Main Engine Wiring Harness - $5,400 replacement

Several weeks ago I got a check engine light and a code P0562 - Low System Voltage. I checked all of my grounds, fuses, relays, and connections for anything out of the ordinary, and I couldn't find anything. The only issue I noticed is that Cruise Control didn't work.

I ended up scheduling an appointment with my local dealer ship but it was a few weeks out. Over this period I tried to drive as little as possible, cleared the code and it would just pop back up.

Earlier this week I was able to get the truck looked at by the service department, and they called a few hours later and told me my engine wiring harness was damaged and it's causing more heat and more damage. The wires are damaged insidet boot/grommet on the driver's side firewall, never thought to start digging around in there.

Dealership pokes around looking at it and said several wires are exposed and they were able to produce several other electrical issues. The best part is, I went in with the check engine light on, and left with SIX dash lights on. Got it home and now it sits waiting for a tow.

The tech showed me what they found and said this is typically caused by rodents. Sure enough I've found plenty of discussion on here about rodent damage.

Insurance is towing it to a shop in the next day or two to have it inspected/quoted/repaired. Dealership said if insurance doesn't cover it, it could cost me $5,400 to fix it. I find that a bit extreme because the harness itself is about $2,400 at a local dealership so I'm not sure where $3000 in labor comes from.

Anyway, I'm really hoping insurance covers this. Should be under comprehensive but I won't know for sure until the shop inspects.

Anyone have successful rodent repellent techniques once I get this repaired? I'm worried it could happen again, we bought a house in April and the previous owners disclosed some rodent damage in the paperwork.

Looking at things like metal tape, ground pepper/pepper spray, or just otherwise sealing wires but I can't deal every wire under the hood.

I'm hoping to get some first hand experiences with rodent deterrent that have been successful.

 

That seems like a strange place for rodent damage. Any actual signs of rodents? Under your engine cover or in the cabin air filter?

 

Good thing you have comprehensive. It has saved me many times.

Also agree with comment above

 

I'd get two opinions.

 

Find it hard to believe that rodents pulled back the rubber firewall grommet. I would assume they would chew wiring outside the grommet.

 

Put bait stations out.Eliminate the problem.The mice have to have a food source near where you park.Is it in a garage?

 

So the wires under the rubber boot are chewed, but the rubber boot itself is damage free? I don't think rodents work that way.

 

You ever wired a vehicle? That actually sounds really low for a rip and replace.

 

Peppermint oil under your truck or stuff like cayenne powder sprinkled all around, they both work. I use them when storing my summer car and land mower

 

I absolutely hate having to pull new wires in a vehicle. I can’t imagine having to replace one as serious as the main harness

 

This is an interesting read: https://www.freep.com/story/news/lo...8/05/07/rats-rodents-cars-vehicles/578398002/

 

In that location?

Definitely not rodent damage, unless you're outside of warranty then just let them claim rodent damage and let your comprehensive cover it.

 

Ive had harnesses chewed up by critters before and it never looked like that.

 

And I couldn't agree more...
This doesn't resemble rodent damage.

 

When I bought the truck around the new year I definitely had a rodent living in the truck, there was a nest in the cabin air filter. I found a little hair ball in the engine bay below this area. No idea how long wires have been damaged, just started getting the code several weeks ago. I didn't check under the engine cover.

 

I have no idea, the dealership just said it's the most likely cause when they see things like this and to call insurance. They're going to tow it to one of their partner shops later today and have it checked out.

 

I am still under warranty but Toyota said this isn't covered by warranty, it would have to be a comprehensive claim.

 

Wonder if the previous owner added wiring through the boot and nicked wires feeding the wires through or pulling the wires when de-modding to trade in? In my experience, rodent damage normally isn't that subtle.

 

Peppermint oil works wonders everywhere for rodents. Even use it for gophers in the garden.

 

Try a different dealership if you can. I had the exact same issue on my 2016 and it was covered by the warranty. However they determined mine wasn’t rodent damage, but a faulty harness.

$5400 was right around what mine would have been as well, they had to take the entire front end of the truck apart to rewire it