HVAC ODOR: NEW technical service bulletin from toyota

[DebbyM46227]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Its a really bad idea to run your AC on recirc for long periods of time. Frequently change to circulate fresh air. Mold or something gets in the internal components of the climate control system. It stinks to high heaven. My wife did that to her Camry and its hard to sit in the vehicle it stinks so bad.

I think you're right. I've got that musty stench in my 2010 now. I checked the A/C condensate drain, it's not clogged, and I know for certain those 2 rubber plugs were installed that they use for transit from the factory (they were in the glove box but I took the car back to have them installed the first week I got the car, so it's not that).

My problem started in August when we had 100+ degree heat index for days on end, and I'd drive home with the A/C on "recirculate" to keep it cool enough.

I don't have a cabin filter, I've never had one in any car I previously owned.

Now it smells like a 15 year old car when I first get in.