2017 Prius Prime with $15,000 rodent damage!?!

don't use cheesecloth

 

around here, they call that rodent stopper

 

Is this something I would have to do myself? I’m not skilled or have tools. They were in my cabin filter last year.

 

How about using a small drill, or a pick"/ice-pick" that is heated?
Or, use a low cost basic drill, to make the needed holes.
If so, you can make 3->4 holes, and then use stainless steel wire, copper mesh (or stainless steel mesh).

Code:

https://www.amazon.com/QueenBird-Copper-Mesh-Pest-Control/dp/B07KGGPCZ2/
QueenBird Copper Mesh with Packing Tool - 5" X 30 Feet - Blocker for Hole - DIY Hole Filler, Copper Fill Fabric, Ideal for Distilling, Pure 100% Copper Roll
$14.77 ($0.49 / Foot)

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-26G-Resistance-Handmade-Sculpting/dp/B0BJDTD249/
Stainless Steel 316L Wire, 20G Gauge 55Feet Soft DIY Hand Tool Metal Resistance Round Thin Spool Handmade for Crafts Bailing Sculpting Jewelry Making Findings Floral Beading Trapping
$9.48

https://www.amazon.com/4-PC-PICK-HOOK-SET/dp/B00AOGGEYG/
4 PC PICK AND HOOK SET
$5.87

https://www.amazon.com/Utility-Occasions-Resistant-Flexible-Fireplace/dp/B08BQXM2RT/
Click n Flame Utility Lighter 4-Pack for All Occasions Wind Resistant Flexible Shaft Multi Purpose Lighter BBQ Kitchen Candle Fireplace Grill Flexible Lighter
$12.48


Or, use a low cost basic drill, to make the holes.
https://www.amazon.com/Stalwart-piece-4-8V-Cordless-Screwdriver/dp/B002TFEKDM/
Stalwart 25 piece 4.8V Cordless Screwdriver with LED
This automatic screwdriver comes with 24 various screwdriver and *drill bits*
$16.61

Good Luck!

 

The cabin air intake is a little involved. Assuming it's similar to gen 3: you need to take off the wipers, windshield plastic trim, wiper linkage/motor, and metal cowl below all that. Then you can access the cabin air intake. You'll need to measure/cut mesh, drill pilot holes in the firewall sheet metal (around cabin air intake, install the mesh, secure with screws.

Engine air intake is basically meshing off the end of the snorkel that leads to the engine air filter box.

The Hybrid battery air exits are below the hatch floor, not too hard to get to. Still, at least on our gen 3, they're awkward shapes to mesh; I've yet to do those. I should persevere; think I'll get on that.

 

you'd have to try and find a mech, won't be easy

 

Wow! I am sorry to read about your problematic relationship with Of Mice and Men. Unfortunately, I don't have much advice to give for the repair needed to bring your PP back to life. As others have commented, it may be "totaled" in your situation. The parts availability will likely play a huge role in the insurance decision on repair or write-off. And it sounds like, the supply chain constant is not helping you here. But on the other hand, if you can work the deal with the insurance company for getting a true replacement value of the car for today's used car market, you may be better off taking the check and going out to find a new car.

Not that my PP was damaged beyond repair, but here is a thread describing my problem with mice. After the summer hiatus, the mice came back again which was one reason that pushed me to decide to trade in the car for a new car (2021 PP Limited for 2022 Escape PHEV) while the PP had high resale value.

Mouse nesting locations in the Prius Prime

 

Yeah, I never figured out where the "white nest material" originated on mine which was found under the inverter in the engine compartment. Sure they look to be the same material. If yours was from the insulation beneath the rear panel, there must be a similar insulation material beneath the front panel as well.



Fortunately, I did not see any infestation sign under the deck where the battery compartment is. But there are two large vents on both sides of the rear side panel where mice can easily gain access into the under the deck. You can see how I put the hard cloth on those vents in this thread.

More on Mice... Prius Prime | PriusChat


You can do a similar thing on the HVAC air intake under the window wiper cowl to prevent mice from getting into the HVAC system and eventually into the cabin as mentioned by @Mendel Leisk. But the process is a bit more involved than the rear panel vents. So, I opted to cover the cabin filter case with a hard cloth as shown. It was effective to prevent mice from chewing up the cabin filter material and nesting there. Have you are your dealer checked any signs of mice entering from the HVAC?


But there really isn't any good way to prevent mice from entering the engine bay and causing damages similarly just as devastating as yours. While I don't think the Prius is unique for having this type of rodent infestation problem, it was the first car I have ever had a problem of this kind. And I have had over 20 cars in the past. While I have not found any indication that my new car, Escape PHEV, is better protected against rodents, as I said, I am glad that I don't have a previously mice-infested PP anymore to deal with ongoing problems on the car. So far, I have not seen any sign of mice in our new Escape PHEV but can't say it is rodent-proof.

Good luck with resolving your ordeal. Hope things work out in your favor with the insurance and dealer (or whoever if repairing).

 

i had the white stuff on top of the engine when we got back from florida in spring 2020.
and a dead mouse somewhere in the ventilation system.
fortunately no chewed wires.
that was the first time in 16 years of leaving the prius.
we're heading south again in a few days. first time since covid, and i'm going to leave the hood up and some rodent poison around. fingers crossed!

 

I put Clazzio 'organic fake leather' car seat covers in the Prius v a few years ago...and one winter mice literally ate them (passenger seat ). I have a post about it somewhere in my post history. Same problem...these 'organic' materials attract rodents.

I now keep ample mousetraps in the garage.

 

I would ask for the old part once replaced, sell it to a refurbishing shop in the process. Do not let dealer keep the battery. You'll get more than your deductible out of the old battery as they'll be able to use a number of the parts from it.