jm98 Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 (edited) My MKZh been having random warning lights issues after I parked it for almost 3 weeks earlier this year. So I suspected 12v battery issue and as suggested by forum members. Noticed new warning lights this morning (traction control) and windshield wiper fluid system was not working. I decided to swap 12v w with new battery as an emergency and got lucky at AutoZone with their brand of battery with similar physical specs. Purchased new battery, went home and swapped it in 30 minutes. All done and went back to AutoZone to return old core. The manager was there and I asked if he can check old battery condition with battery load tool. The old battery was tagged 2/2016 and tested in good condition. Kind of bummber but that's how it goes sometimes. However a new warning lights remained as of this morning even with new battery installed. I figured after driving little bit it should reset. I also purchased a gallon of windshield wiper fluid as well. When I opened a front hood to add more fluid, noticed a electrical cables been chewed out by rats. Checked and noticed rats dropping near chewed cable. Luckily car was still derivable. Went back home checked garage location where car was parked sure enough a new rat dropping right underneath where car was parked. Not sure what's recourse now and big concern driving this car in this condition. Not sure how much damage done here.. I looked and not seeing other damage. Edited March 18, 2019 by jm98 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted March 17, 2019 Author Share Posted March 17, 2019 also noticed a big rat dropping stuck between two cables as an evidence . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted March 17, 2019 Author Share Posted March 17, 2019 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted March 17, 2019 Author Share Posted March 17, 2019 this one has better view... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris109 Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 Could be a fire hazard. I guess you really are lucky it wasn't a rabbit when you opened the hood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zalvern Posted March 18, 2019 Share Posted March 18, 2019 (edited) Dang, the tasty soy wiring strikes again! This is why there are various lawsuit attempts going on from those who suffer from vermin attacks on their vehicles. It makes me nervous to put a vehicle in storage, just to come back and find it all chewed up. I was surprised to learn that vermin actually will become adamant to eat and make residence within modern vehicles because of the soy-based wiring material. Sadly expect to turn towards insurance for help because its probably not going to be cheap (should go under comprehensive coverage which I always find worth getting the lowest deductible for). Entire harnesses will have to be replaced and rack up thousands of dollars for parts and labor. It is a fire hazard and thus unsafe to drive in this condition, do not risk it. Do investigate for a nest, it'll be a bunch of stuffing/leaves/etc. and what not stashed somewhere. You will want to maintain traps and repellent if ever putting your vehicle in storage again. Peanut butter and snap traps around the vehicle should help catch the pest(s). The problem is when these vermin (Rats, Mice, even Squirrels...) become smart and adamant to keep nesting and eating until killed. Edited March 18, 2019 by Zalvern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drolds1 Posted March 18, 2019 Share Posted March 18, 2019 Rodents seem to prefer Honda's wiring. So much so that Honda released an anti-rodent tape wrap for wiring: https://www.collegehillshonda.com/product/4019-2317.html It has mixed reviews on Amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted March 19, 2019 Author Share Posted March 19, 2019 On 3/17/2019 at 9:11 PM, Zalvern said: . You will want to maintain traps and repellent if ever putting your vehicle in storage again I had a home defender sprayed at garage doors and it seems to have worked for years. Looks like the last spray effect has worned away. Just sprayed more now and put couple traps. But trip to dealer will be fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimflutes Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 I have this in my carport for a year now and no sign of mice . Battery Operated Sonic Rat and Mouse Repeller By PestBye® £9.99.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAPofMD Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 (edited) I had this happen a number of years ago in my F250. Took it to the Ford dealer and they had to replace complete engine wiring harness. Covered by comp insurance. My problem was squirrels... tried lots of things before I ended up buying a pellet rifle..... Edited March 26, 2019 by CAPofMD R2D2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted April 9, 2019 Author Share Posted April 9, 2019 (edited) that mouse did revisit the same wiring harness area and chewed on bit more. After that on it's next visit it bit on poison bar and that was it for that sucker. The wiring fixed at dealer. Edited April 9, 2019 by jm98 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automate Posted April 9, 2019 Share Posted April 9, 2019 14 hours ago, jm98 said: The wiring fixed at dealer. What did that cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 around $400 with 12 months warranty on work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zalvern Posted April 12, 2019 Share Posted April 12, 2019 That is not too bad on price to fix. Heard of horror stories of damage being in the thousands. Glad you got that sucker. Once these critters become pests, I have no mercy on eliminating them (I have dealt with squirrel in the attic before). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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