Best way to connect a electronic mouse repeller under the hood?

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by HappyHybrid, Mar 25, 2026 at 3:19 PM.

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  1. HappyHybrid

    HappyHybrid Junior Member

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    Hi folks,
    I was a member of Prius Chat when I had my 2007, got out when it died and I temporarily got a RAV4 hybrid, but a year ago Jan, traded that in for a 2024 Prius Prime. So I'm back! :)

    After my dashboard started flashing with all sorts of error messages on Monday, I took it to the dealership today and found that rodents of some sort have chewed through the wiring and caused all sorts of havoc.

    After I get it back, am planning on trying one of those electronic things (a near perfect 5 start rating on Amazon) that goes under the hood, but not sure where to connect it. Another site said connect to the 12v battery, but they realized that for the prius, the 12v is in the back, so that wouldn't work, and then suggested getting a fuse tap to connect that in the front and then connecting the device to that.

    Just looking for the best way to connect the anti mouse device under the hood. I've used other sonic things to keep cats from my deck, which seemed to work, so given the ratings of the one on Amazon, I'm hopeful that it will work as well.

    Suggestions? TIA
     
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  2. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    Wow that's a bummer and potentially big bucks.

    There's a fusebox under the hood that has a line that goes direct to the battery.
    Maybe someone with knowledge will chime in.

    I would opine that the device should have its own fuse and that you want to be careful with powering that thing for any amount of time because the battery is small. Calculations should be made and maybe use a protective low voltage shut off device like with hardwired dashcams.

    Did this happen over the winter? I wonder if the charging may have created attractive warmth.

    Good luck.
     
  3. HappyHybrid

    HappyHybrid Junior Member

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    2024 Prius Prime
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    The dash messages started on Monday, it was working fine on Saturday when I went to work in the AM and then to the movies in the afternoon afterwards. So don't know if they just started on it and did all the damage in one night, or this has been a long term thing and they finally just chewed far enough in to screw up the connection over Sunday. There wasn't any damage when AAA had the hood up to give me a jumpstart in December when my aux battery kept dying, or when Toyota had it then to replace said aux battery.

    Thankfully, apparently my comprehensive coverage on the car actually covers rodent chewed engine wires. So since my policy has a zero deductible for that, the doesn't appear to be costing me anything except maybe an increase in my insurance rates in 6 mo. Which is good, since the estimate my Toyota guy showed me this morning was $3100, to replace the whole of something.

    And Toyota sent me home in a really nice loaner (2026 Camry HEV). Probably would have been different had I gotten a rental from Allstate and they'd sent me to Enterprise again. First rental I got from THEM was a gas guzzling Dodge Grand Behemoth which I traded back to them for something a little more sized for one person after the first day. But I can deal with a week or so of Camry hybrid. :)
     
  4. HappyHybrid

    HappyHybrid Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2011
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE Premium
    Info from Amazon about the unit I'm looking at, if this helps

    Step-by-Step DC Connection:
    • 1. Locate the 12V Power Source - Use your Prius Prime's fuse box or auxiliary power outlet under the hood
    • 2.Connect the DC Cable - The included DC cable connects directly to your car's 12V electrical system
    • 3.Secure the Connection - Ensure a solid connection to prevent disconnection while driving
    Prius Prime Specific Notes:•
    • Your hybrid has both a 12V auxiliary battery and the main hybrid battery - connect to the 12V system
    • The device draws minimal power and won't affect your hybrid battery performance
    • The intelligent vibration sensor automatically puts the device on standby when you start the car