Questionable funk from the air vents

[cleong]

Try removing the air conditioning air filter for a few days and see if that helps.

[SilverBack]

Okay, found a little bit of semi-solid decaying leaf matter in my drain that smells like total shit. Looks like I've been carrying mulch around with me everywhere I go. Think I'll watch where I park from now on, and lay-off the A/C a little. Spraying Lysol in the vents once a week would be an added option. Thanks everybody for your advice

[captainm27]

Originally Posted by k r a y z e e . j o j o

Okay, found a little bit of semi-solid decaying leaf matter in my drain that smells like total shit. Looks like I've been carrying mulch around with me everywhere I go. Think I'll watch where I park from now on, and lay-off the A/C a little. Spraying Lysol in the vents once a week would be an added option. Thanks everybody for your advice

Can you post a pic to see where exactly you are looking at? Thanks!

[SilverBack]

Sorry can't put up a pic. Camera's dead, but feel free to take a look at yours and take a pic for everyone else here who also has this problem. Think they would appreciate it.

[mmxcix]

Originally Posted by cleong

Try removing the air conditioning air filter for a few days and see if that helps.

Sorry, Toyota or the dealership forgot to install a cabin air filter on mine. They must be cutting corners or QC#666 was taking a break and it missed mine in the production line.

[SilverBack]

Why not just install one yourself?

[mmxcix]

Originally Posted by k r a y z e e . j o j o

Why not just install one yourself?

That does not really fix the issue of the odor. A wet cabin filter cannot be the culprit when there isn't one installed. I already removed the glove compartment and removed the carpet on the passenger side just to see if there is any leak from the drain or any hoses and I can not find any. I already sprayed lysol (as suggested) on the vents but the odor is still there.

Plus it defeats the purpose of installing a cabin filter if I drive with the windows open just so I don't have to use the AC and increase fuel economy back when gasoline was $4+/gallon.

In any case, any other suggestions where the smell can be coming from. I sure hate to bring the car to the dealership as I know they would just tell me "we're not smelling anything". Any help would be much appreciated.

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by mmxcix

That does not really fix the issue of the odor. A wet cabin filter cannot be the culprit when there isn't one installed. I already removed the glove compartment and removed the carpet on the passenger side just to see if there is any leak from the drain or any hoses and I can not find any. I already sprayed lysol (as suggested) on the vents but the odor is still there.

Plus it defeats the purpose of installing a cabin filter if I drive with the windows open just so I don't have to use the AC and increase fuel economy back when gasoline was $4+/gallon.

In any case, any other suggestions where the smell can be coming from. I sure hate to bring the car to the dealership as I know they would just tell me "we're not smelling anything". Any help would be much appreciated.

Did you actually clear the condensate drain tube?

[mmxcix]

Originally Posted by CTScott

Did you actually clear the condensate drain tube?

Yes I did that yesterday, I used a long thick plastic cable tie and inserted it in the drain tube and the drain seemed clean and clear. Just for good measure, I tested the cable tie I used for similar odor and there was non't any odor. Morever, it was also dry (that's because I have not used the AC that day because of the cooler weather) which meant that there isn't a stagnant water condensate in the tube. Oh yeah, I installed a cabin filter while I was at it ('should have gone back to the dealership and told them they sold me the car without the cabin filter installed).

This is really bugging me. I googled the issue and to my surprise it is not an uncommon problems with cars of any type. I may have to go to the dealership and deal with the inconvenience. *sigh. Why are dealership customer service only good when you're buying the car but it's the exact opposite when you're having your car fixed under warranty (at least from my experience)?