Rotting rodent died in dash panel

2013 FORD ESCAPE
38,200 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ABBERZ423
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I took my car to the shop to investigate a truly atrocious odor emanating from the passenger side of the vehicle. They told me a mouse (or mice) climbed through my car and got behind my dash panel somehow and are now rotting and causing the unpleasant aroma. They estimate $1,050 to take the dash panel out and get it all cleaned up. Is there any other cheaper way I can get rid of this horrid smell? I'm willing to do it myself if I could get proper instructions. Any insight is appreciated.
Jun 19, 2015 at 1:49 PM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You can remove the blower motor and see if that is where they are which is pretty likely since they enter through the air intake and can't get past the evaporator.
Jun 19, 2015 at 3:10 PM
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ABBERZ423
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your suggestion! I will try this out and see what I find.
Jun 22, 2015 at 2:50 PM
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