Hey all, as the title says I believe a mouse chewed through an electrical line. I discovered the severed wire while fixing another issue (cracked pcv vacuum elbow), and soon after saw the mouse nest near the wire which had been chewed through. I'm planning on splining the wires back together this weekend but will have to take off quite a few things to access the other end of the wire.

My question is, what is this electrical wire for? Below are images of the connection just about a foot of wire away from where it was severed. My best guess is it leads to a sensor (MAP maybe?) or the injectors. My truck has been running a little rough, which it always kinda has. Also, a more recent noise/rattle that I have not addressed sounds like a pump working extra hard at about 2.5-3k rpm. That started about 3 months ago and I'm not sure if it could be related. If an audio recording would be useful I could try to make that happen too.

2002 ranger, 4x4, XLT, 4.0L, 71K miles

Severed wire was close to the intake.
That pcv elbow can be seen here, recommend taking a look at that for any ranger from 98-05. Apparently it's a common issue. Presented itself to me as a lean code in banks 1 and 2.
Wire cover from which the severed wire was pulled from.
Unhooked that electrical connection to see if I could get a part number for clues. Couldn't find anything from the numbers on the connection.

 

On 4.0l SOHC Ranger that looks to be the Knock sensor plug in

Like the PCV Elbow hose the Knock sensor wire connector was also a problem.

Knock sensor is under the intake, pictures here: SOHC V6 knock sensor replacement | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

4.0l SOHC engine runs 9.7:1 compression ratio so can't run Regular(87 octane) gasoline without pinging/knocking
Knock sensor is used so it can run Regular gas with just a loss of power and not engine damage

 

3.0 liter i went to clean the throttle body and found a birds nest under the upper intake with egg's in it and i drive my truck everyday. I thought wow fords new upper intake gasket looks funny! Damn birds!

 

Thanks for the reply. That is very informative and helpful. Do you think it would be okay to just spline the wires back together that way I don't have to take off the intake manifold? Or do you think the sensor should be replaced?

 

I knew mice could live in cars, but I didn't expect this! Pests sure are annoying.

 

Yes, splicing would be fine