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Hi all. My in-laws have a dog food problem. Really it’s a problem with the mice that put the dog food in there, but right now the problem is the smell. My father in-law is a handy guy, but he doesn’t know how to get the dash apart. I’m not sure how deep you’d have to go to get to the HVAC system anyway.
What do you all think? Is there any information on how to get the dash apart, or for the matter how to get into the HVAC to clean it? Or any better ideas?
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You will need to look up some service information on how to service the HVAC system and how to access all the vents.
A FSM for your vehicle would be a great help here.
Yeah, I found a service manual for my tuck and it’s a great asset. I can’t find much info for the CR-V though.
I would try a shop vac to suck out the dog food and other things. if you can’t get enough suction to pullout debris that are further back get a plastic pipe cap ( any hardware store will have them ) drill a hole in it and install a brass fitting then attach some clear hose that can reach through the vents. duct tape the attachment to the vac hose and give it a try. might save yourself a whole lot of time over taking apart the dash.
Of course, you will need to take care of the mouse problem as well. Check your engine bay for any nests and remove them. Mice like warm areas in the winter, and an engine bay can be very inviting for those little rodents.
You might consider investing in a cat, preferably one that is hungry all the time.
You might drop the blower motor out the bottom of the HVAC it seems to be a common place for the mice to deposit their findings, at that same time you might also have enough access to get a shop vac up in there to clean some of the rest out. It’s a pretty involved process to remove the HVAC you need to remove the dash assembly as well as evacuate the AC system and some of the coolant when you remove it, it’s a lot of work. As for the mice you might try putting moth balls in the glovebox it helps keep the mice away.
Thanks all. I told my father in law that I’d stop over next weekend and help take it apart. I know we won’t go to the extent of removing the entire HVAC duct system, but the blower motor sounds like a great access point. I had him remove the cabin air filter, but that wasn’t enough access. I also like the idea of the pipe cap to make an adapter for a smaller hose. I think taking the dash apart, and the blower fan will provide enough access to get to the dog food.
As for the mice, they have two dogs that catch and kill quite a few mice, moles, and shrews. They really need a “mouse proof” dog food dish. 🙂
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