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Thread: Damn Rodents!

  1. #1
    FEP Power Member Mustang Marty's Avatar
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    Angry Damn Rodents!

    We got into our Fusion Energi last night and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Warnings for ABS, Traction Control, Air Bags, and the Backup Camera all jump up on the cluster. Since we were only heading out the grocery store a less than a mile away, we took the car anyway. While driving, I notice I have no power assisted steering (it is electric on this car). When I get home, I search online about these issue appearing all at once and the consensus is a bad 12v battery. With all the lights on all of a sudden (it was fine Sunday night), I had no question that it was a battery.

    I pull codes just in case and the all the ABS sensors are listed as disconnected an that the battery is @ 17% capacity. I think the battery makes sense since that car is 7 years old and I haven't changed it in the 4 years that I've owned it. I run out and find a replacement for this oddball battery.

    When I get home, I figured that I would charge the old battery for the hell of it. I pop the hood to locate the jump points to hook up the charger. Thats when I noticed twigs with green leaves still on them in the back corner of the engine bay.... Right behind the ABS module and block. Well, I now know what is causing the problem now.

    My son and I spent two hours evicting the mouse family and cleaning out as much of the nest that we could. I can see some chewed firewall foam insulation and some pieces of plastic wire wrap back there. I can't see the ABS harness that plugs in back there. The nest was also on top of one of the screens for the HVAC air vent and the main wire harness for the engine bay.

    Its going into the dealer on Monday. So much has to come out to get behind the ABS, I won't be doing it. Hopefully the little bastards didn't get into the high voltage system (plug-in hybrid). Not a good time for this.
    79 Mustang Coupe - Jade Green Metallic - 5.0 5Sp - Purchased 2006
    17 Mustang Convertible - Triple Yellow Tri-Coat - 3.7l Auto - Purchased 2020
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    01 Mustang - 3.8 Auto True Blue - Oct 2001- Apr 2022 RIP
    85 ASC - McLaren 5.0 SC - ASC White - 5.0 CFI Auto - Owned 2004 - 2016
    98 Mustang - White - 3.8 5pd - Owned 1998 - 2001
    84 Mustang SSP - White - 5.0 5sp - Owned 1993 - 1998
    84 SVO - Charcoal - 2.3t 5Sp - Owned 1989 -1992
    79 Mustang Ghia - 5.0 Auto - Owned 1981 - 1986
    68 Mustang Coupe - 302 Auto, Yellow - Owned 1980 - 1981

  2. #2
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    Hope you defeat the little monsters.

    Been fighting a battle with rodents here myself.

    My mother lives near me. She has a large aviary in her backyard with cockatiels. Back in late April she noticed rats were getting into it and going after the birdseed. So around the beginning of May I started setting traps in her yard. Since then I've caught 46 rats. It's been about a week since catching anything, but I went by late one night last week and saw rats circling the cage. So I know they're there, just ignoring the traps for now.

  3. #3
    FEP Power Member mcb82gt's Avatar
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    How long was that car sitting? I hate rodents!!!
    Mike

    Now stang-less.

    88 Cougar 5.0

  4. #4
    FEP Super Member Bryan Knebworth's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mcb82gt View Post
    How long was that car sitting? I hate rodents!!!
    Bounce sheets work wonders. Any air freshner really. Anything 'soapy.'

  5. #5

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    They sell these little bags that smell like mint
    i put them in my s197 every winter when I put the car away
    might be me by d con
    79 Zephyr, 4.6L 4v/4r70w swap, with team z front and rear suspension, 8.8 and upgraded brakes and coil overs. Running Holley Terminator X Max.

  6. #6
    FEP Super Member Bryan Knebworth's Avatar
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    Problem is; besides the mouse, its poisonous to you and the missus. Bar of soap, airfresher, np
    Last edited by Bryan Knebworth; 07-21-2020 at 06:34 PM. Reason: text added

  7. #7

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    Sorry, they are made by Victor

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    79 Zephyr, 4.6L 4v/4r70w swap, with team z front and rear suspension, 8.8 and upgraded brakes and coil overs. Running Holley Terminator X Max.

  8. #8
    FEP Super Member NAVYCAT's Avatar
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    and the mice love the scratch and sniff feature too
    2017 Ford Explorer Sport (DD) 1986 Capri 5.0 Silver/Red
    1969 Falcon XW GTHO coupe (SOLD) went to Australia
    Past 4 eyes-
    4th. 1981 Capri "White" Black Magic I6
    3rd. 1984 Capri RS V8 Black/grey
    2nd. 1984 Capri RS V8 White/red
    1st. 1984 SVO Grey/grey (traded it for a worn out 1970 BOSS 302)
    Both '84 Capri's vin# were 10 away from each other
    U.S. NAVY 1980-2009

  9. #9
    FEP Power Member Mustang Marty's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mcb82gt View Post
    How long was that car sitting? I hate rodents!!!
    I last drove it 2 days prior and maybe a 2-3 days before that. It was the car we drove most often. My truck that sits next to it wasn't moved for three weeks and our Mini at least a week.


    Just heard back from the dealer a few mins ago. They found a spot that was chewed through in the main harness. The good part is the harness is only $650. The bad news is the engine cradle needs to come out to fix it. To try and fix and splice the bad wires, part of the EV system has to be removed and is at least 10 hours to R&R to get to the area where the cable was chewed.

    So far, the estimate is $3500 to $4500 to repair. Next stop, my insurance company.
    Last edited by Mustang Marty; 07-24-2020 at 05:42 PM.
    79 Mustang Coupe - Jade Green Metallic - 5.0 5Sp - Purchased 2006
    17 Mustang Convertible - Triple Yellow Tri-Coat - 3.7l Auto - Purchased 2020
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    01 Mustang - 3.8 Auto True Blue - Oct 2001- Apr 2022 RIP
    85 ASC - McLaren 5.0 SC - ASC White - 5.0 CFI Auto - Owned 2004 - 2016
    98 Mustang - White - 3.8 5pd - Owned 1998 - 2001
    84 Mustang SSP - White - 5.0 5sp - Owned 1993 - 1998
    84 SVO - Charcoal - 2.3t 5Sp - Owned 1989 -1992
    79 Mustang Ghia - 5.0 Auto - Owned 1981 - 1986
    68 Mustang Coupe - 302 Auto, Yellow - Owned 1980 - 1981

  10. #10

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    I really hope insurance pays for that but I don't see how they would. I'm not even sure that Rip-OFF Car-Shield insurance Mike Ditka promotes would cover it. Outdoor cats are the easy and cheap answer to that problem.
    Liberty once lost is lost forever.

    John Adams
    July 7, 1775

  11. #11
    FEP Power Member Mustang Marty's Avatar
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    I filed the claim on Friday and they are sending out an adjuster to the dealership this week. So far it sounds like it will be covered, but we will see how that goes once they get a look at it. Either way, unless the harness is replaced, I'm not keeping it much longer. The other cars will be getting dryer sheets installed.

    Unfortunately, outdoor cats get eaten by coyotes in my neighborhood otherwise I would let mine out.
    79 Mustang Coupe - Jade Green Metallic - 5.0 5Sp - Purchased 2006
    17 Mustang Convertible - Triple Yellow Tri-Coat - 3.7l Auto - Purchased 2020
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    01 Mustang - 3.8 Auto True Blue - Oct 2001- Apr 2022 RIP
    85 ASC - McLaren 5.0 SC - ASC White - 5.0 CFI Auto - Owned 2004 - 2016
    98 Mustang - White - 3.8 5pd - Owned 1998 - 2001
    84 Mustang SSP - White - 5.0 5sp - Owned 1993 - 1998
    84 SVO - Charcoal - 2.3t 5Sp - Owned 1989 -1992
    79 Mustang Ghia - 5.0 Auto - Owned 1981 - 1986
    68 Mustang Coupe - 302 Auto, Yellow - Owned 1980 - 1981

  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mustang Marty View Post
    I filed the claim on Friday and they are sending out an adjuster to the dealership this week. So far it sounds like it will be covered, but we will see how that goes once they get a look at it. Either way, unless the harness is replaced, I'm not keeping it much longer. The other cars will be getting dryer sheets installed.

    Unfortunately, outdoor cats get eaten by coyotes in my neighborhood otherwise I would let mine out.
    Woohoo! Fingers crossed for you.
    Liberty once lost is lost forever.

    John Adams
    July 7, 1775

  13. #13
    FEP Power Member Mustang Marty's Avatar
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    Well, they came back with a payout of $2700. Looks like they are only authorizing a repair of the harness, rather than the replacement. Next up is the dealer and what they are going to actually charge.
    79 Mustang Coupe - Jade Green Metallic - 5.0 5Sp - Purchased 2006
    17 Mustang Convertible - Triple Yellow Tri-Coat - 3.7l Auto - Purchased 2020
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    01 Mustang - 3.8 Auto True Blue - Oct 2001- Apr 2022 RIP
    85 ASC - McLaren 5.0 SC - ASC White - 5.0 CFI Auto - Owned 2004 - 2016
    98 Mustang - White - 3.8 5pd - Owned 1998 - 2001
    84 Mustang SSP - White - 5.0 5sp - Owned 1993 - 1998
    84 SVO - Charcoal - 2.3t 5Sp - Owned 1989 -1992
    79 Mustang Ghia - 5.0 Auto - Owned 1981 - 1986
    68 Mustang Coupe - 302 Auto, Yellow - Owned 1980 - 1981

  14. #14
    FEP Super Member NAVYCAT's Avatar
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    so marty cant you take the car and fine a auto electrical shop to do the wire repair?
    2017 Ford Explorer Sport (DD) 1986 Capri 5.0 Silver/Red
    1969 Falcon XW GTHO coupe (SOLD) went to Australia
    Past 4 eyes-
    4th. 1981 Capri "White" Black Magic I6
    3rd. 1984 Capri RS V8 Black/grey
    2nd. 1984 Capri RS V8 White/red
    1st. 1984 SVO Grey/grey (traded it for a worn out 1970 BOSS 302)
    Both '84 Capri's vin# were 10 away from each other
    U.S. NAVY 1980-2009

  15. #15
    FEP Power Member Mustang Marty's Avatar
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    Engine & transmission need to be dropped with the cradle to gain access to the chewed through wires. The ones the I saw were not the only place they were at. I may see what shops they recommend to do the repair over the Ford dealer the car is sitting at.
    79 Mustang Coupe - Jade Green Metallic - 5.0 5Sp - Purchased 2006
    17 Mustang Convertible - Triple Yellow Tri-Coat - 3.7l Auto - Purchased 2020
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    01 Mustang - 3.8 Auto True Blue - Oct 2001- Apr 2022 RIP
    85 ASC - McLaren 5.0 SC - ASC White - 5.0 CFI Auto - Owned 2004 - 2016
    98 Mustang - White - 3.8 5pd - Owned 1998 - 2001
    84 Mustang SSP - White - 5.0 5sp - Owned 1993 - 1998
    84 SVO - Charcoal - 2.3t 5Sp - Owned 1989 -1992
    79 Mustang Ghia - 5.0 Auto - Owned 1981 - 1986
    68 Mustang Coupe - 302 Auto, Yellow - Owned 1980 - 1981

  16. #16

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    The harness should be replaced, not repaired imho
    79 Zephyr, 4.6L 4v/4r70w swap, with team z front and rear suspension, 8.8 and upgraded brakes and coil overs. Running Holley Terminator X Max.

  17. #17
    FEP Power Member Mustang Marty's Avatar
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    I finally pickup the car tomorrow. Total damage: $2717. My share: $100. While I agree that the harness should have been replaced, it was the connector at the firewall that was chewed up. They replaced and re-pinned the connector and the broken wires. No splices, or so they say. Not perfect, but it should be better than a spliced up harness. Still, it won't be with us much longer.

    Overall, the experience with both the dealer and the insurance company have been great. Both have been extremely helpful and kept me up to date during this month long ordeal.

    With our Mini having more cargo capacity than the Fusion, we don't need a sedan anymore. I am now in the market for a low mile '13-'17 Mustang
    79 Mustang Coupe - Jade Green Metallic - 5.0 5Sp - Purchased 2006
    17 Mustang Convertible - Triple Yellow Tri-Coat - 3.7l Auto - Purchased 2020
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    01 Mustang - 3.8 Auto True Blue - Oct 2001- Apr 2022 RIP
    85 ASC - McLaren 5.0 SC - ASC White - 5.0 CFI Auto - Owned 2004 - 2016
    98 Mustang - White - 3.8 5pd - Owned 1998 - 2001
    84 Mustang SSP - White - 5.0 5sp - Owned 1993 - 1998
    84 SVO - Charcoal - 2.3t 5Sp - Owned 1989 -1992
    79 Mustang Ghia - 5.0 Auto - Owned 1981 - 1986
    68 Mustang Coupe - 302 Auto, Yellow - Owned 1980 - 1981

  18. #18
    FEP Power Member Mustang Marty's Avatar
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    Well, the Fusion left the stable this past weekend. Here is what replaced it.

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    I bought this Triple Yellow Tri-coat 2017 Mustang convertible with only 6025 miles. It's only a V6 with an auto, but with 300hp it still gets up and goes. And with the torque coming in at a lower RPM, it feels better than the Ecoboost Mustangs that I've rented. I would have loved a stick, but after re-injuring my knee this summer, I remembered why I gave up on the manual transmission as my daily driver. I still have my manual in my coupe or my wife's Mini when I feel the need to row through the gears.

    So this closes the saga of the mouse infested Energi. Hopfully, I can keep the rodents at bay.
    79 Mustang Coupe - Jade Green Metallic - 5.0 5Sp - Purchased 2006
    17 Mustang Convertible - Triple Yellow Tri-Coat - 3.7l Auto - Purchased 2020
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    01 Mustang - 3.8 Auto True Blue - Oct 2001- Apr 2022 RIP
    85 ASC - McLaren 5.0 SC - ASC White - 5.0 CFI Auto - Owned 2004 - 2016
    98 Mustang - White - 3.8 5pd - Owned 1998 - 2001
    84 Mustang SSP - White - 5.0 5sp - Owned 1993 - 1998
    84 SVO - Charcoal - 2.3t 5Sp - Owned 1989 -1992
    79 Mustang Ghia - 5.0 Auto - Owned 1981 - 1986
    68 Mustang Coupe - 302 Auto, Yellow - Owned 1980 - 1981

  19. #19
    FEP Super Member NAVYCAT's Avatar
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    Sweet, welcome to the mustang team, I have had mine 4 yrs this month and just love it
    Attached Images Attached Images  
    2017 Ford Explorer Sport (DD) 1986 Capri 5.0 Silver/Red
    1969 Falcon XW GTHO coupe (SOLD) went to Australia
    Past 4 eyes-
    4th. 1981 Capri "White" Black Magic I6
    3rd. 1984 Capri RS V8 Black/grey
    2nd. 1984 Capri RS V8 White/red
    1st. 1984 SVO Grey/grey (traded it for a worn out 1970 BOSS 302)
    Both '84 Capri's vin# were 10 away from each other
    U.S. NAVY 1980-2009

  20. #20
    FEP Power Member 87gtVIC's Avatar
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    A88 Hot Chocolate Metallic on the Mini?


    Nice yellow vert! Sure pops in the sunlight.

  21. #21
    FEP Power Member Mustang Marty's Avatar
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    Yes, the Mini is Hot Chocolate. We've had a year since July. It was another low mile gem. It is a blast to drive.

    It was hard finding newer Mustang that wan't black, red, white, or 50 shades of grey/sliver. I would have settled for blue, but I already had several blue cars in the past. This one sort of reminds me of my first Mustang which was a yellow 68 coupe with a black vinyl top, though this yellow looks so much nicer.
    79 Mustang Coupe - Jade Green Metallic - 5.0 5Sp - Purchased 2006
    17 Mustang Convertible - Triple Yellow Tri-Coat - 3.7l Auto - Purchased 2020
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    01 Mustang - 3.8 Auto True Blue - Oct 2001- Apr 2022 RIP
    85 ASC - McLaren 5.0 SC - ASC White - 5.0 CFI Auto - Owned 2004 - 2016
    98 Mustang - White - 3.8 5pd - Owned 1998 - 2001
    84 Mustang SSP - White - 5.0 5sp - Owned 1993 - 1998
    84 SVO - Charcoal - 2.3t 5Sp - Owned 1989 -1992
    79 Mustang Ghia - 5.0 Auto - Owned 1981 - 1986
    68 Mustang Coupe - 302 Auto, Yellow - Owned 1980 - 1981

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