Mustang MachE GT - Rats ate my front wireing harness

[leeman]

Hi folks there's a number of areas were small rodents rats mice and other things can get up into the front bumper of MachE GT is is a public service announcement.

Washington Post Rat article .
https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/02/13/rats-will-devour-your-car/

We were on holiday for a week and came back to an error in the car when they went to look at it they found a small rodent most likely a rat through both headlights wiring the washer bottle the horns and the harness in the front that handles the park assist as well as headlamps etc. The basic parts list alone is about $5000 US plus another two grand at least in labor. I had no idea they could get into the car that easily and do that much damage but there must be some areas where he can get into the underside of the car be aware.

Want to give an update on the part situation. It looks like the parts to repair this particular front in damage is at least 30 days out . Was 2 to 3 days out and as of now today Ford doesn't have anything in their supply chain including headlights wiring harness is horns washer fluid containers.

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[mkhuffman]

I know someone who parked their Lexus SUV in a DC hotel parking garage, one that is along the Potomac River. They were visiting DC and the car sat there for 2-3 days.

When they were an hour outside of DC going home, the car started to shake and stall. They had it towed to the closest Lexus dealership. Apparently some rats had made a nest under the engine cover and actually there were dead rat babies in the nest. The damage was severe, similar to what happened to you.

Most cars are not sealed enough to prevent rodents from infesting. In fact, I bet no car is sealed enough to prevent that.

Absolutely horrible what happened to your car. Hopefully it won't be in the shop for six months while they try to get parts.

 

[Neil4Real]

This is almost every car. My friends Range Rover had the same happen to him here in California. He moved and then he got a nest in his Lamborghini Urus! Car wash guy even made it a point to spray the engine to try and deter. He's tried everything to keep them away, but they just love them cars. Almost $10k in repairs on the Lambo!

 

[dtbaker61]

Hi folks there's a number of areas were small rodents rats mice and other things can get up into the front bumper of MachE GT is is a public service announcement.

We were on holiday for a week and came back to an error in the car when they went to look at it they found a small rodent most likely a rat through both headlights wiring the washer bottle the horns and the harness in the front that handles the park assist as well as headlamps etc. The basic parts list alone is about $5000 US plus another two grand at least in labor. I had no idea they could get into the car that easily and do that much damage but there must be some areas where he can get into the underside of the car be aware.

bummer, but no surprise.

because we have really nice aero bellypans in front, and a diaper in the rear.... there are HUUUUUUGE cavities front and rear with easy access around the suspension for slush, mud, and rodents......

I've suggested 'skirting' for these gaps in wheelwells for future model years.... and will probably work on a DIY aftermarket mod for myself and anyone else interested since I happen to live in an area where all three of these are concerns if you leave a vehicle outside overnight or drive in any kind of weather or dirt roads.

 

[silverelan]

Rats are attracted to the wiring harnesses but your mechanic can wrap them with Honda's spicy wrap to deter chewing.

https://www.thedrive.com/tech/33236...ap-could-save-your-car-from-a-rodent-invasion

 

[skiingj]

Sorry to hear. ?

 

[jamelski]

Had a similar issue with my ford electric when I lived in shitgan. I mean Michigan auto correct .

Rat ate wires only 300 to fix but I was pissed bought this. It just taps into battery never hear it and never had an issue again with rats

Under Hood Rodent Repeller - Professional Mouse Repellent, Ultrasonic ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097T93QY6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_R9V7FS0C3R18D8SX2CMV

never had an issue again

did not get one from Mach e since no rats on the area I live in this time. But might have to just in case again.

 

[IMDIDOC]

This is also a problem for vehicles that are complete in manufacturer's lots awaiting the backordered chips.

 

[Peaceowl]

Ididoc, I totally worried about this during the time the cars were waiting for months in a weedy parking lot. Along with the battery problems over that long wait. This is ridiculous. My husband laughed at me, but the worries have come true.?yikes!

 

[ajmartineau]

I saw the signs of a nest 3 years ago in my MB250, now I refresh my repellant on all 3 EV's monthly. I see a footprint once in while but that's it.

See more discussion here.
https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/psa-watch-for-vermin-rats-mice-squirrels.3853/

 

[Socalsp3]

My wife is a rodent pest biologist. She said it's because the new wires are soy based to be biodegradable and rats love that.

 

[67 Stang Convertible]

Wow, that blows!!! How does the insurance handle this scenario? Is this a covered claim? Hoping to never find out personally.

 

[RickMachE]

It is covered under comprehensive.

We had it happen to a 1999 Grand Marquis. No soy there.

Chipmunks.

To my knowledge, no car made has a sealed engine compartment. Most have large openings. Is this OP's first vehicle?

 

[Jimrpa]

You know this never happens to Teslas because they have “Rodent Repellant Mode” ???

 

[dtbaker61]

Rats are attracted to the wiring harnesses but your mechanic can wrap them with Honda's spicy wrap to deter chewing.

https://www.thedrive.com/tech/33236...ap-could-save-your-car-from-a-rodent-invasion

some RV people say that putting bright lights in cavities deters the rats from invading and nesting.... I'm thinking a string of LED lighting on 'all the time' in front and rear bellypans might be a quick fix better than dumping a box of poisen in there.

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