I need some diy instructions for opening up / cleaning out my 2009 Fit's ventilation system, but haven't found anything in existing threads. Left it in storage for a year, and although it was in near-perfect condition on my return, the local mouse population also found its conditions to be near-perfect in my absence. Nests and mess have been cleaned up, but whenever I turn on the fan, the unmistakable, unbearable odour that blasts out clearly indicates there some nasty remains in the ventilation system.
Help, please! Winter's approaching so my just-roll-down-the-windows strategy won't be an option for much longer. Thanks!

 

I'll wager you'll need to pull the dash. Clean all of the ductwork, the heater core, the blower assembly, etc. I do not envy you your task ahead. Mice are true pests. Sorry you have to deal with this.

 

Yes- looks like I have a big job ahead!
Next step: find the service manual online so I can get some direction on how to open everything up.

 

Not such a big job after all!
Started by figuring out how to get into the cabin air filter ( lower glove box pops out when you depress rubber stoppers at sides ) - when I removed the filter it had been obviously used as a litter box, and behind it was a well packed mouse nest. Easily cleaned it out and will buy a replacement filter. Already, the vents are blowing sweet smelling air. Whew. Will be nice to be able to breathe and stay warm when driving this winter.

 

Next step, if needed, is to run the A/C on high fan and spray Lysol into the cowl vents in front of the windshield outside the car. Have someone spray into the vents for a few seconds and then turn off the A/C to trap the Lysol inside the system. Let sit for a few hours.

Any residual odor should then be gone.

 

Good to hear. The heater core is a popular nesting spot. Glad it seems there is nothing there.

 

tried this out earlier with a can of lysol. lets see if the nasty first few seconds of ac smell go away.

 

It helped one of my cars. Didn't make it 100% scent free, but it helped greatly.

Good luck with yours!

 

How do rodents get into the cabin air intake? Where is the hole that pulls in outside air? How do you get to it?

My neighbor's 2012 CRV just had a rat nest in the intake above the cabin air filter. Cant find an exterior access point....

Seems like the cowling around my windshield wipers is fairly tight...no flaps or holes I can find on my 2007 Fit...

 

30 years ago I had an Isuzu. Started it up, felt a vibration, and the heat was messed up.

I didn't find a mouse in the heater core. I found half a mouse. The other half was splattered all over the fan and core.