Christmas Mouse in the Ventilation

[astronot]

When I got my 97 venture it was sitting in a garage for a long time, and seemed to have had visitors. Soon after I had it, I found that the spark plug wires had been chewed up. I hadn't noticed a lot of mouse stuff after that, until recently when it sat for a few months due to a broken sway bar I was too lazy to fix.

Now when the blower is on, I smell dead mouse. I also notice that there doesn't seem to be much air coming out of the floor vents even though the blower sounds healthy. I suspect that there is a nest in there blocking airflow and causing the smell.

My question is what is the easiest way for me to gain access to this and check it out? Getting into the vents seems like a pretty complex job.

Thanks!

[shooter_va]

Check your cabin air filters: http://198.208.187.182/internet/Part...cpartnbr=CF115
They are located behind a door inside the glove box (there are two in there).

[astronot]

Woah, I just pulled that out, and it is NASTY. That is a lot easier than taking the dash apart I only saw one filter, but I don't have a flashlight here at work so I'll dig into it more later. Thanks!

[astronot]

Ok, so I found the second filter (they're right beside each other behind the same panel, doh) and discovered the dead mouse. Then I discovered the nest, which apparently was built resting on the filters and consumed the entire cavity above them.

I'm tossing these two filters, and getting some new ones. I assume it's safe to run without the filters in place for now? One thing I notice is that the blower seems quite a bit louder now (and it was loud before on high) - enough so to cause vibration noise in the interior.

Thanks for your great (even if simple) advise. I would have surely began pulling off dash panels had you not pointed me to the access panel.

[rockwood84]

new cabin filters are around 12 to 17 bucks according to where you go. don't run it too long without the filters ,as if something comes thru and hits the blower hard enough you'll be replacing it.

[astronot]

Yep, I checked em out and will be picking them up soon, but it's too cold right now to leave the heat off, and the old filters are too gross to use.

[shooter_va]

Originally Posted by astronot

Thanks for your great (even if simple) advise. I would have surely began pulling off dash panels had you not pointed me to the access panel.

You're welcome, glad I could help. Just get new filters soon to keep crud out of the blower.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by astronot

One thing I notice is that the blower seems quite a bit louder now (and it was loud before on high) - enough so to cause vibration noise in the interior.
.

The filters have somewhat of a "dampening" effect on the blower noise, so in the absence of the filters the noise will be a bit louder. One thing you might consider is to check your cabin filters twice a year for any rodent damage. That way you can stop another infestation before it begins. If you live in a rural area, as I do, this is a common issue, and even if your vehicle does not have a cabin filter, these rodents can still do damage trying to get inside your vehicle. In the Fall they are trying to find a home for the winter and in the spring / summer they tend to search out other places to live, especially if their old nest is disturbed.

[463]

the little shits sneak in there by getting under the plastic screen at the base of the windshield on the pass side neer the fender. you will see the space that you can stick a finger under the plastic when the hood is open.

[rockwood84]

Originally Posted by 463

the little shits sneak in there by getting under the plastic screen at the base of the windshield on the pass side neer the fender. you will see the space that you can stick a finger under the plastic when the hood is open.

yep a piece of wire rolled up and slid in there stops the leaves and critters

[Loonylani]

Wow, maybe the Venture is just a nice mouse house. I have them in mine all the time. I have 3 cars and this is the only one they get in. I have found nests under the console under the heater controls area. I have a cubby with a door that you put tapes in. I removed that unit and found mouse nest and food under those vents and in them. They are the vents that blow heat on your feet. They also live in my rocker panels where the sliding door meets the front door. On the drivers side you will notice it has a deep pocket into the front rocker. Try sticking a vacuum cleaner hose in there and see what you find. Mine had a nest and dead babies. I just keep traps in my van all the time now. Good luck!

['97ventureowner]

Too bad GM couldn't have used that in their advertising. I can see it now,"The Chevy Venture- now mouse approved!"