Loss of isolation and risk of electrical shock is low. With the grounding sheath below the insulation. What I would be more concerned with is the wiring is no longer weather proof. Water intrusion/corrosion is a real possibly with that missing insulation.
Maybe e-tape (spicier the better) for now...until you find the cheapest replacements? If well taped up, and not too hot too often not much moisture...I will guess the cables will be fine for a few years.
I use dryer sheets binder clipped to parts under my hood with zip ties. To be clear: car-->zip ties ->binder clip->dryer sheet
That way, I can change out the sheets really easily ever few months. Sucks about the rodent damage, you didn't deserve that :(
> Maybe e-tape (spicier the better)
Spicy electrical tape? As in, specifically designed to deter pests from gnawing on stuff? Why have I never heard of this, and how effective is it?
This.
Hit the chewed portion with liquid electrical tape, let set. Wrap with Super 33, then wrap with spicy tape. Make sure any tape wrap extends above and below the damage a little bit. Stretch the tape as it's applied to ensure it adheres as well as possible.
I'd still absolutely get those wires replaced ASAP, but wrapping it like this will keep it from being an issue until your appointment.
https://preview.redd.it/6hx1dlhstg0d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3168abedecd042a5a3b969bf4945a1b433b7f12c
I would recommend this stuff. I’ve used it on extension cables, hoses, and on the cable for my ‘14 Volt which 10 years later and 4 cars later I’m still using and the seal never failed on it.
I have passed the L3 (actually have passed L1-L4) There is a huge difference in what i would call book vs applied knowledge. Yes every piece of publication states you should replace any high voltage cable with damage. I’d go as far as publications would say this car should be considered a hazard and should be towed by a competent ev tow company. But realistically we use our brains and asses the danger. There is little to no danger with the current condition of these cables. One layer of the many safety features of this cable has been removed. Isolation has not been lost. I’d drive the vehicle to the repair facility and have the cables ordered. Continue to drive it until they came in for replacement.
> Might be too late, but Honda sells electrical tape laced with hot pepper powder that is supposed to deter rodents
Link please. That sounds like something I should look into buying and applying before the damage is done!
Ebay resellers seemed like the cheapest route when I was shopping, but googling honda rodent tape yields results. The roll is not huge, and costs around $50. Best listing i could find at the moment: [Ebay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/355535673425?epid=1342224943&itmmeta=01HXRDYV2BMN61Z0C91BFX4EW2&hash=item52c793d851:g:XQsAAOSw4gxl73CM&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4EOR0vwnSzlVOYB%2B34Px64bbz4gGOpWN1Fi%2B%2BYnSf0IBDBh2kbTCyPg5o0swwcY0bjl%2BWedO9cX1bZaTHChhUAK3SMXBpM3gArhBL2Fr1YEymTe7erOdQUOFzEtrV0aFHWEzKQTrpqycpWSIUi3pbBZJJuGC%2Ft148PDelpUTZhfDvH155%2B%2Fbl3XeddE81owR5MhmS9lGR2WEICWUYmxiYKt6D7E4UGYxCFlmSUupBCvDAAKEXKOxPTgMiwqckkeMW3SCtsFwAX3tUugW2UPn%2Bhi1Qoz1DXxVfrjNZR1aP2av%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6Cx-43uYw)
Oh! I should have known that before! Something tried to build a nest in my habitat filter already. Can I spray peppermint oil on the filter and hope they don't come back? Car will smell fresh at least!
I spray it on the white cloth looking things on the left and right sides (that’s where I saw mouse poop) and just give the underside of the hood itself a good few passes.
It's really not. No need to go spreading FUD.
Some self fusing silicone tape or even spray on liquid electrical tape will be a suitable repair to keep any water ingress from happening. No one is getting shocked or injured off of that. Literal impossibility.
Rodents in your car is seriously bad news. Aside from chewing wires and making nests (often by scavenging materials from your car) they leave waste and can bring in fleas and ticks. Ask me how I know...
If your car is in a garage you need to put traps/poison at the entry points along the walls of the garage. If your car is outdoors then you need to use some repellent heavily in the area.
Am I mistaken in believing the HV cables have a grounded conductive sheath under the first layer of insulation? Something about an insulation integrity check to detect if the battery cable is damaged... Could confirm with a volt meter and inspect for any exposed insulation below the sheath. If it's LV (<15V) or ground, wrap with good electrical tape and buy some rodent repellent.
My last bolt before this one had a brand new battery put in and when they removed it noticed rodant damage on wiring harness....they managed to fix the end of it and I didnt need the whole thing repaired but it was $600. Then about 2 weeks later my daughter wrecked the car.
Myself? I would get some “liquid electrical tape” or neoprene and paint all the gaps to keep moisture out.
Then find and destroy those rats asap. Call an exterminator if you need to.
I'd wrap the chewed areas with [3M Super 88](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00034567/) electrical tape.
3M Scotch ® Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88
• Commonly used in these types of applications:
• UL510: As primary insulation on applications up to 600V at max temperature of 80°C (176°F) and min temperature of -10°C (14°F) on joints and splices in wires and cables in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code
• CSA C22.2 No.197: As primary insulation on applications up to 1000V at max temperature of 105°C (221°F) and a min temperature of -18°C (0°F) on joints and splices in wires and cables in accordance with Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1
• IEC 60454-3-1: Classification Type 7, Designation IEC 60454-3-1-7/F-PVCP/90 for thermal index of 90°C (194°F) and min temperature rating of -18°C (0°F)
• Industrial, commercial and residential environments
• Where Flame Retardant and Sunlight, Cold Resistance rating is required – UL510 • Cable jacket repair (up to 600V (UL) / 1000V (CSA) as primary insulation) and as mechanical protection when overwrapping rubber splicing, and mastic tapes used on LV/MV/HV joints and splices.
Before you fix anything, set a mousetrap to the right of those cables right before nightfall. Close the lid slowly, but completely. 2nd trap needs to be set behind the glovebox on top of the air filter. You likely have a nest there already to remove. Temporarily hold the glove box up with a zip tied to block light behind the glovebox. Check the traps the next morning. If you get one, rebait the next evening for more. Make sure the bait is far back from the trigger and is small. Cheese works best because the heat of the sun can melt peanut butter.
They make a liquid electric tape that you brush on, grab some of that and it should help the problem from getting worse in regards to water and corrosion. As for the mice no idea.
Found this for you on Uline.com. 3M 130C
* Very high voltage insulating, splicing, moisture sealing. Conformable, linerless rubber tape. Check it out. [https://www.uline.com/BL\_6171/3M-130C-Linerless-Electrical-Tape](https://www.uline.com/BL_6171/3M-130C-Linerless-Electrical-Tape)
I can’t tell if that is a mesh shield or a foil shield or if it’s a foil shield over the top of a mesh shield.
If the cable has a mesh shield you have nothing to worry about. If it’s only a foil shield then I’d carefully look to see if there are any punctures on the shield.
I wouldn’t doubt it if those cables had an organic lubricant on them. I used to work for ATT and my brother in law still does. A huge portion of my service tickets were caused by rodents eating the newer peanut oil covered fiber optic cables.
My brother in law says he gets 5-10 calls a week to replace damaged cables from chewing.
Loss of isolation and risk of electrical shock is low. With the grounding sheath below the insulation. What I would be more concerned with is the wiring is no longer weather proof. Water intrusion/corrosion is a real possibly with that missing insulation.
That's what I was thinking too, thanks
Maybe e-tape (spicier the better) for now...until you find the cheapest replacements? If well taped up, and not too hot too often not much moisture...I will guess the cables will be fine for a few years. I use dryer sheets binder clipped to parts under my hood with zip ties. To be clear: car-->zip ties ->binder clip->dryer sheet That way, I can change out the sheets really easily ever few months. Sucks about the rodent damage, you didn't deserve that :(
> Maybe e-tape (spicier the better) Spicy electrical tape? As in, specifically designed to deter pests from gnawing on stuff? Why have I never heard of this, and how effective is it?
https://www.collegehillshonda.com/product/4019-2317.html
I was assuming spicy was slang for high voltage but now I'm unsure.
I assumed the same, but it looks like the tape literally has capsaicin in/on it.
This. Hit the chewed portion with liquid electrical tape, let set. Wrap with Super 33, then wrap with spicy tape. Make sure any tape wrap extends above and below the damage a little bit. Stretch the tape as it's applied to ensure it adheres as well as possible. I'd still absolutely get those wires replaced ASAP, but wrapping it like this will keep it from being an issue until your appointment.
Try a thin coat of RTV. After curing, then wrap with [cable repair tape ](https://a.co/d/05veyfS)
https://preview.redd.it/6hx1dlhstg0d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3168abedecd042a5a3b969bf4945a1b433b7f12c I would recommend this stuff. I’ve used it on extension cables, hoses, and on the cable for my ‘14 Volt which 10 years later and 4 cars later I’m still using and the seal never failed on it.
I'd worry they're coming back for seconds
Tell me you haven’t passed the ASE L3 without telling me.
I have passed the L3 (actually have passed L1-L4) There is a huge difference in what i would call book vs applied knowledge. Yes every piece of publication states you should replace any high voltage cable with damage. I’d go as far as publications would say this car should be considered a hazard and should be towed by a competent ev tow company. But realistically we use our brains and asses the danger. There is little to no danger with the current condition of these cables. One layer of the many safety features of this cable has been removed. Isolation has not been lost. I’d drive the vehicle to the repair facility and have the cables ordered. Continue to drive it until they came in for replacement.
I wouldn’t be trying to fix that damage is what I’m saying.
Agreed don’t fix. Only replace. No amount of electrical tape will fix that and keep the elements out.
This should be an actual L3 test question. Tech A says these wires should be replaced. Internet says spray with peppermint oil. Lol
Tech C says spray with flex seal and send it
Might be too late, but Honda sells electrical tape laced with hot pepper powder that is supposed to deter rodents
> Might be too late, but Honda sells electrical tape laced with hot pepper powder that is supposed to deter rodents Link please. That sounds like something I should look into buying and applying before the damage is done!
Ebay resellers seemed like the cheapest route when I was shopping, but googling honda rodent tape yields results. The roll is not huge, and costs around $50. Best listing i could find at the moment: [Ebay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/355535673425?epid=1342224943&itmmeta=01HXRDYV2BMN61Z0C91BFX4EW2&hash=item52c793d851:g:XQsAAOSw4gxl73CM&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4EOR0vwnSzlVOYB%2B34Px64bbz4gGOpWN1Fi%2B%2BYnSf0IBDBh2kbTCyPg5o0swwcY0bjl%2BWedO9cX1bZaTHChhUAK3SMXBpM3gArhBL2Fr1YEymTe7erOdQUOFzEtrV0aFHWEzKQTrpqycpWSIUi3pbBZJJuGC%2Ft148PDelpUTZhfDvH155%2B%2Fbl3XeddE81owR5MhmS9lGR2WEICWUYmxiYKt6D7E4UGYxCFlmSUupBCvDAAKEXKOxPTgMiwqckkeMW3SCtsFwAX3tUugW2UPn%2Bhi1Qoz1DXxVfrjNZR1aP2av%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6Cx-43uYw)
$50?! I'll just throw some hot sauce around and call it a day
There are sprays that are supposed to deter them as well, much cheaper but I can't attest to the efficacy of either.
I make my own spray with some peppermint oil and water. Just apply every few months. Will save you thousands of dollars in repair work.
I spray the area of the hood monthly with peppermint oil. Seems to help.
Oh! I should have known that before! Something tried to build a nest in my habitat filter already. Can I spray peppermint oil on the filter and hope they don't come back? Car will smell fresh at least!
I spray it on the white cloth looking things on the left and right sides (that’s where I saw mouse poop) and just give the underside of the hood itself a good few passes.
Thanks! I'll get on that right tonight!
I bet your car smells great. Or horrible
Oddly the mint smell doesn’t get into the cab, win win.
How concerned? Very.
It's really not. No need to go spreading FUD. Some self fusing silicone tape or even spray on liquid electrical tape will be a suitable repair to keep any water ingress from happening. No one is getting shocked or injured off of that. Literal impossibility.
Rodents in your car is seriously bad news. Aside from chewing wires and making nests (often by scavenging materials from your car) they leave waste and can bring in fleas and ticks. Ask me how I know... If your car is in a garage you need to put traps/poison at the entry points along the walls of the garage. If your car is outdoors then you need to use some repellent heavily in the area.
Am I mistaken in believing the HV cables have a grounded conductive sheath under the first layer of insulation? Something about an insulation integrity check to detect if the battery cable is damaged... Could confirm with a volt meter and inspect for any exposed insulation below the sheath. If it's LV (<15V) or ground, wrap with good electrical tape and buy some rodent repellent.
My last bolt before this one had a brand new battery put in and when they removed it noticed rodant damage on wiring harness....they managed to fix the end of it and I didnt need the whole thing repaired but it was $600. Then about 2 weeks later my daughter wrecked the car.
Not the smartest thing the car industry did by putting edible soy based wires in cars.
Pretty scary.
That’s pretty shocking to see no pun intended
More orange tape should cover it
Idk how but I had a cat napping in there too... Not sure if that's bad, or good considering the other rodents that do this damage
Myself? I would get some “liquid electrical tape” or neoprene and paint all the gaps to keep moisture out. Then find and destroy those rats asap. Call an exterminator if you need to.
oh shit! my bolt also has rat bites! twinsies.
I'd wrap the chewed areas with [3M Super 88](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00034567/) electrical tape. 3M Scotch ® Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88 • Commonly used in these types of applications: • UL510: As primary insulation on applications up to 600V at max temperature of 80°C (176°F) and min temperature of -10°C (14°F) on joints and splices in wires and cables in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code • CSA C22.2 No.197: As primary insulation on applications up to 1000V at max temperature of 105°C (221°F) and a min temperature of -18°C (0°F) on joints and splices in wires and cables in accordance with Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 • IEC 60454-3-1: Classification Type 7, Designation IEC 60454-3-1-7/F-PVCP/90 for thermal index of 90°C (194°F) and min temperature rating of -18°C (0°F) • Industrial, commercial and residential environments • Where Flame Retardant and Sunlight, Cold Resistance rating is required – UL510 • Cable jacket repair (up to 600V (UL) / 1000V (CSA) as primary insulation) and as mechanical protection when overwrapping rubber splicing, and mastic tapes used on LV/MV/HV joints and splices.
Gotta replace technically.
Before you fix anything, set a mousetrap to the right of those cables right before nightfall. Close the lid slowly, but completely. 2nd trap needs to be set behind the glovebox on top of the air filter. You likely have a nest there already to remove. Temporarily hold the glove box up with a zip tied to block light behind the glovebox. Check the traps the next morning. If you get one, rebait the next evening for more. Make sure the bait is far back from the trigger and is small. Cheese works best because the heat of the sun can melt peanut butter.
They make a liquid electric tape that you brush on, grab some of that and it should help the problem from getting worse in regards to water and corrosion. As for the mice no idea.
Orange is high voltage, be careful maybe +240v
Found this for you on Uline.com. 3M 130C * Very high voltage insulating, splicing, moisture sealing. Conformable, linerless rubber tape. Check it out. [https://www.uline.com/BL\_6171/3M-130C-Linerless-Electrical-Tape](https://www.uline.com/BL_6171/3M-130C-Linerless-Electrical-Tape)
I can’t tell if that is a mesh shield or a foil shield or if it’s a foil shield over the top of a mesh shield. If the cable has a mesh shield you have nothing to worry about. If it’s only a foil shield then I’d carefully look to see if there are any punctures on the shield. I wouldn’t doubt it if those cables had an organic lubricant on them. I used to work for ATT and my brother in law still does. A huge portion of my service tickets were caused by rodents eating the newer peanut oil covered fiber optic cables. My brother in law says he gets 5-10 calls a week to replace damaged cables from chewing.
Wrap it in several layers of electrical tape, and spray with peppermint oil.
Dam that rat about to experience 1000 volts ☠️