Questionable funk from the air vents

[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)?

[slvryaris]

I was experiencing this before when I ran the AC and then let it sit. The moisture builds up in there and becomes stale. I used the recycle air when running the heater and noticed a funky smell also. Try running the heater and AC using the fresh air option instead of the recycle.

[pz's yaris]

I have the same problem and have asked my service guy at Toyota about it. It's a common problem they have seen...there's a tray under the dash where condensation collects when the A/C is run a lot and it can get that musty, gross smell. The only thing they do is spray Ozium into the vents (Lysol is the same thing...air neutralizer/germ killer) and say to keep the vents on the fresh air when the car is parked or a/c isn't used. Not much else they can do about it...you can pay to have the a/c service done, but, I have been making sure my vents are open now and I have noticed over time the smell has gone away. It's just going to take time...a lot of time! That is coming straight from my Toyota Service Department...hope it helps! :)

[SilverBack]

Originally Posted by slvryaris

I was experiencing this before when I ran the AC and then let it sit. The moisture builds up in there and becomes stale. I used the recycle air when running the heater and noticed a funky smell also. Try running the heater and AC using the fresh air option instead of the recycle.

Originally Posted by pz's yaris

I have the same problem and have asked my service guy at Toyota about it. It's a common problem they have seen...there's a tray under the dash where condensation collects when the A/C is run a lot and it can get that musty, gross smell. The only thing they do is spray Ozium into the vents (Lysol is the same thing...air neutralizer/germ killer) and say to keep the vents on the fresh air when the car is parked or a/c isn't used. Not much else they can do about it...you can pay to have the a/c service done, but, I have been making sure my vents are open now and I have noticed over time the smell has gone away. It's just going to take time...a lot of time! That is coming straight from my Toyota Service Department...hope it helps! :)

You know what, the smell has been starting to fade away very slowly on its own since I cut down on my A/C use. Guess these colder Winter months are helping. I'll try these tips anyway when the weather starts warming up again to gauge how well they work. Thanks for the advice, guys

[mmxcix]

Originally Posted by pz's yaris

...It's a common problem they have seen...there's a tray under the dash where condensation collects when the A/C is run a lot and it can get that musty, gross smell...

That sucks... where exactly is the tray... anyway, i still smell it from time to time... it's not bad this time of year since I have not been using the AC due to a cooler weather... i have tried using the ozium, but that thing smells like bathroom deodorant...

[trini_per4mance]

Originally Posted by PK198105

its also due to your cabin air filter, get it changed and the smell will go away.

My car didn't come with a cabin filter from factory. and I use to get the smell even before I installed a cabin filter. and even after I installed a new Toyota OEM filter I still get the smell for a lil bit and then it goes away. I was thinking that the R134 gas is leaking into vent every so often.