Mitch, This is what you're missing. The tube connects to something behind the hole it came out of. It didn't take much pulling to get out and I'm guessing yours just fell off. Of all my cars, only two still had one. I'm guessing it's a drain tube for water that might collect in the battery area. The rubber grommet slid up when I took it out. It should be about where my thumb is and only about an inch of the tube sticks out. I just mailed one to you along with the screw that goes behind the inside door handle.