What does this connector connect to?

It's located very deep in the engine valley, down past the No. 3 intake tube. As you can see from the pic's, it has been chewed up by a rodent. I've pulled the nest out that was built by the mouse which was using the firewall insulation material. You can still see remnants of the nest down past the connector. This is a V6.

My truck is not in limp mode nor throwing CEL's, though I imagine it's going to be just a matter of time when that occurs. The whole intake is going to have to come off to access the connector.

These are the best pictures I can manage from my remote camera. The connector is not even viewable from above, it is that deep down there...

 

Looks like a knock sensor, in which case the pigtail is under $10: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7988068&cc=3354143&pt=13326&jsn=476 A couple of connectors and you're golden.



For amusement, go to the dealer. They'll probably give you a $6k estimate to replace the whole harness.

Spray rodent repellent in the area monthly. Be sure to spray on a cold engine: https://www.homedepot.com/p/TOMCAT-...evention-Continuous-Spray-036830605/302683092

 

Been there, done that!! Dealer just under $1K, no warranty.

 

Thanks.

While I’m mechanically inclined and repair multitudes of man made creations, I may slide this one to the dealer eventually. Not sure I want to mess with high pressure fuel rails and such removing the intake. Maybe I can get insurance to cover, less the detectable when the circuit fails.

The circuit to the sensor is still intact. It just bothers me to no end that those wires have been gnawed on and stripped. And I’m still driving around with those wires in their degraded state.

 

^Consider going to an indie shop instead, because many dealers don't do wiring repairs and instead replace the whole harness. Even through insurance you'll pay your deductible. Pretty much every mfr has had direct injection for well over a decade, so most techs are experienced with high-pressure fuel lines (really not much different from brake lines).

 

Pretty amazing that you caught that in such a hard to see area.

 

By the looks of it - Not Much!
UGH! Fuggin Hate Rodents.

We had some cute cotton tail desert bunnies move into our front yard. I wanted to persuade them to move on so coyotes and bobcats wouldn't follow, but the wife wanted to keep them.
They ate the up-stream and down-stream O2 Sensor Wires off my Ford Fusion.

By the By... For $60 each and a $20 ratchet socket for O2 Sensors, I was able to DIY the issue. Treated them with some bitterant to keep them unappealing for next time.

 

Yes. I have had past issues with mice in my vehicles before. I use a remote camera extensively and often; looking for new damage.

The connector itself would be such a simple fix. Except you have to remove the plenum, and then the intake. Which makes it more complex and time consuming.

I really do not like the way wires are wrapped within conduit; but leaving the very ends of the wires exposed at the connectors. I wish Toyota completely sealed every wire with more conduit or tape. It was explained to me that they leave the ends of the wires for the connectors exposed, so moisture can evaporate.

 

Good video on what's involved to replace this connector:

https://youtu.be/SVtMoHSo_cQ?feature=shared

 

OP, As much as I really don’t care for cats, it’s not a bad idea to have them around for this reason. Good luck to you…

 

Maybe and then again maybe not. Given the difficulty in repairing the damage, I personally wouldn't do jack shit to this until actual problems start to occur. But then again, what the hell do I know!

Best of luck and carry on!

 

That’s crazy. I only made it through the first 5 minutes and my head was spinning. That repair would be WAY out of my league.

 

Given the complexity of it, too many things could be done improperly by a tech at a dealer if they were having a bad day. Conversely, if it was your truck and you were most interested in a careful, analytical and proper sequence during the repair, you would be self-assured that it was done properly.

The only question I have is how to depressurize the high pressure fuel rails. I didn't see that covered.

 

^Thanks for the video. Looks like the harness has a disconnect fairly close by, so the OEM part won't be too expensive. Dealer tech likely has done a few of these already.