Powertrain malfunction

[Ridge_Racer]

Had a an issue with my lightning two weeks ago when the powertrain malfunction turned on. Dealership said it the was rodents that chewed up the charge status indicator connector. I paid for the repair and I am having the same issue. Dealership called me today and told me the same thing happened again.

I don’t know what to do about these rodents. @Ford Motor Company any suggestions?

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[Ford Motor Company]

If this is in relation to the message you just sent me, I just replied. I'll have the team look into it and see what's going on.

 

[Ridge_Racer]

Thank you @Ford Motor Company for looking into it and the advice.

I read online that peppermint oil works so I will try and see if that will do the job. Probably see if I could park it somewhere else for a few days too.

 

[Maquis]

Have a look at “Grandpa Gus.” They make rodent repellant solutions. I’ve not used them, but they seem highly-rated.

 

[Zprime29]

I have a coworker that uses bright LED lights under his camper to keep the packrats out. He said it's worked so far.

 

[GoodSam]

Does comprehensive insurance cover rodent damage?

 

[Skidrowe]

You have to murder everything...

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/squirrel-chewed-through-charging-wires.24413/

 

[proprepper]

I'm beginning to think all of the important wires..(aren't they all?) should be wrapped in copper mesh. That would keep the wires protected.

 

[The Weatherman]

I had the same issue with my 2022 Maverick only it was rabbits. They chewed through a wire harness that rain across the rear axle.

I used a spray on rust inhibitor that I looked up online at the time unfortunately I don’t recall what it was called.

Here is a Gemini response that lists several.


Key Details on Rodent-Repelling Undercoatings:

• NHOU® Mouse-Out: Infused with scent-based repellents, it is designed for cars, trucks, and RVs, offering a 92% effectiveness rate in tests.
• NHOU® Enviro with Mouse Out: A biodegradable, eco-friendly version that protects against corrosion and rodents.
• Mouse Free: A specialized, non-toxic, oil-based lubricant that coats the undercarriage to prevent mice from entering, often used on RVs.
• 3M™ Rodent Repellant Coating: Primarily for engine bays, wires, and plastics to stop chewing, though not a full structural undercoating.
  NHOU +5

These products are designed to be safe for metals, wiring, plastics, and paints

 

[The Weatherman]

Oh yeah, and the next time I saw the rabbits lingering outside my camper shed ( that’s where I parked at the time) I shot them. Sorry, country boy here.

 

[Grumpy2]

I am currently running a trap line, with weekly success.

 

[Rich FBGTX]

Mine is squirrels. Lots of pecan trees in my hood so not sure if there is enough ammo made to take them all out! I'm currently trying the electronic rodent repellents that make ultrasonic noise and flash bright LEDs intermittently. They came in a 4 pack and recommend 2 per vehicle so that's what I've got. Although I'm thinking my Lightning could use 2 more: too many nooks and crannies around the frunk. May be pseudoscience, but seem to be working so far. Also sprayed some of the peppermint juice about, but its seems to dissipate in a few days. Tried mouse traps, caught a lot of ants .
This is a huge problem everywhere! Good luck.

 

[chl]

I had squirrels (I suspect) chew up my 2001 Ford Ranger's vapor line and the top of the fuel pump, kept getting a gas cap warning, smelled gas fumes, and the code reader doesn't have a code for "rodent damage" so I went to my local Ford dealer - they wanted $90 to just hook it up to a diagnostic machine.

The truck sat for long periods of time around then - due to the COVID shut-down I wasn't driving much.

My local gas station mechanic looked at it for free and found the chewed up the fuel pump plastic top and related tubes and wire cover.

All told it cost me about $750 to repair mostly labor - getting to the fuel pump required dropping the gas tank or removing the bed - not sure which he did, I think he dropped the tank.

After THAT I started using Critter RIdder spray once a week - I guess it worked no further damage.

I also had raccoons that were trying to get into my attic fairly regularly so I spray the stuff all around the attic vents, etc. and that deterred them.

The ingredients are...strange. Not sure if peppermint is in there, but I've used peppermint mixed with dawn detergent for wasps effectively. Won't harm pets.

Have not had that issue with the Lightning, but do spray Critter Ridder now and then - the smell is 'spicy' but not in a bad way.

A lot of open space and easy access under these trucks - too much - very tempting to critters.

 

[Tired Lizard]

I had squirrels (I suspect) chew up my 2001 Ford Ranger's vapor line and the top of the fuel pump, kept getting a gas cap warning, smelled gas fumes, and the code reader doesn't have a code for "rodent damage" so I went to my local Ford dealer - they wanted $90 to just hook it up to a diagnostic machine.

The truck sat for long periods of time around then - due to the COVID shut-down I wasn't driving much.

My local gas station mechanic looked at it for free and found the chewed up the fuel pump plastic top and related tubes and wire cover.

All told it cost me about $750 to repair mostly labor - getting to the fuel pump required dropping the gas tank or removing the bed - not sure which he did, I think he dropped the tank.
...

Jogged my memory.
I removed the bed on my 2001 Ranger to replace bad fuel pump. Nearly 10 years ago.
Unbolted, walked it back and set on sawhorse.

 

[chl]

Jogged my memory.
I removed the bed on my 2001 Ranger to replace bad fuel pump. Nearly 10 years ago.
Unbolted, walked it back and set on sawhorse.

Thanks for the pic.

I think my mechanic probably dropped the tank because of my hard plastic bed liner - removing the tank was easier than removing the bed liner maybe?

The other Ranger he was working on had a lot of rust and he said getting its bed unbolted was a pain.

In my case I did not even know the fuel pump was damaged - the truck still drove fine, although there was a strong smell of gas around the gas port - the code (P0455) was about the evap system hose, and other related items, and displayed warning said "check the gas cap" - I even replaced the gas cap to no avail, lol.

I learned a lot about the system in the process.

Mine was 20 years old but low mileage. And the fuel pump had been replaced once by Ford when the truck was barely a year old - seems running on fumes with it was a bad idea, so they told me anyway.

Glad to be driving EVs exclusively now...I think?

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