Will heat gun damage electronics?

1083 Views 13 Replies 7 Participants Last post by cash70, Apr 17, 2021

Laurel

Discussion Starter · Apr 16, 2021

I have a 2021 RAV4 XLE Hybrid. The trim on the inside hatchback below the window was badly scratched by an empty propane tank rolling around (will never do that again!). Will using a heat gun to repair that plastic panel damage any electronics in the hatchback? If so, can that panel be easily popped off to repair? Thanks for any feedback.

Save

1 - 14 of 14 Posts

Dr. Dyno

· #2 · Apr 16, 2021

Can't answer your question about the heat gun but do have the perfect way to coral a propane tank for transport. I have several old 13" X 13" milk crates which fit either 20# or 30# propane tanks perfectly. Keeps them from falling over and rolling around. Apparently they are still being made and are inexpensive. Edsal 11 in. x 13 in. x 13 in. 16-Qt. Polypropylene Milk Crate Storage Box in Black-MK131311-HD - The Home Depot

Save

Reactions: 1

SquirrelZ

· #3 · Apr 16, 2021

I'd say its very unlikely to be an issue. The plastic trim does not have any electronic components attached to it. The air gap between the trim and electrical components will dissipate any concentrations of heat.

If you leave your car sitting in the sun in AZ on a 110 F day its going to get toasty warm inside (way in excess of 110 F) and the electrical system works just fine after that. I can't imagine that your heat gun can achieve that same level of heating except in a very localized area on the surface of the trim.

Save

Reactions: 1

c7aea

· #4 · Apr 16, 2021

Have you looked into just replacing it? Maybe go to a junkyard and fine one that’s been in a front collision.

Save

Reactions: 1

ddox

· #5 · Apr 16, 2021

You're unlikely to damage anything behind the plastic trim without first damaging the plastic itself; so unless it's bubbling, you're probably fine. But I imagine it would be easier to work on if you take the trim piece off anyway. This video about installing the kick sensor goes into removing this specific trim piece:

If nothing else, you can see what's behind it.

Save

Reactions: 2

Laurel

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 16, 2021

Dr. Dyno said:
Can't answer your question about the heat gun but do have the perfect way to coral a propane tank for transport. I have several old 13" X 13" milk crates which fit either 20# or 30# propane tanks perfectly. Keeps them from falling over and rolling around. Apparently they are still being made and are inexpensive. Edsal 11 in. x 13 in. x 13 in. 16-Qt. Polypropylene Milk Crate Storage Box in Black-MK131311-HD - The Home Depot

Excellent idea! I used strong bungee cords to hold it, but they weren’t enough - a crate would work perfectly! Thank you.

SquirrelZ said:
I'd say its very unlikely to be an issue. The plastic trim does not have any electronic components attached to it. The air gap between the trim and electrical components will dissipate any concentrations of heat.

If you leave your car sitting in the sun in AZ on a 110 F day its going to get toasty warm inside (way in excess of 110 F) and the electrical system works just fine after that. I can't imagine that your heat gun can achieve that same level of heating except in a very localized area on the surface of the trim.

Thanks! The heat gun low setting is 500°, but I wouldn’t concentrate heat in any one place so should be okay.

Save

Laurel

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 16, 2021

c7aea said:
Have you looked into just replacing it? Maybe go to a junkyard and fine one that’s been in a front collision.

It’s not that badly damaged, just unsightly. Brand new car. The collision avoidance stuff on this car pretty much eliminates rear end collision damage to the front end. Thanks for the suggestion!

Save

Laurel

Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 16, 2021

ddox said:
You're unlikely to damage anything behind the plastic trim without first damaging the plastic itself; so unless it's bubbling, you're probably fine. But I imagine it would be easier to work on if you take the trim piece off anyway. This video about installing the kick sensor goes into removing this specific trim piece:

If nothing else, you can see what's behind it.

EXCELLENT! Already have the tools to remove trim - needed them to hide wires of a dash cam. Thank you so much ! Actually looks kinda fun 😁

Save

PatsNotaGeek

· #9 · Apr 16, 2021

They make a plastic foot to sit your tank in, that and a bungee cord keep it from moving anywhere.

Mr. Heater Plastic Tank Stabilizer - Ace Hardware

Gas gauge and leak detector - propane - brass Type 1 acme coupling nut by type 1 acme thread. Meets all type 1 safety standards with a gauge. Detects dangerous leaks in propane system.Find the PROPANE TANKFOOT STBLZER at Ace.

www.acehardware.com

Save

Reactions: 1

cash70

· #10 · Apr 16, 2021

Laurel said:
The collision avoidance stuff on this car pretty much eliminates rear end collision damage to the front end. Thanks for the suggestion!

I am not sure about that. The deer that jumped in front of me and caused 13k in damages would disagree with you.

You might get lucky and find the part you need cheap.

Save

Laurel

Discussion Starter · #11 · Apr 17, 2021

cash70 said:
I am not sure about that. The deer that jumped in front of me and caused 13k in damages would disagree with you. You might get lucky and find the part you need cheap.

Thanks for the info; if I can’t fix it, I’ll do that. I figure it’ll be about 3-500 if I have the dealer replace it. Did the deer survive?😟

Save

cash70

· #12 · Apr 17, 2021

Laurel said:
Thanks for the info; if I can’t fix it, I’ll do that. I figure it’ll be about 3-500 if I have the dealer replace it. Did the deer survive?😟

Not really. I slammed the brakes when I was right on top of it. However, I am sure it had some internal injuries and it did have at least a broken leg. A cop that had stopped was going to take care of it.

Save

Laurel

Discussion Starter · #13 · Apr 17, 2021

cash70 said:
Not really. I slammed the brakes when I was right on top of it. However, I am sure it had some internal injuries and it did have at least a broken leg. A cop that had stopped was going to take care of it.

Hopefully you had no injuries? Sounds like the 2021 RAV4 failed in this case - it theoretically stops itself if the radar senses any obstacle, including a pedestrian. Not that I would rely solely on it, I won’t, but that radar does offer another layer of protection, enough that insuring it is only costing $3 more a month compared to my previous car, a 2001 Highlander.

Save

cash70

· #14 · Apr 17, 2021

Laurel said:
Hopefully you had no injuries? Sounds like the 2021 RAV4 failed in this case - it theoretically stops itself if the radar senses any obstacle, including a pedestrian. Not that I would rely solely on it, I won’t, but that radar does offer another layer of protection, enough that insuring it is only costing $3 more a month compared to my previous car, a 2001 Highlander.

No injuries...thank you.

I don’t see it as a failure. I was doing 55 and it came from the passenger side, almost on an angle. It just appeared on the corner of my eye and I immediately slammed the breaks and hit it. If it would have been right in front of me it might have been different.

Save

1 - 14 of 14 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month