# Dead rat **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** toyota, highlander\ **Created:** [May 20, 2010, 1:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dead-rat/49103 "2010-05-20T13:29:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![kw1144](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/49beb7/32.png) [@kw1144](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kw1144)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2010, 1:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dead-rat/49103/1 "2010-05-20T13:29:55Z")
A rat got into my fan motor housing, was killed and the stench is throughout the car. Toyota is replacing parts, etc, but will I ever be able to eliminate the smell and could it be hazardous to my health if I do not? ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2010, 2:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dead-rat/49103/2 "2010-05-20T14:28:24Z")
This is a fairly common problem and only time will eliminate all the smell. Check out a good detail shop since they are the closest thing to experts in this matter. ---
**Author:** ![mshugna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ce73a5/32.png) [@mshugna](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mshugna)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2010, 2:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dead-rat/49103/3 "2010-05-20T14:35:34Z")
gasoline fumes are more dangerous than the smell of rat remains…have the engine compartment steam cleaned by someone who knows how to do it… ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2010, 3:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dead-rat/49103/4 "2010-05-20T15:00:27Z")
Agree; time will evetually get rid of the smell. In the mean time there are a number of kits on the market to get rid of mouldy and otyher smells; just spray them into the outside air intake with the heater/A/C running and you will smell spring flowers instead of dead rats. Instructions are on the can. I do this once a year with both my cars. The spray kit costs about $12. Agree that dead art smell is not as harmful as gasoline fumes.