (see attached image). Can't tell where it belongs. Can anyone help?

 

Appears to be a butt splice connector (to join two wires together electrically without removing insulation from the wires). It may just be an extra part left over from a previous repair.

 

Should I be concern if not? Car drove fine...but my clutch just fried out recently lol

 

i think its a mount for a wire or hose. the open end of the piece slides over a metal edge of the body for example and grabs it. the other side would attach to a connector or hose or wire etc.
i think they are used in several places throughout the car.

 

+1 looks like one of the fasteners used to help route wire bundles or small hoses and hold them close to a body or accessory to make things neater and prevent them from dangling where they might get snagged.

 

Look on the side of your air filter box. There should be a total of 3 fasteners holding the air filter box cover. 3rd one (that is located behind the headlight) usually falls off.

 

that clip snaps on the edge (lip) of the micro filter cover and is used to then hold the washer hose that goes to the windshield washer nozzles (or a wire loom) I don't recall which.

 

+1

It should be the driver side filter.

 

Thanks guys! Unfortunately my car is in a shop...getting a new clutch. Will check back in if I need more help when I get it back.