I just recently got an 07 t4r and still getting to know it. At our cabin we have wood rats (pack rats) that like to make nests on your engine and especially in air cleaner - even if just parked over night. I went to a K&N cone on my last vehicle so no problem. With the air intake into the fender well, is there a clear path for the furry pests? Has anyone had this kind of problem? Probably can fix a screen over intake if there is not one there now.
critters in air cleaner
- Thread starter d2huffman
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4RNNR
New member
Our Condo is in kind of a wooded area, and in the latter part of the Fall, my wife had squirrels trying to build a nest under her hood (she has a RAV4)
Don't know who was startled more, when we popped the hood for an oil change
must have scared them pretty good, because they never came back
but "critter" can do a heck of a lot of damage
Don't know who was startled more, when we popped the hood for an oil change
must have scared them pretty good, because they never came back
but "critter" can do a heck of a lot of damage
TechWrench
Senior Member
Unless they have fixed the issue in the newer 4th gens, you should also be aware that critters can get into the HVAC ducts via the fresh air intake under the wiper cowl on the passenger side. I had this problem several years ago with my local chipmonk population. I found the evidence when I was in the process of replacing my cabin air filter. I fixed the issue by removing the cowl, and installing a HD screening over the opening. No further invasions since.
Yeah, I hear ya on this one. Not much trouble with the 4Runner yet but have experienced "wildlife" problems around the property. Mostly snakes, squirrel, mice, deer, elk, coyote and birds. The concept of rigging a mesh screen over all vents is a wise choice..... and a couple cats....
Thanks for the heads up on the hvac duct - I will definitly check that out and instal a screen on the intake air. The wood rats are particularly nasty as they load up with anything they can carry, bottle caps, rocks, insulation... and then pee on it to make it feel like home. Had one travel 150 miles home with a friend and set up residence in his garage.
TechWrench
Senior Member
Yeah, I live in a semi-rural area in upstate NY, and it is a constant problem with critters and vehicles. Way back when, in 'another' life, I worked as a mechanic for a Honda dealer. We had numerous vehicles with HVAC issues in the dash, that wound up being caused by critters filling up the ducts with pine nuts, Maple seeds, and anything else they could carry. One of the funniest things I ever saw was this 'big' mechanic pulling the dash on an Accord in the shop, when a chipmonk that had been hiding suddenly ran out of a dash duct and up his arm. That guy squealed like a 'girl' and jumped out of the car. I don't know which was more upset, the chipmonk or him. we never let him forget the incident. 
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4RunnERD
New member
Wow.
I recently purchased an 06 sport with 39,000 miles on it. I decided to check the cabin filter after reading a few threads today and cleary mine hasn't been changed in awhile. Even though I didn't find a dead animal in mine there was mouse droppings in the filter along with their nest.
I recently purchased an 06 sport with 39,000 miles on it. I decided to check the cabin filter after reading a few threads today and cleary mine hasn't been changed in awhile. Even though I didn't find a dead animal in mine there was mouse droppings in the filter along with their nest.
