Upper Engine Harness Replacement Due to Rodent Damage

[Pantone 294]

Sorry to hear about this. I’ve used Fresh Cab and have had good results. You cold easily zip-tie a couple packets out of sight around the engine compartment .
https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Cab-Rodent-Repellent-Pouches/dp/B07Y5M28M2

Thank you for the advice, this seems like an easy way, how often do you replace it? Do you carry it while driving too?

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[Pantone 294]

I had the same thing happen to me. The damaged occurred in an area that I able to splice in some wires to repair it. since then I used an old farm trick my dad used. I put a small amount of used cat litter around the area my car is parked. And since we have three cats I have no short supply of the stuff.

I am asking for some pictures from the dealership, wanted to know how bad it is. will update in post. Thanks for the infomation.

 

[Pantone 294]

$400 seems like a fair price for the harness itself. $6000 for labor seems pretty high though. Every job on a car has a "book time" that it should take. The shop then takes that time and multiplies it by their shop labor charge. I don't know your dealers labor rate but at $200/hr that's about 30 hours. Now changing an entire harness is difficult and labor intensive but my WAG for an experienced mechanic would be more like 16 hours.
But that's just speculation, I don't know what all has to be R&R to change the harness out.
Finding a good independent mechanic to get a second opinion is not a bad idea either.

Thank you. Yes, I checked online that the msrp for the part is about $340, but as for labor, it can be ranged from $200 to $280 per hour in Bay area. But I still think $6000 plus is more than needed. The reason might be it is a cost they want to show to the insurance company :/

 

[Pantone 294]

Considering most Dealers labor hours are now upwards of $100-$130 per hour, you need to find someone that can tell you the actual “book” hours to do such a R&R…. As well as knowing where and how that harness is all tied into other harnesses/modules/and intricate paths around the engine bay.

Replacing a main harness in a modern car today is more invasive and tedious than in past years models, let alone any necessary reprogramming needed (IF applicable).

Thanks for the info. I am from Bay area and everything I belive is more expensive.. I assume the labor can be anywhere from $200 to $280 and could be more if insurance company will pay for it.

 

[Pantone 294]

Supposedly this is a good trap and was recommended on several sites I’m on including here:
https://www.victorpest.com/victor-electronic-mouse-trap-cm250s

Thank you!

 

[Pantone 294]

When you remove the engine the harness come out with it and is connected with a couple of big plugs in the passenger side of the engine bay
Some of the harness retaining clips by the firewall are pretty tricky to remove with the engine in the car but $6k seems way to high to r&r the engine harness

Thanks for the info, I now understand it could be a huge work but agree that 6k plus labor is high.

 

[Pantone 294]

Spread mothballs around under the hood, or hang a few bags of them if you can find the space. Fresh Cab works, too. But, it's more expensive and both require frequent replacement.

You might try an electronic pest repellent, like Pest Defense. However, using one in an outdoor area may be a challenge (nearby outlet, range, annoyance to pets, etc.).

Thank you for the info, I would consider using the electronic repellent too.

 

[Pantone 294]

Coyote piss.

https://www.predatorpeestore.com/stop-fall-mice-invasion.html

Thanks, do you just put it aournd the parking spot?

 

[luc]

Thanks for the info, I now understand it could be a huge work but agree that 6k plus labor is high.

See the picture
4 hours should be plenty to r&r the harness

 

[Pantone 294]

See the picture
4 hours should be plenty to r&r the harness

hmm so you have to take the enine out and get that harness replaced? Wish there was a shop like this nearby.

 

[luc]

hmm so you have to take the enine out and get that harness replaced? Wish there was a shop like this nearby.

No, you don’t need to take the engine out. The picture was just to show you how the harness is routed on the engine

 

[SheepDog]

Thanks, do you just put it aournd the parking spot?

I would start with that, and spray it wherever you think they may be coming from. Is this happening in your garage or outside?

Looks like they actually recommend Bobcat piss for Mice.
https://www.predatorpeestore.com/mice-problems-bobcat-urine.html

 

[Pantone 294]

No, you don’t need to take the engine out. The picture was just to show you how the harness is routed on the engine

I see, haha thanks! If it's just the upper engine harness, 7k would be too much..

 

[Pantone 294]

I would start with that, and spray it wherever you think they may be coming from. Is this happening in your garage or outside?

Looks like they actually recommend Bobcat piss for Mice.
https://www.predatorpeestore.com/mice-problems-bobcat-urine.html

I park my car at assigned parking spot, it's outside parking. 5 yards away it is the fence and on the other side of the fence is a park.

 

[Torched10]

I park my car at assigned parking spot, it's outside parking. 5 yards away it is the fence and on the other side of the fence is a park.

Are there any nests on the engine .if so what are we they made of. Any acorns. If you have sqirelld therll be lots acorns shells

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