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Hi all,

I am new here and have a question.

I have a 2012 civic (4 door auto) and found evidence of rodent on my cab filter, when I went to replace it due to slight bad odor. I end up opening the fan, which was filled with stuff and vacuum everything I could reach inside the ducts. I think I got everything. No more odor and AC and the fan works very well now.

The question is how the rodent got there? I checked the grill below the windshield and did not find any damage to it. All I can think of is the drain from the intake duct into the cab, but I can not find it. Anyone got any idea where the drain is?

Thank you

 
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It got in through the cowl area. Pretty common. You're looking in the wrong place.

The ends are wide open.

 
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ezone,

I was under impression that indoor air system is sealed to prevent rodent from entering. If the system is not sealed then in places like Minnesota with very cold winters , is very hard to prevent the rodents to get into the HVAC system and into the car. I will look closer to the ends to see if I can seal them. Meanwhile, do you know where the drain is?

Thank you

 
Rep Power: 518

No, not really.

Don't bother.


Rodent cannot fit through the drain.

Best way to prevent rodent entry is to remove the plastic cowl trim panels from the base of the windshield and install wire mesh directly over the blower intake opening. Then reinstall panels.

NEVER seal off the air inlet openings. There must be air flow.

 
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Thank you ezone. You have been very helpful. My car is in shop for a bit of body work. When I get it back look to see what I can do to cover the intake with a mesh.

(I have 2 ac questions that might ask you later after searching the forum)

Thank s again

 
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Necro-ing a thread rather than creating a new one:

I have the same rodent issue on my 2012 Civic EX sedan. I've removed the plastic cowl and the metal tray panel thing that goes underneath it, but I'm not sure where I should put my metal mesh.

My guess is that it's the rectangular hole on the passenger side of the engine bay, up against the cabin. Is that the right spot?

Here's the best picture I could get of what I'm talking about:


It looks like it's going to be super annoying to access.

 
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Nevermind, that's totally it.

I had to take out the wiper linkage to be able to access the intake opening and do anything to cover it.

I'm going for 1/4" hardware cloth and aluminum tape, because they're handy. I could probably use short sheet metal screws to attach the mesh, but I don't want to drill into something and ruin it.