Rodents Ate My AC Wiring (Twice)

[MakSav17]

I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has had this problem and any solutions. In April, my car started blowing hot air. Took it into the service center and was told the following: “We have diagnosed your a/c concern and found the a/c pressure switch wiring has been damaged/eaten by a rodent.”$900 later since warranty doesn’t cover this, I got my car fixed. However, as of yesterday, my car is blowing hot air again, and I’m 90% sure on Tuesday I will be told it was a rodent again and pay another $900 (I live in Arizona and have no choice but to pay it). Has this happened to anyone else? Is there any way I can protect this wiring? My apartment does not have a rodent problem and I have a private garage, but I typically park overnight at my parents house once a week in their driveway - the presumed scene of the crime.

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[DugthePug Dad]

I use Grandpa Guss mouse repellent packets that I throw in the Frunk.

I drop a new one in there every couple months.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

One of the long time forum members did a bit of wire armor for where they’re probably getting in(air intake). @markboris, @HuntingPudel do either of you know of a thread where the process was detailed? Beyond the brief mention in this one anyway: https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/rodent-proof-the-cabin-air-intake-port.22435/

Oh, and a second on GrandPa Gus. I’ve been using them since the car was new:
https://a.co/d/dTboEh3

 

[tbrumleve]

The insulation on some modern car wiring is soy based. The mice love it. Options are repellants and control in the garage or around the property. There is currently multiple lawsuits around soy based insulation.

 

[Buh-Bye Tesla]

Had this happen recently to two of our vehicles. First time we were told that wires were corroded. That trucks is gone now, but we suspect that it was chewed, not corroded.

Anyway,

Been using this spray:

Mighty Mint

I tie-wrapped a peppermint tin in the engine compartment of my wife’s truck. They fit nicely in the cup holders in the Mach E-Frunk as well.

On her car, I also put Honda Rodent Tape (check eBay) around any exposed wires I could see/reach. It’s treated with Capsaicin (from chili peppers) to deter when it’s chewed.

 

[Regularmache]

My Sister and Brother in Law have had this happen twice in Tucson to their Vehicles. All of the neighbors as well. They tried everything and ended up with a flashing strobe light under the hood that keeps them away. Not kidding, they've spent a few thousand dollars on repairs. They live in the foothills in Tucson. Here's what they look like under the hood.

https://a.co/d/hvA2Hv2

https://www.evictor.com/#:~:text=EVICTOR® strobe lights are,crawlspaces for over 30 years.

 

[Gratefulone420]

I just had to get mine fixed. I had a "pedestrian sounder fault" service now. The wires were chewed by rodents. $470 dollars later, it's fixed. Ford recommended Grandpa Gus packets. I put one in the frunk(lifted the cover by the battery and taped it). The other i placed under the cover in front of the rear tire

 

[markboris]

One of the long time forum members did a bit of wire armor for where they’re probably getting in(air intake). @markboris, @HuntingPudel do either of you know of a thread where the process was detailed? Beyond the brief mention in this one anyway: https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/rodent-proof-the-cabin-air-intake-port.22435/

Oh, and a second on GrandPa Gus. I’ve been using them since the car was new:
https://a.co/d/dTboEh3

Bill, were you refereeing to MikeG's post?
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...lve-my-mice-invasion.34124/page-2#post-800124

 

[fneild48]

I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has had this problem and any solutions. In April, my car started blowing hot air. Took it into the service center and was told the following: “We have diagnosed your a/c concern and found the a/c pressure switch wiring has been damaged/eaten by a rodent.”$900 later since warranty doesn’t cover this, I got my car fixed. However, as of yesterday, my car is blowing hot air again, and I’m 90% sure on Tuesday I will be told it was a rodent again and pay another $900 (I live in Arizona and have no choice but to pay it). Has this happened to anyone else? Is there any way I can protect this wiring? My apartment does not have a rodent problem and I have a private garage, but I typically park overnight at my parents house once a week in their driveway - the presumed scene of the crime.

Different point, but here in MA that damage is covered by comprehensive auto ins coverage subjective to your deductible, of course

 

[ChasingCoral]

“We have diagnosed your a/c concern and found the a/c pressure switch wiring has been damaged/eaten by a rodent.”$900 later since warranty doesn’t cover this, I got my car fixed. ... Has this happened to anyone else? Is there any way I can protect this wiring?

Searches forum for threads with rodent in title:

 

[Fremont Kid]

Searches forum for threads with rodent in title:

Yes, I posted the last thread. A dual problem exists in that either use a olfactory repellent but if it is strong enough you'll smell it inside the cabin. In my opinion placing a screen over the air intake port is a great solution to prevent mice from entering the cabin or nesting in the cabin air filter.

Now, to prevent eating wiring insulation I recommend using an olfactory repellent as others have mentioned. Dryer sheets also work if tucked in the right locations. I've not tried placing repellents under the plastic shields under the hood.

All the best.

 

[Willymy]

This happened to me years ago with a different vehicle. Insurance covered the repairs. BTW, I am in Scottsdale so rodents are always an issue

 

[MattG93]

Had this happen to one of my previous cars twice. I used some peppermint oil on the ground around where it was parked in the driveway each day as well as on the wires. But it was also not a cheap repair!

 

[ChehRob]

Back when I lived in the country, I wired blocks of rodenticide to my tractor and occasionally used pickup. There are environmental concerns on this, but it did fix the problem. The rodents loved those green blocks more than they loved the wiring.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Bill, were you refereeing to MikeG's post?
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...lve-my-mice-invasion.34124/page-2#post-800124

Yeah that’s the one. I thought I had it bookmarked but apparently not. Thanks, maybe it’ll help the op.

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