Sucker punched by a rodent

Edit 2025-03-19
Adding pictures showing how to block cabin access at post #13.


Last month during an ice storm w temps below freezing, the truck sat for maybe 12 hours. I went to run errands and started it while standing at the door. 5 minutes later I hop in to leave and right as I sat down see the oil pressure gauge drop to zero. Engine sounds the same but instantly my heart sank! Shut it off, look for leaks, check the level and all is well. Knowing the valve train should be unhappy and noisy if it really had no pressure, I start it rev it a bit. All sounds good.

Back under the hood for a better look and yep, rodent chewed off wires eating some 1" sections.



So ya, in that connector is a wire to the oil pressure sender. I swear it was a calculated attack.

It's always good to have crimp tools, bare crimps and shrink tubing. Sadly some ABS and brake fluid level wires were chewed too. F'g rodents!




I depinned the chewed wires, added short sections to each, most were 22 gauge prepped in the house then finished under hood repairs. Glad it wasn't any worse.

Final repairs.

 

Nice repair job. Did you add any rat poison or peppermint spray?

 

Definitely a nice looking repair. Glad it wasn't worse.

 

Little sonsabitches

 

Is your HVAC intake screened? Mice inside the truck is no bueno at all!

 

BTW, a few rags soaked with pine sol about every 10-15 days spread around the engine bay in conjunction with a few bars of pink Dove soap seems to work well for my truck.

 

Damn only 12 hours, that sucker works fast

 

Tree rats strike again.

 

I've been using dryer sheets, pine tree air fresheners, and snap traps. 3 down, more to go but ya, it needs to last longer so I might try this.

Thanks

 

To add insult to injury...

You know the foam strip between the core support and radiator? I noticed it disappeared and thought it odd I didn't find any of it anywhere.

Well, I found it. Right on top the cabin filter next to the pine tree car scent.

Upon this discovery I tried to remove wipers and do what you mentioned but found I need a puller I don't have. I tried rocking them but they held firm.

If you have something, feel free to describe its source. Thanks

Here are the basics needed for wire repair. These are not as good as strain releifed OEM crimps but each one got the yank test and held.


Edit - those yellow blue wire strippers are the best investment ever. You don't pull on the wire, you just need to reach it and squeeze.

Edit II - when you need to clean the blower cage, a foot long chunk of clear PVC tube into your vacuum cleaner reaches in there to grab the debris.

 

Beware another member here nearly died from a parasite infection/infestation inside him because of rodent droppings throughout the HVAC in his truck. Imagine that blowing right in your face, not good. Might want to file an insurance claim and have it all taken apart and sterilized thoroughly.

 

Honda makes a tape that is soaked in capsaicin (Genuine Honda Rodent Tape - 4019-2317). I've heard good things about it. Kinda pricey at nearly $50 a roll, but worth it if it keeps those suckers out of your engine bay

 

I never followed up with rodent proofing the cabin from engine bay cowling entrance. Suffice to say when you see what Toyota did you will be dumbfounded by access point.

First off, my wipers were fused to the shafts and I thought the puller would break before the bond broke, by this tool fits in there with a bit of force.




Once those are off, remove the two plastic rivets at each side and start lifting. I had to pry a little to get a few sections of the grill cover.








After seeing 4 access points I grabbed some galvanized screen I had laying around and starting cutting, went to the hardware store for some 1/2" barbed rivets.

Then I came up with these ideas....
No hole drilling needed.
Actually did each on my first attempt. For the large hole, I used a pick to pull the mesh back towards me and manipulate it. Overall I think it was a success.

 

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