Heater System - Rodents Nesting in the Heater System
87subaru1NUMBER 10-46-87
DATE 01-16-87
APPLICABILITY 1985 AND 86 4 DOOR SEDAN, 3 DOOR, STATION WAGON AND XT COUPE MODELS EXCEPT
HATCHBACK AND BRAT VEHICLES
SUBJECT: RODENTS ENTERING THE HEATER SYSTEM
THIS BULLETIN IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
Vehicle owners who live in rural areas where field mice and other small rodents may seek shelter during the winter months may encounter evidence of rodent nesting inside the heater duct system. Installing mesh screen covers on the front fresh air vent holes may prevent the rodents from entering the heater system. Follow this procedure for installation:
TOOLS NEEDED:
Tape measure Snips or shears to cut metal screen Clip removing tool, Example: Kent-Moore J-28523 Razor blade or razor knife
MATERIAL NEEDED:
Fine mesh metal screen, minimum size 10" x 14" Windshield caulking, Example: 3m brand window-weld ribbon sealer, part number 051135-08612 3/8" x 15 feet
FIGURE 1:
Step 1) Open the hood, locate the black plastic net and remove the clips that secure the net halves using the clip tool. Unplug the windshield washer hose at the center fitting. Remove the net halves by removing the left side first, then the right side and put them aside. See Figure 1.
NOTE: THE NET PIECES ARE EASILY BROKEN. WATCH WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM
AND BODY INTERFERENCE.
FIGURE 2:
STEP 2) Locate the left and right fresh air ducts. See Figure 2.
FIGURE 3:
STEP 3) Cut two 5" x 7" pieces of screen, then cut two 22" pieces of ribbon sealer. Apply the ribbon sealer around the edge of the screen. See Figure 3.
FIGURE 4:
STEP 4) Affix the 5" x 7" screens to the right and left duct openings by pressing down on the screen edge. See Figure 4.
NOTE: MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO GAPS BETWEEN THE SCREEN AND THE DUCT OPENING. IF ANY GAPS ARE FOUND, REMOVE THE SCREEN AND RE-APPLY.
STEP 5) Reinstall the net in the reverse order of removal.
STEP 6) Reconnect the windshield washer hose
NOTE: DO NOT REINSTALL BROKEN RETAIN CLIP ORDERED UNDER PART # 91017GA330
This procedure is not covered under subaru warranty.