Need some advice - rodent damage

On Sunday, the truck threw a code for 2wd-4wd change malfunction, said visit your dealer. Searched a little in here and saw that it was maybe the actuator and figured it would be covered under the drivetrain warranty. Left it at the dealer last night. On the way over the ECM malfunction light came on. They called today and said it was extensive rodent damage.

Here is their diagnosis: Rodent damage to the engine harness causing open in front differential actuator limit switch circuit. wiring for camshaft sensor bank 1 intake cam is chewed completely off at the base of the harness trunk, where it enters a plastic mounting enclosure. Repair would be extremely difficult. Replacement of harness may be the better option. Also found a fuel line that is partially chewed through. Labor attached to job 01.

Total estimate right at $7,000.00

I have calledy insurance agent and believe it will covered. If for some reason it isn't, should I try somewhere other than the dealer?

 

Oh man, I’m sorry OP . Other opinions and estimates are always good to get, especially for that amount of damage. You’re gonna have to call an exterminator or a carpenter to fix your rodent issues, the little guys that did that are still around and are continuously giving birth to the next generation of wire chewers.

 

this really sucks for you....sorry
squirrels chewed one of my sensors wires in two, wouldn't run, and started chewing on another, made an ins claim but took 3 weeks at the dealer had to wait for the backordered harness
i keep it in the garage now
wintertime is worse

 

Here is another thread with more discussion on rodent damage.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/effing-mice.461226/

 

Don't worry about a contingency plan. It's covered by your insurance as long as you've paid your premiums and carry comprehensive coverage. You'll just have to pay a deductible.

 

A harness in my truck was chewed up as well.
BS that they can't come up with a better solution. I've never had this happen to any other vehicle.
Def. evidence of mice presence, but never any damage to harnesses or anything major.

 

Thank you Toyota for extensive use of soy based plastics.............

 

Haa, I was fixing my "knock-sensor" (what a PIA btw) and the damn mouse came out and watched me. I'm sure he was the lookout of many more.

Tried peppermint oil, traps, beeper/lights, antifreeze margarita, etc... and they laugh at it. Although I did get 2 so far in the snap traps.

Do the AC intake screen mod too as they will get into your cabin airfilter and inside truck.

 

All of the manufacturers have gone that direction. I'd guess it is the pressure from our stupid government agencies.

 

@Omegastu make yourself one of these. Put either water or if you can't check it every couple of days (and no pets or kids around) green antifreeze in it. Works like a charm and keeps on working and no having a dead mouse in your wall stinking up the place.

https://youtu.be/cbSDy4Ttv98?si=QWE3mfhN0BzetTK4

 

They could have easily added a bitter taste or even more extreme straight up rodenticide to the works. They coat watch batteries so apparently kids don’t eat them, and there is an expanding foam that contains a bitter agent to prevent rodents from chewing through it. So yeah. Toyota could have done something.

 

Most indie shops can do wiring repairs. If a wire is broken at the connector, replacement pigtail or connector can be purchased. Dealers quote complete harness replacement because they can make $3k from the job.

Soy based wiring is an often perpetuated myth. Mice like to nest in warm sheltered areas like under the intake manifold. They'll chew on any plastic to grind down their continuously growing teeth. You can delete the plastic cosmetic engine cover and spray the area under the intake manifold with rodent repellent spray (sold at Home Depot) every month or so. Just be sure to spray when the engine is cold.

 

I live out in the country. I have a dog and lots of neighbor dogs wandering around so I don't want to poison them. I think we are going to get some cats to help but will need to do something else. We don't currently have a garage so all vehicles are outside. We have three Toyotas sitting out there so I gotta go to war!

 

If you can check it regularly then water will suffice. The one we use at my cousin's camp has antifreeze but we keep it where our dogs can't get to it but the mice still do.

 

I am not winning the war.

Hope you have better luck. I tried many methods and haven't hit one yet. Maybe cat(s)?

 

This is the first time I have owned a house where we didn't have a garage and parked our vehicles inside. I like to keep our vehicles nice and work on them in the shade. But I have one kid in college and another about to go so a garage is down the list at the moment.

 

I've used a bar of Irish Spring soap in my motorhome in the past. Seemed to work. Might work in the Taco too.

 

alot if not all makers use them

 

is probably because its cheaper

 

A million times, this....^^^

Rodents were chewing on your great grandpappy's tractor wires, just the same as your Tacoma...