Engine Rat/Mouse - Chewed Tubing + Cylinder 3 Misfire + Rough Idle

[jmmec]

Ah, not good...

I have a 2016 4Runner TRD PRO and when I started it today I immediately noticed a rough idle followed by the dashboard showing:

• Check Engine light flashing
• TRAC OFF light flashing
• Multi-Terrain Select light flashing

ODB shows codes:

• P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire
• P1605 Rough Idle

When I opened the hood there was a little sign of grassy material, nothing at all like a nest, but I'm pretty sure a rat / mouse did some damage. See the attached pics where there is some chewed tubing.

What is this chewed tubing for? Can I temporarily duct tape it back together?

I'm not a mechanic so have an appointment at a shop on Wednesday. But anything else I can troubleshoot before then? I'll take a closer look at the engine bay tomorrow to see if there is any other evidence of damage.

Thank you for any advice....

Pictures:

 

[214RUNNER]

Looks like the vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator. Take the old hose off & replace it clear the codes. if you don’t have a way to clear codes auto zone can do it and you can get the hose there also

 

[jmmec]

Thank you!

Hoping this is the only fix that is needed.

I didn't find the broken tubing until after I drove it about 8 miles -- it drove fine, just sluggish. Anyone know if it is damaging to drive it another 5 miles to AutoZone to get some new tubing?

Would taping it together before driving there help at all? I guess that line is normally pressurized? No fuel at all is coming out of it.

 

[Charles Bronson]

Do you not have a friend or coworker that can take you?

Taping it together should work assuming you're using decently strong tape. There isn't a ton of vacuum. Tape it together and see how it runs. If it runs smoothly, then go to the auto parts store.

I'd cut a small piece of the line so that when you go to the auto store, they can get you the correct inner diameter line. Make sure to measure the full length of line you need.

Don't worry, this isn't rocket science. You're truck in running like crap and throwing codes because it has a major vacuum leak and the fuel pressure regulator isn't getting the vacuum it needs to work correctly. I wouldn't drive until it's temporarily fixed with tape or a new line.

 

[jmmec]

I took another look under the hood and the wires that connect to (the coil pack on?) cylinder 3 are chewed off. I don't see other damage besides the chewed vacuum line.

Ya, I'll get a ride over to AutoZone to get some supplies to replace or at least patch the vacuum line. I'm taking it to a shop tomorrow in case there are additional problems.

Thanks everyone....

 

[BlackWorksInc]

We keep a roll or two of Rodent Tape for these types of repairs. I'll repair a harness and then wrap it in this stuff. I think we order it from Honda?

I don't know how well it works, but I can't say that I have really seen many come-backs for rodents chewing through that stuff that I can recall?

Part # 4019-2317

Be thankful they didn't chew up the knock sensor harness, that's an annoying pain in the ass to replace without pulling a cylinder head off.

 

[Teflonpresident]

I'm getting these same codes...

2015 toyota 4Runner limited.

Can anyone give me a list of things to troubleshoot on these codes? Ihave checked for chewed wires because we have a tree rat (squirrel) thats has a history of chewing wires.

 

[Teflonpresident]

I'm getting these same codes...

2015 toyota 4Runner limited.

Can anyone give me a list of things to troubleshoot on these codes? Ihave checked for chewed wires because we have a tree rat (squirrel) thats has a history of chewing wires.

Found it! I got Tree Ratted.... The connector over cylinder 3 was bitten thru and wire harness was sitting in place so it looked good until i touched it.

 

[like2lean]

It'll keep happening till you take action...lever action, pump action, semi auto, pick your poison...which works well too.They're all cute and funny till they get into your house or car and cost you thousands of dollars. I've made "a lot" of money over the years from rodent damage, it's no joke.

 

[TK-422]

Get yourself a pair of these to prevent future damage.

Under Hood Rodent Repeller Battery Operated

You can also spray mint oil in the engine compartment once a month to keep them away.

My wife's RAV4 had $700 damage to the harness from rodents.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Found it! I got Tree Ratted.... The connector over cylinder 3 was bitten thru and wire harness was sitting in place so it looked good until i touched it.

Remove the engine cover and start using something like Grandpa Gus peppermint spray.

 

[like2lean]

Mint spray, mothballs, and cats all work well. I've seen the wires chewed right off the electric underhood ones. Mice are bad, but around here squirrels do the worst damage. They're just mean like vandals, just tear sh#t up for no reason.

 

[Krampuss]

Oh no, that sounds like a tricky situation! The chewed tubing might be part of the engine's vacuum system. While duct tape could be a temporary fix, it's best to let the pros handle it. Check for other signs of damage, and take pictures for reference. Good call on the mechanic appointment – they'll have you back on the road in no time. By the way, do you guys know how I can remove a hornet nest from my backyard? My friends advised me to ask hornet control for help. Anyway, good luck with the repairs. Hang in there!

 

[1000MPH]

I guess we’re not the only ones having this problem.
Rodents incapacitate millions in eco-friendly military equipment in Ukraine: the unforeseen problem

 

[Humble Leader]

I guess we’re not the only ones having this problem.
Rodents incapacitate millions in eco-friendly military equipment in Ukraine: the unforeseen problem Rodents incapacitate millions in eco-friendly military equipment in Ukraine: the unforeseen problem

happened to me about a month ago. multiple cylinders misfiring according to the dealer. good thing I didn't have far to go home and was able to drive slow or I would have needed a flat bed... had to put the truck in P every time I came to a stop because I thought it would stall out due to low RPM, it was really shaking! repair was covered by insurance though which is nice, minus deductible