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2019 HVAC - dead mouse smell

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by floydski01, Jul 16, 2025.

  1. Jul 16, 2025 at 7:46 PM
    #1
    floydski01

    floydski01 [OP] Member

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    2019 Tacoma DoubleCab Limited 4x4 V6 3.5 Black
    Bed cover, running boards.
    Can anyone help me? I found a dead mouse and nest on my HVAC filter as well as a mouse stuck halfway into an overlap in the wall on the RH side of the blower area - he must have got stuck and died? I was able to remove both mice, but I suspect there is more since the horrible smell is really not going away.
    Has anyone else dealt with this? Where else should I look? I assume if anything there's a 3rd mouse in the ducting somewhere, but I don't know where to look and how to access?
    Thanks for anything y'all can help me with.
    ... I'm not taking passengers till I get this figured out. :rolleyes:
    IMG_8279.jpg IMG_8277.jpg
     
  2. Jul 16, 2025 at 7:54 PM
    #2
    t0p_d0g

    t0p_d0g 私はタコマが大好きです

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    Damn, you may have to pull the dash out to find additional mice. Maybe someone else will chime in with a better idea. Good luck!

    You might want to take a look at your engine wiring harness they are known for rodent damage.
     
    floydski01[OP] likes this.
  3. Jul 16, 2025 at 8:09 PM
    #3
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    They likely came in through the fresh air intake for the HVAC.
    I'd at least drop the blower motor and take a look inside the motor and then up into the HVAC box.

    Next, I'd pull the cowl under the windshield/hood and see is any got trapped in there.
    The link below is of a 2nd Gen truck. But they work the same.
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cowl-seal.765176/#post-27301054
     
  4. Jul 16, 2025 at 8:36 PM
    #4
    TA2016

    TA2016 Well-Known Member

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  5. Jul 16, 2025 at 9:10 PM
    #5
    Kolter45

    Kolter45 Well-Known Member

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    I’m out of state atm but there’s a Toyota foam cleaner that will get the system smelling better. I’ll post it when back
     
    floydski01[OP] and xBloodxLinex like this.
  6. Jul 16, 2025 at 9:21 PM
    #6
    rtzx9r

    rtzx9r Well-Known Member

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    You need a truck snake… one that climbs into the dash and intake vents. Will lean up the smell quickly. I may know a guy…
     
    p_sando, t0p_d0g and shakerhood like this.
  7. Jul 17, 2025 at 7:27 AM
    #7
    floydski01

    floydski01 [OP] Member

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    2019 Tacoma DoubleCab Limited 4x4 V6 3.5 Black
    Bed cover, running boards.
     
  8. Jul 17, 2025 at 7:28 AM
    #8
    floydski01

    floydski01 [OP] Member

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    Portland, OR
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    2019 Tacoma DoubleCab Limited 4x4 V6 3.5 Black
    Bed cover, running boards.
    Hmmm. How does this snake work? Thanks.
     
  9. Jul 17, 2025 at 7:30 AM
    #9
    BabyBilly

    BabyBilly Well-Known Member

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