2013 Elantra Engine wire harness chewed by critter

mean1

Check engine light came on. Dealer says wired gnawed on. Repairs will be over $2,000. Supposedly the composition of wire coverings are attractive to rodents. Hyundai has to know this is a problem. Shouldn't they bear some responsibility. I had to file a car insurance claim. When dealer replaces wires can't they wrap some better coating over the "tasty" wires. Does Hyundai offer any solution to this problem?

thecardoc3

Honda sells electrical tape laced with capsaicin. Apparently they don't like hot sauce and that discourages them. 

mean1

Thanks. I did see that on line but how difficult is it to wrap all the various wires when they're attached to the engine. Has anyone done this?

PF_Flyer

Did you have engine damage because of the chewed wires? I had this problem and the cost, at dealership, was about $300 to repair the wiring. Perhaps yours was chewed to the point that replacement was the only alternative?

Mr_Shiftright

I bet that his was so expensive because they just replaced an entire harness rather than patch it. Depends on where the rodent chomps on it I guess.

mean1

The $2000 quote was to replace entire harness. Now after insurance adjuster looked at it they just need to replace "pigtail" for $600. I still wonder how to avoid a reoccurrence

Mr_Shiftright

Is the vehicle left outside?

thecardoc3

mean1 said:

Thanks. I did see that on line but how difficult is it to wrap all the various wires when they're attached to the engine. Has anyone done this?

Yes. It is no more difficult to use and do than it is for any other electrical tape. Just be careful what you touch before you wash your hands really good.