Posted on 04/25/2024 6:44:06 AM PDT by Omnivore-Dan
I'm not sure if car and truck manufacturers are still using soybean based coating for the myriad of wires in vehicles with sensors all over them. A friend just spent over $3k on two vehicles because of squirrels eating the wires. Both vehicles required complete re-wiring, entire harnesses were chewed through. Their pickup truck is only a few years old, the suv a bit older about 4 years. The insurance would not cover the damage, and the manufacturer would not either. Trying to find out if our 2022 Buick Encore has soybean coatings, lots of squirrels, mice and other critters around here.
The squirrels are going to love that.
Same problem with a lot of the cable services. Squirrels chewing up the soy-based insulation.
I believe they’re probably all based on soy these days. Where I live, there is no covered parking, but there are lots of squirrels.
Both my next-door neighbor, and I have nests in our engines. The only thing that doesn’t work in my car is the windshield wiper fluid. So I have to carry window cleaner with me. I have been told that if you put peppermint pots which they sell at the auto parts store and mothballs in the engine compartment that it will keep them away. I have tried it and so did my neighbor but I’m not sure it works because she just spent a bunch of money getting her car rewired.
I don’t have the money to spend. The dealership wanted $180 just to look for why the windshield spray doesn’t work.
I have 2018 RAV4 with 23000 miles on it. My next-door neighbor has a Subaru SUV, I think 2015.
Wish I could have billed Toyota.
I’ve seen a lot of such reports. I believe Honda has been using such “natural” “eco-friendly” wire insulation for several years.
Oh - and it is not in any way covered by manufacturers warranty - even if you drive a brand new vehicle home and a squirrel or rat were to get in it on day #1 - you are out-of-luck. Even though manufacturers are absolutely aware of this problem.
It is just another example of why eco-fraud is really bad.
It is part of a long range plan.
First starve the humans.
Then they eat their car wiring.
Now they can’t drive, one of the goals.
Flowers and cheese.
Looks like a Trabant...............
My 2004 Chev Siverado wiring was eaten by some kind of critter. Cost me couple 1000 to fix and rewire.
Park inside if you can.
My cars aren’t on the list. Disaster averted but I still keep mouse traps locked and loaded in the garage
You are correct. Not covered by warranty and they turn a deaf ear when owners complain. Well, class action lawsuits are in the making and we’ll see what happens.
“Vandalism” I like that.
Chewing through insulation yes, been going on forever. But actually eating the stuff is a whole different story.
In year 2,000 they switched from petroleum based wire coating to soy based. Thereby creating a food source for mice etc.
After having the wiring eaten out of a vehicle twice i started using a small ozone machine under the hood. I have experience using ozone for smells and vermin control. So far so lucky.
I just put a small one under the hood and plug it in like you would an engine heater at night. Do the same with my PU out in the shed which sets for weeks or days between uses.
Can confirm that 2005 Honda Odyssey knock sensor wire harness was yummy for field rats. Pain in the ass to replace with the $6 part. Frigging idiots, making parts out of food!
I use Irish spring bath bars cut in chunks glove box trunk under seats under hood
I’ve had to fix a few cars at work and have seen many others. Honda sells tape that is supposed to stop them from chewing. I just looked and it contains capsaicin. A post I read somewhere else said wash your hands before taking a leak if you’ve handled this tape. Now I know why.
https://www.collegehillshonda.com/product/4019-2317.html
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