Van Rental UK - Wires to Nox Nitrogen Oxide Sensor Chewed Through

DayWalker_3

I hired a van for 1 day - picked it up on the Friday morning and returned it on Saturday morning. On my return journey (evening of the same day), the engine symbol appeared on the dashboard.

The rental company was closed by then so, with no effect on performance, kept the car overnight and returned it the following morning (Saturday). I pointed out the engine symbol was on and was told they would look into it.

They have stated that on inspection of the van, they have found that the wires to the Nox Sensor have been chewed through and that a replacement costs £750 + VAT. With the sensor activated whilst the van was in my possession, they have stated that I am responsible for the replacement part. But, having been a repeat customer over the last 10 years (with no accidents or damage to any of the vehicles rented), they have offered to reduce that figure to the £500 deposit I paid.

9 hours after pickup when the engine symbol came on (and driving most of that) I fail to see when an animal would have had the opportunity to access to the wires under the van. Secondly, I still don't understand why I need to pay for replacement parts.

I am in the process of emailing them to notify them of my intent to take this further but I did wonder if anyone had similar experiences or from a legal perspective, whether I should be liable for these costs?

born_again

At a guess at some point when the van was parked up, some rodent decided they needed a snack. Not a uncommon event.

You could get a quote yourself & get the work done that way.

Sadly as the van was in your possession that is the way it works. Just the same as if you had a accident.

Baldytyke88

DayWalker_3 said:

They have stated that on inspection of the van, they have found that the wires to the Nox Sensor have been chewed through and that a replacement costs £750 + VAT. With the sensor activated whilst the van was in my possession, they have stated that I am responsible for the replacement part.

The inspection by the company that you hired it from, or an inspection xx days later by the dealer?

GrumpyDil

I'm wondering if it is possible that the cable had been chewed before collecting it and gave up the ghost while you had the van.

Certainly worth a challenge I would have thought. 

Arunmor

If it's only wires chewed through then that should be an easy cheap fix.  Can they prove the rodent wasn't in residence before you picked it up.

Baldytyke88

GrumpyDil said:

I'm wondering if it is possible that the cable had been chewed before collecting it and gave up the ghost while you had the van.

Certainly worth a challenge I would have thought. 

Faults can often be cleared and then they come back later, but they have only just noticed the wire.