Rodent chewed through a wire, help identify what!

[skidder]

Hi all, for the second time a rodent or may be a fox has chewed through a wire on my van (last time was oil sensor).

Pictured here. Can anyone tell me what that is? Found it on the floor under the van.

The van runs fine but with no speedo lots of warning lights (abs lights, coil, intermittent speedo)

I am trying to get an appointment with a specialist. I have had very recent full check over and service. Is it safe to drive without this? I can use a gps for speedo. I have a camping trip at the weekend so may struggle for a repair in time.
thanks folks!

 

[skidder]

t6 t28 converted camper

thanks

 

[paddy26]

How many wires? What colours are the wires?

 

[skidder]

How many wires? What colours are the wires?

thanks for the reply, it is three wires on both sides, on the one brown, blue and white and black and white, on the other side brown, blue and white and purple and black

 

[Loz]

Probably a wheel speed sensor

 

[skidder]

Probably a wheel speed sensor

just picked my mini up from getting a sensor replaced on that due to something chewing it. little sods! I've got a jack russell that is clearly not doing his job

would a missing speed sensor trigger the random lights from everything else? other than not knowing what speed your going is there any reason not to drive it if it is that?

 

[Alan Watts]

Had this last year, foxes chewed through oil sensor and egr sensor. £500 quid including labour

 

[skidder]

Had this last year, foxes chewed through oil sensor and egr sensor. £500 quid including labour

Since this is now third time. I think I need to get a one of the sonic deterant things. to be fair to the dog, it is front drive which he's not hanging about on

Is it OK to drive without sensors? i presume so? i know the van is mechanically ok

 

[Alan Watts]

Since this is now third time. I think I need to get a one of the sonic deterant things. to be fair to the dog, it is front drive which he's not hanging about on

Is it OK to drive without sensors? i presume so? i know the van is mechanically ok

Should be, I think. Couldn't get recovered as MoT had expired and drove 20 minutes to the MoT station

 

[Loz]

just picked my mini up from getting a sensor replaced on that due to something chewing it. little sods! I've got a jack russell that is clearly not doing his job

would a missing speed sensor trigger the random lights from everything else? other than not knowing what speed your going is there any reason not to drive it if it is that?

Yes, the wheel speed sensor is used on the ABS/TCS Cruise control, front assist etc.

 

[skidder]

Yes, the wheel speed sensor is used on the ABS/TCS Cruise control, front assist etc.

Would you still be happy to drive it though until fixed?

 

[skidder]

Thinking this through I guess the ABS doesn't work without the sensor. Dangerous to drive without it? Meant to be going to Devon on the weekend.

 

[Loz]

Could you temporarily solder them back up?

 

[roadtripper]

For a temp repair you could use the gel crimps the folks working for BT etc use, two wires in a quick squeeze with pliers and bingo one waterproof joint.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Way-Gel-Filled-Connector-Crimps/dp/B007FGX3TW/

 

[skidder]

thanks both, appreciate the suggestions. Have managed to find someone to have a look at it tomorrow so hopefully they will be able to help on the day.

Think it is foxes. I have bought a couple of ultra sonic things they are meant to hate and some spray. Bloody pain! the repair to my mini was £300 already this week (not to mention 2 new tyres and brake service on top)!

 

[gardenermayall]

hello, Im not sure how this all works ........But 3 times the foxes have chewed through my electric on my T6 parked up in North London where the foxes rule the streets. My mechanic charged me £800 each time!!!!!! I now obsessively spra Scoot on the whjeel arches around the van after rain. I wonder if anyone has managed to find a skid pan, offroading thing as a kind of solution?

I cannot have it happen again but I feel it will

 

[jimc91]

Is your mechanic replacing the chewed loom with a new one? I think there’s something in the VW cable that attracts them (soya based I read somewhere) so if you’re replacing the chewed wiring with OEM wiring the same thing is going to happen. I managed to repair mine using crimps then taped it up out the way, no problems since but it is very common

 

[gardenermayall]

Hmmmm, Im seeing him Friday for a service so I will ask. Its reassuring if annoying to know that it is a common problem, Thank you
And for now I'll head back out with my spray

 

[bubbadubba]

Happens alot round our way....I had a fox chew through an exhaust sensor on my old van.
Three people in our street put up little fold out fences round their cars every night. Bit of a faff but saves expensive bills.

 

[jimc91]

Hmmmm, Im seeing him Friday for a service so I will ask. Its reassuring if annoying to know that it is a common problem, Thank you
And for now I'll head back out with my spray

Maybe discuss with your mechanic putting the cable through some conduit or metal sheathing, something the foxes will struggle to chew