2009 Toyota Other Mouse Nest behind filter

2009 TOYOTA
30,000 MILES • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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NJANES
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In a Toyota Venza a mouse built a nest behind the filter. Took the car to the dealership and they said they vacuumed the nest out, the dealership said they couldn't get it all without taking out the dash. Replaced the filter because the mice ate on the filter also.
The blower is now making a grinding noise. And the car still smells bad after using "Odor Mute". How do I clean the rest of the mouise nest out and how do I prevent them from getting inside the vents? (they also got inside the car)
Thanks
Jun 19, 2014 at 8:15 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Wow, that is a tough one because that smell is hard to get rid of. I assume you are referring to the cabin air filter. Just replacing that won't do it. They use the area for a bathroom and the odor stays. How much more of the nest is still there? To be honest, if there is still nest in the HVAC system, it needs to be removed.

As far as the blower making a noise, it could be caused by fan hitting part of the nest. Did they remove the blower motor when they cleaned it?
Jun 19, 2014 at 9:09 PM
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NJANES
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More of the nest is still there. The dealership said they would have to remove the entire dashboard to get to the rest. A $1000 job.
So that's my question, is there anyway to get the rest of the nest out myself? The dealership said the techs accessed the nest from behind the filter through the glovebox. Is the blower motor accessible? I live on a ranch so tools aren't a big issue.
And is there a way to prevent them from accessing the vents in the future?
Thanks for any help.
Jun 20, 2014 at 6:48 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Without being there, it is tough to say. My guess is they are most likely right and part of the dash needs removed to access the HVAC box behind the dash, I wish I could give you an easier answer.

As far as stopping it from happening again, there are air ports that draw air into the vehicle. They can't be blocked.
Jun 20, 2014 at 7:40 PM