02, ext Cab. Rear air vents location?

Looking for where the rear air vents might be. What I mean is those hidden "pressure relief" flaps found on just about every vehicle since almost forever.

They serve to let the doors close easier with windows up and to let air out when the ac/heater fan is on and the fresh air vent is open.

Usually these are in the trunk on cars and cargo area on SUV's or wagons. Pretty sure the Taco must have them but did not find them in the service manual.

 

Did you try just going out and looking at your truck? They are externally visible between the cab and bed.

 

Found them, right where they've always been.

Question now, is that a favorite entry place for mice and such? Or are there other places too?

 

Yeah. See my reply to myself. Somehow I did not send it earlier. Brain fog today.

 

The most common entry point is through the HVAC vent in the cowl, but it's certainly not limited to that. Anything that's soft is fair game. There are some rubber gaskets that allow the wiring harnesses in and out of the cab (fuel pump, o2 sensors, etc). But to be honest, I haven't heard of mice getting through those vents in particular. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened.

 

Is there an effective way to vermin proof that entry point? I don't use the truck as much as I used to and don't always think to start it frequently.

 

Not easily but it can be done. If you want to see what that area looks like see my post (#9) on this thread, there are some pictures of the fresh air intake for the HVAC system. The second picture shows a person adding wire mesh to the intake to keep mice out, but they had to cut into the sheet metal to gain access to that spot.

[FOUND] WTB Cheap/Free HVAC Blower Motor Housing

 

Anything ever come of it? Such as adapters, etc?