...For all those American vegetarian rodents. Tofu wire harnesses. What could go wrong?

Realize this is an older post, but thought I would add my own experience to help current/future members. First, I just bought my 4R a month ago and when I test drove it I could tell it had a funk (understatement), but I assumed it was because the previous owner had dogs in the car on a regular basis. It was also clear to me that the 4R was stored outside for sometime. When I got it home, the first thing I did was to strip it down and pull out the cabin filter and this is what I found...



This filter was likely NEVER changed (this is a 2004 ) and was clearly the MAIN source of the smell. I then broke down every panel, pulled up carpet where necessary, and found further evidence throughout the cabin of mice tracks. Also had a leak in the ceiling of the vehicle when it would rain and upon investigating, the mice had chewed a hole in the drain tubing from the sunroof. Needless to say, I've pulled the car apart and cleaned every nook and cranny, rug scrubbed carpets, dealt with any entry points etc.

Although the car smells 95% better than it did when I purchased it, I still would get a slight funk, so I picked up an Earthcare Odor Removal Bag from Amazon (~$14):



Within 24 hours of hanging the Earthcare odor bag from my rearview mirror, I noticed a major change in the air quality and the smell was completely gone in just a few days. So if you have encountered rodent issues, or just have a bad smell in your 4R, I highly recommend this product. Also, inspect and clean your cabin filters regularly!

To add to the conversation...mine had no filter in it when I got it 'certified' new with 15k back in 2004.

Had a Mommy pack rat move in with a couple kids in tow. Found one in the glovebox. That was like maybe a month into ownership, never parked outside after that.
Some of it has to do with the 'auto' vent feature. It senses humidity and opens the outside air. With no filter, stuff will just drop right into your T4R.
Do the screen, its the only way to keep them out.
I finally did it, now I am wondering about the rear vents in the sides, under the bumper side cover. That looks like a determined rodent could make short work of...2 little rubber flaps.

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Thats a clean fix. I haven't checked mine in a while now that I am reminded. Hope it doesn't look anything like OP's

Dryer sheets will solve your mice problem dead in its tracks

In case anyone needs a cabin air filter, I recommend these:

NEW 2006 2007 2008 2009 4runner CARBON Cabin Air Filter | eBay

They cheapened them slightly since the last one I bought (fewer pleats), but they are still way better than the Toyota filter that I could see right through.

I second dryer sheets. I check mine every 3 months or so. Don't want to be breating that mouse stuff in.

I'm so glad I saw this post and changed mine! 07 4runner I just bought last year.

This is hilarious! My truck smelled like dog. The filter was full of fur.

My son bought a Chevy crew diesel and it didn't cool well, a problem in the Midwest. I guess it has two cabin filters and after he replaced them if forcefully blew very cold air.

I'm still cutting mine from 20 x 25" AC Furnace filters on sale.

Although old, I did want to state that this wasn't just american cars. In fact my neighbor a master tech at Toyota said Tundras had the same issue. Live and learn I guess. I'm just assuming from a manufacturing standpoint the supplier of the wiring must have gotten a heck of a deal by using this recycled soy wiring. Unbeknownst to the actual vehicle manufacturer.

Not to be nit-picky, but aren't all Tundras made in the USA? Would that not make them an American car?

While true they are as Texan as Walker, I assumed by the statement he meant domestic brand.

Try bathing. You’ll attract less rodents.


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