Mice

[Trustable]

just curious, do you see verified evidence of entry from the rear cab vents or just a possible entry.
As others have stated this, just wanted to see proof that yes they enter here.
With the HVAC inlet we have verified proof from the Cabin Filter

Yes. The back of the seat against the vent has chew marks all over these things that almost remind me of backer rods that are glued to the back with chunks missing at some parts. It appears to be the same material (along with the napkin) i found below the seat in the jack storage compartment. I can get a pic of it tomorrow. But as soon as I saw the chunks missing I knew that was where they had got in. There is actually a post on the maverick forum regarding the vent as well.

Sponsored

 

[airline tech]

Yes. The back of the seat against the vent has chew marks all over these things that almost remind me of backer rods that are glued to the back with chunks missing at some parts. It appears to be the same material (along with the napkin) i found below the seat in the jack storage compartment. I can get a pic of it tomorrow. But as soon as I saw the chunks missing I knew that was where they had got in. There is actually a post on the maverick forum regarding the vent as well.

Ok, so we have a verified second point of entry- thanks

 

[Trustable]

Ok, so we have a verified second point of entry- thanks

Here is the pic.

 

[Trustable]

Does anyone know what this piece is for? It is glued to the passenger side vent behind rear seat and there is no evidence of any mice chunks but i would like to cover the vent with the mesh like the drivers side. Not sure if I should remove it to cover it with mesh as it is basically the same except the foam piece.

 

[TJC]

I just removed the back seat backs to take a look at how I planned to block the mice. I have two identical vents back there that open to the air! I figured the engineers would have designed a more robust vent than 2 - 11/5" x 5.5" holes in the back of the cab!

I also am wondering just how long the plastic will last before it deteriorates or becomes brittle and falls out the hole.

I removed the plastic vents in an effort to determine the cleanest way to block the mice.

They will be easy enough to reinstall. Here are the vents removed, one facing forward, and the other showing the back side.

I think I am going to experiment to see just how much of an opening is required to allow the doors to easy close. Those openings must allow road/wind noise into the cabin.

Comments before I do something stupid?

 

[TJC]

Does anyone know what this piece is for? It is glued to the passenger side vent behind rear seat and there is no evidence of any mice chunks but i would like to cover the vent with the mesh like the drivers side. Not sure if I should remove it to cover it with mesh as it is basically the same except the foam piece.

I had two identical vents in my SCAB. And you only having one makes me wonder if two are really needed.

 

[TJC]

I've decided to block off the passenger vent completely with a light gauge aluminum plate. In the second vent I intend to see just how much of an opening I need for the doors to close easily and will drill 0.25" holes in the plate as needed.

To test this out I will temporarily block both openings by taping a 1/4" thick fiberboard over the openings and testing. If the doors close easily I am going to simply block both openings.

I don't recall seeing any vents in the back of my 2005 Ranger cab when I had the bed lifted last month to change the fuel pump. And I am not convinced they are needed in the 2020 Ranger.

Someone speak up and tell me I am being delusional, if that be the case.

- T

 

[Ranger_Rocks]

I thought vents keep our heads from imploding when airbags deploy ?

 

[TJC]

Honestly, I have no idea.

I guess I'm risking a head explosion every time I drive my 2005 Ranger or my 2023 CX-5.

And I need to learn to crack the window if I see an accident coming!

 

[Trustable]

I had two identical vents in my SCAB. And you only having one makes me wonder if two are really needed.

I pryed if off a bit to take a look a couple weeks ago, There is a vent behind it. Whatever adhesive they use for that sure stays super tacky even going on three years. It’s basically the same except for that plastic/foam piece. I am still parking outside though even with all the fixes I’ve done, still nervous to park in the garage.

 

[TJC]

We have a ton of wildlife including mice in our wooded area. If I leave a car out for a week or two I will see mice flee it when I start it up. So the autos stay in the garages. And I set mouse traps in both garages. If I leave the doors open for very long (an hour is enough time) the mice will attempt to move in.

I always leave a single trap set with a dab of peanut butter. If it springs, the next day I set several. Problem solved until the next attempted invasion.

 

[TJC]

Are the 5G rangers equipped with an AC drain line like all cars or did Ford eliminate them? It seems stupid to be asking, but Ford has a track record of engineering stupidity. For the life of me I can not figure out the need for the rear cabin vents behind the seats. My older cars don't have them and they have served me well with never a mold problem.

 

[airline tech]

Are the 5G rangers equipped with an AC drain line like all cars or did Ford eliminate them? It seems stupid to be asking, but Ford has a track record of engineering stupidity. For the life of me I can not figure out the need for the rear cabin vents behind the seats. My older cars don't have them and they have served me well with never a mold problem.

Yes, we have a condensate drain - the rear vents are not intended for that purpose.
The Air Inlet door, AKA Recirculation Door Actuator, is powered to the mid position when you shut off the truck. The Mode Door also powers to the Bi-Level Position (Floor-Panel)
This action vents the HVAC (Evap Core) to absolve the musty odors and dry out the Evap Core.

Rear Vents - Purpose
Now I do not know how much they actually do but the intent of those is to equalize cabin pressure.
when closing the doors and also Airbag Deployment and Climate Control (Circulation) to expel dangerous fumes from the cabin
How much would it affect (slow down or delay) Airbag Deployment ?‍

I do not know why some owners have a foam covering? over them or just (1) of them.
But it may be related to this:
It appears to be different between the SCAB and SCREW - Less Cab space as the variable.


SSM 51263 2015-2023 F-150, 2017-2022 F-Super Duty, And 2019-2023 Ranger - Dust Ingress Into The Cabin Some 2015-2023 F-150, 2017-2022 F-Super Duty, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles may exhibit dust ingress into the cabin through the doors or air extractors. This may be due to the climate control system being in recirculation mode as a result of the recirculation button being on or automatic strategies for heating/cooling efficiency. To minimize dust ingress when driving in off-road or secondary road conditions, make sure that all doors and windows are fully closed and the climate control system is switched to defrost on and the instrument panel and footwell air vents are switched to off. Temperature and fan settings may be adjusted as desired. Alternatively, max defrost can be activated which will adjust all settings automatically. Operating in defrost mode will keep constant air flow through the rear air extractors and other small areas, helping minimize dust ingress

 

[TJC]

First, Thank You for the concise Ford explanation. It is very much appreciated.

I am still thinking this through.

I see several thoughts in the vent explanation. I find it difficult to discern or weight the objectives of the vents. For instance, 80% for ease of door closing vs 10% mold control and 10% for airbag efficacy. I am not expecting you to have those answers.

My only real concern is airbag impairment, but I am not sure how to quantify the impact. (pun intended - )

How do dangerous fumes enter into the cabin (not talking about CO2)? I doubt Human expelled CO2 is a serious issue in automobiles. it certainly can not be worse than having a mask over your nose and mouth for hours on end. (**See foot Note below)

I remember as a teen my family of 7 riding in a VW Van all day (with no AC) through Kansas on I-70 during the summer (100F) with the windows up due to the hot continental air. It was miserable and we sweated like pigs, but were no worse for the wear at the end of the day.

"2019-2023 Ranger vehicles may exhibit dust ingress into the cabin through the doors or air extractors."
It seems the "air extractors" are bidirectional! Ford is using an oxymoron!

A much easier and more effective way to vent dangerous fumes is to simply open a window. Unless those dangerous fumes are in the atmosphere. If that were the case I would want to seal the cabin as tight as possible.... an impossibility when open vents in the lower cabin.

Ford is saying to keep dust out basically pressurize the cabin. Exactly what I do with my other autos and much harder to do when the cabin is vented to this degree.

I am leaning towards sealing them and taking my chances. It is easy enough to reverse if I encounter a problem.

** Foot Note on CO2 increases with face masks - Cloth, surgical, & N95
Measurements were made using a modified indoor air quality meter equipped with a nondispersive infrared (NDIR) CO2 sensor. Detected carbon dioxide concentrations ranged from 2150 ± 192 to 2875 ± 323 ppm. The concentrations of carbon dioxide while not wearing a face mask varied from 500–900 ppm.

My Comment - Masks increase CO2 Levels up to 400+% It is difficult to believe my 4G Ranger cabin (without vents) is worse.

 

[TJC]

I've got the aluminum panels cut out, cleaned, degreased, and painted to match my iconic Silver SCAB, not that anyone will ever see them! I'll install the panels to the vents after dinner, then reinstall the vents in the truck later tonight.

The ingress for the mice will be closed. No more mice threats inside the truck. The traps however, stay set in the garage.

UPDATE:
Here's a picture of the plate placed in the vent checking for fitment. I will seal the edges with exterior high density double sided tape and insure it says in place with a single bolt through the center. Then replace them back in the truck. This silver side faces the exterior of the truck.

UPDATE 2:
All done! Here are the finished blocked vents. The adhesive would have probably been enough to hold the plates in place, but just to be sure I secured them with a nice powder coated black bolt. I used a 1/8" x 3/4" x 3" aluminum stock as anchor with a nylon lock nut, just snug enough to hole the plate without stressing the plastic. Time to pop them back in the truck.

We'll see how it works out over time.
- T

Sponsored