Mice

[mtbikernate]

ugh. I need to get around to doing this. had a rodent get into my truck during a camping trip last summer.

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[ranger-jake]

So those filters fit without trimming them? I'm trying to understand fully because I get mice and chipmunks in the engine, but so far none in the air filter - but that's just a matter of time.

So you pull out the paper part of the filter and reinforce the plastic grid with hardware cloth on both sides. Then use the weatherstrip adhesive and ta-dah, no more air filter probs.

Sounds really good and I may need to go to O'Reilly's today! =)

Thanks and I think it's time for me to get off the pot! =)

I had bookmarked DerangedPony's great write-up and am just double-checking it all.

Yes it fits without trimming. Remove the paper but leave the paper closest to the edge alone as it will tear the silicone apart. You can trim with some scissors like I did. I highly suggest using 1/4 steel mesh on top of the filter as mice can potentially chew through thin aluminum wire. It also just fills in the gaps better. Use the adhesive I provided in the link to glue the mesh to the filter and let it bake in the sun for 20 minutes. Then you may begin your journey in attaching it to the cab! ?

 

[ranger-jake]

My anti rodent kit....With my stray dog deterance in the background. lol!

We used to have cats and no mice. Now we have no cats and..... plenty of mice.

 

[ranger-jake]

Although the Oreily's filters give it a better appearance (looks wise) as I debated doing the same. Once I noted how much dusty dirty air the Cabin Filter sucks in, I decided to just use a screen vs a filter install at that point.

So, at some point, you are going to have to replace those filters BUT you will save money on the expensive Cabin Filter as it is now a secondary filter getting cleaner air.

The Cabin Filter would be easier to check and or replace, the 2X Filter addition would require you to completely redo the work every few years under normal driving, however in dusty conditions (off-Roading) much sooner.

Just wanted to point out the only downside of them as it is a GREAT idea and find for filters that fit in those access holes.

So I purchased these generic filters and removed the paper filter element. The shape and silicone traits made it a secure fit after gluing it down. I wouldn't recommend anybody installing extra filters in front of the fresh air inlet as it will put massive strain on the blower.

Another design flaw from Ford and other makes in the auto industry. The hvac system is never 100% closed which is why there are so many mice infections in our Rangers. Here is an excellent write-up explaining how our Ranger HVAC system operates if anyone is curious. Credit to you 'airline tech'!? Thanks for your detailed write up & work

 

[ranger-jake]

That is a lot of rodent activity. I feel this could be an opportunity for someone to market an anti-rodent fit for the Ranger. Make it as plug and play as possible.

Exactly what I was thinking! I'd buy

 

[VAMike]

So, at some point, you are going to have to replace those filters BUT you will save money on the expensive Cabin Filter as it is now a secondary filter getting cleaner air.

Cabin air filter is a generic size shared with a bunch of toyotas, no need for the motorcraft version.

 

[ranger-jake]

Cabin air filter is a generic size shared with a bunch of toyotas, no need for the motorcraft version.

I purchased a Wix replacement as it was available and cheaper by 2 bucks.

 

[ranger-jake]

I just did this modification 3 days ago.

I agree working space is very limited.

You may also want to do the rear vents behind the back seat. I've had rodents enter there on a camping trip in northern Vancouver Island. I haven't done that myself, but I will be doing it soon.

Here's my after pic for the cabin air intake vents. I used standard aluminum screen from Home Depot and butyl tape, which I had on hand for RV repairs.

Thanks for the warning. ?

 

[VAMike]

I purchased a Wix replacement as it was available and cheaper by 2 bucks.

either you're getting a really great price on the motorcraft or a really crappy price on third party; I'd expect to pay $10, $15 at the most while the motorcraft is about $30 from ford, maybe $20 at amazon (for what may well be the same generic in a fake motorcraft box).

 

[ranger-jake]

either you're getting a really great price on the motorcraft or a really crappy price on third party; I'd expect to pay $10, $15 at the most while the motorcraft is about $30 from ford, maybe $20 at amazon (for what may well be the same generic in a fake motorcraft box).

So I walked into O'Reilly's to buy the Wix cab filter the day I was cleaning up the mice mess. The Motorcraft variant was on back-order. But I could have saved money and went with the Microguard which was $15. Probably wouldn't have made much difference really... so anyways, I probably spent more than I could have

 

[EJH]

ugh. I need to get around to doing this. had a rodent get into my truck during a camping trip last summer.

Hey Nate, do the two flat vents behind the back seat also. That is where I have gotten mice in the cab camping. Thankfully the camping mice seem to dine and dash, without taking up residency. They do leave quite the mess though.

I haven't found a good write up on accessing these rear vents for a crew cab, only for the super cab. I can reach up under the liner and feel the vents. The crew cabs have a lot of cloth liner and plastic trim behind the back seats. The super cabs have the vent directly exposed when the rear seat backs are removed. When I get around to screening the rear vents, I'll post my learnings.

 

[ranger-jake]

Hey Nate, do the two flat vents behind the back seat also. That is where I have gotten mice in the cab camping. Thankfully the camping mice seem to dine and dash, without taking up residency. They do leave quite the mess though.

I haven't found a good write up on access these rear vents for a crew cab, only for the super cab. The crew cabs have a lot of cloth liner and plastic trim behind the back seats. The super cabs have the vent directly exposed when the rear seat backs are removed. When I get around to screening the rear vents, I'll post my learnings.

It's strange that the design of this vehicle has been around for years in other parts of the world such as Thailand and Australia and yet only until recently were there write-ups in dealing with repelling rodents. I've thought at least the Aussies dealt with something like this on their Rangers.

I tell you what- if you write up a fix for the crew-cab rear vents I'll make one for the super cab ?

 

[VAMike]

It's strange that the design of this vehicle has been around for years in other parts of the world such as Thailand and Australia and yet only until recently were there write-ups in dealing with repelling rodents. I've thought at least the Aussies dealt with something like this on their Rangers.

who knows how similar the HVAC system is, ford made all kinds of changes when they brought it over here. hell, the aussies may have even had a grate that ford NA decided to get rid of to save a penny per truck.

 

[NotBudule]

Even if you keep them out of
the cab , don't they just chew up the wiring in the engine bay ? Keeping them the hell away from the whole truck should be the objective , do those "ultrasonic rodent thingys " work I wonder ?? Or strong scent of some kind? I have electronic mousetraps I used when I had an issue in the house, caught 7 in one day... ( 4 were babies and almost felt bad )....

 

[Buckbull]

My buddy claims peppermint extract sprayed in the engine bay works. I bought a botttle from Amazon but haven't sprayed it yet. And like many of you, mice got into the cab and chewed up a bunch of napkins.

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