Wife drove car about 1/2 mile the other day and told me the check engine light was on. We’d just gone through TS Isaias and wanted to be sure the car would perform as needed. Checked under the hood and all looked normal. We live in a rural area where the local shops dont see a lot of Volvo’s, so they directed me to my dealer. Drove the car 2 hrs at highway speed to get there. Then I get a call that a rodent (suspect: squirrel) had nested in my engine compartment and died from brief contact with the timing belt! acorns and fur down at the lower belt.

initial opinion is timing belt slipped, maybe doing unspecified damage Internally. Although the car ran without problems. Insurance adjuster has it down as a total write off! Damned squirrels!

 

Ook, I thought that rodents that are damaging your car are an insurance case... Although I think yes, check it with your insurance company. My rats gnawed the fuel line, so I also had to repair the car, but I coped with my friend. However, I should get rid of these bastards. They nibble on everything that gets in their way, so I found thebest rat trap in the market. At least that's what they say, but I want to check as soon as possible. I will also use non-toxic for humans and pets hypoallergenic aroma of peanut butter as a bait. Hopefully they'll taste it this time and don't have to fix the car again.

 

is the engine still able to run now? did the shop do a compression/leakdown test to see if the valves are bent? You didn't note model/year/mileage to determine the book value of the car and the cost to repair. I have found plenty of acorns under the hood from mice/chipmunks in all my cars. Just need to inspect and clean from time to time. They do like to chew wires so that's something to watch for.