Rabbits Causing Damage

[Gosub]

I purchased a basic handheld OBD-II code scanner when the check engine light came on in my 2002 Toyota Avalon. The unit indicated two codes, which were related to the left and right bank knock sensors (P0325 and P0330). The car runs the same as before the CEL came on and a rabbit either chewed some wires leading to the knock sensor or chewed the wiring harness, triggering the code. I saw little bits of chewed plastic hose underneath the car after a rabbit dashed out from underneath the car. I also saw rabbit hair in the engine compartment. The code scanner allows me to erase the code, however the CEL reappears after a few days of light driving.
I read that a code is stored into memory and takes a certain period of miles to disappear from the not ready status and that if you take your car to get emissions tested, it will show a not ready status and the car won't pass. Even after I clear the code, the code scanner indicates a "not ready" status.
It's nice to have a code scanner to erase the annoying CEL, but if it's not truly erased to the state's emissions test computer then that's not good.

There is a problem with rabbits in my neighborhood, however other neighbors who leave their cars out have not had their cars affected. Last year, a rabbit ate through the transmission hose in my 2000 Lexus LS400 and it caused a transmission blowout on the road. No one in the HOA wants to do anything about it because they haven't been personally affected. Spraying LIquid Fence underneath the car works for about a couple of days before the rabbits return. I'm thinking rabbits must like Toyota products LOL. The cars that my neighbors park outside that have been unaffected include:
Subaru Forester
Acura MDX
Toyota 4Runner
Ford Focus
VW Bug
Buick Lucerne
Ford Taurus
Ford F-150

I live in a small townhouse complex and can pretty much see all my neighbors cars and the rabbits are everywhere but for some reason they pick on my car. Are Toyota cars prone to having their parts eaten by rabbits and rodents? If so, then I'm thinking I should sell this car and wait until I move to another rabbit free neighborhood to buy a Toyota. I figure that if nothing works to eliminate rabbits and the HOA does nothing about the issue, then I could be in for hefty repair bills each month for the same problem.

Thank you in advance for suggestions and insights.

[TrailDust]

Although rabbits are known to chew wires I'd also suspect rats. From my observations, neighborhoods that have issues with rabbits usually have trouble with rats too. Regardless of what any city/CCR policies are in your area, the only effective way to eliminate either animals is to remove local food sources but more importantly, kill them. Liquid defences aren't worth beans. Depending on where you live will depend on how effective an eradication campaign will run. Can you put your car into a garage?

[Emily]

Liquid Fence offers Deer & Rabbit Repellent and Dual Action Rabbit Repellent. Both are very effective, but would be more effective if your neighbors used the product as well. A problem of your magnitude would probably be best solved with the Dual Action Rabbit Repellent.

[Gosub]

Originally Posted by Emily

Liquid Fence offers Deer & Rabbit Repellent and Dual Action Rabbit Repellent. Both are very effective, but would be more effective if your neighbors used the product as well. A problem of your magnitude would probably be best solved with the Dual Action Rabbit Repellent.

I use Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent under the hood and two days later, I see rabbits underneath the hood. The neighbors aren't the type that would use this product regularly because of the foul odor. It would be helpful to know if Toyota products use soy based wires and hoses, because this is the second Toyota product I have owned that has had wires/hoses chewed. As long as I live in this neighborhood, I can't afford to keep replacing cars or parts.

[bobflood]

I assume a 22 caliber/16 guage solution is unrealistic?? Certainly seems odd that they would just attack your Toyota.

[Zembonez]

That's crazy! I've never heard of rabbits chewing through wires. I've seen damage caused by rats to wiring and hoses many times. They can cause some real damage if given enough time.

[TrailDust]

Rats do a lot of that damage, but believe it or not rabbits have a propensity for doing it too...go figure. Like myself and others said earlier, those "liquid defenses" may be politically correct, but they don't work worth spit. You need to eliminate the rabbits, and that means terminating them. Unless you can put your car in a garage, you've got a big job ahead of you.

[Gosub]

If I were to buy the parts and have someone replace them, should I buy just the wiring harness or should I also buy both knock sensors ($200 each)? How would one know exactly if the problem is the wiring harness or the sensors?