RocketGuy3

iTrader: (1)

This is probably gonna sound weird, but I've noticed that on warm days, when my AC first turns on, the air it blows has a very distinct... BO smell. It goes away after it's been blowing for about a minute, but then it comes back every time I start the car.

And before anyone gets smart, no, it's not me ... I can very clearly tell it's coming from the AC vents, and there is no smell before starting the AC. There was no smell in the winter with the heater, and no smell with just the fan on (I think).

Has anyone else seen a problem like this? Any idea what might be causing it? Did something die back there?

joonsta

The smell's from the mold from the condensation in your AC system.

I think if you blast the heater, it'll go away.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong though.

VikH

iTrader: (5)

This has worked for me in the past:

Turn AC on.

Change temperature to maximum heat.

Turn fan on high.

Run it for about 5-10 minutes. If it doesn't work do a search and there are several other methods for removing the smell.

RocketGuy3

iTrader: (1)

I tried searching, but came up empty... Guess I'm using the wrong key words.

But if I try that method of blasting the heater at max heat, does that mean I should have the engine running, too? So that the heater blows heated air?

VikH

iTrader: (5)

Yeah. Have the engine running. Also might wanna open all the windows and sunroof cause it will get hot as a mother.

ReLexin

They have mildew mold spray for your vents, i use it.

Dabigman

He is in Texas, opening the windows will only make it hotter.

RocketGuy3

iTrader: (1)

Yep.

I'll have to start it, leave the keys in the car, and just sit outside, heh. At least it's covered parking...



Well thanks for the help guys; hopefully this works. Won't be able to try it until tomorrow, though.

ben_r_

Try some spray/mold killers.

RocketGuy3

iTrader: (1)

I'm guessing that's a product you can find in plenty of auto parts stores? Not too expensive, is it?

Old Oiler

There are lots of things in the auto stores that you can buy to spray that will eliminate this.

That new car smell after sitting in the sun gets pretty ripe all by itself in my opinion.

Old Oiler

Julez

I have the same problem, I'm going to try this.

DropTopGal

I had my 07 RX350 in the burbs of Dallas for 6 months and also developed a bad/moldy smell from the AC. To cure it, I did the following:
1. With old filter still in, spray Lysol on the filter and into the AC intake with the fan on med / high.
2. Then remove the old filter for a new one.

Odor was gone. To keep the odor from coming back, every now and then I turned the AC to outside air flow as opposed to cabin recirculate. The fress air helped keep the odor away.

Although I'm back in Florida now (thankfully), I still allow outside air to flow every now and then.

I should mention that the air filter is pricey, I think about $60 or so. The same filter is used in one of our other Toyota products (06 Tacoma PreRunner) and could be purchased for $39 from Toyota. I'm not sure if the IS uses that same filter, but it may be worth it to find out.
Good Luck!

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

check out autozone next time....should be ~$20-30

Shoyuu

i find that when i use my AC, i turn off AC about 30 seconds to a minute before i get to my destination while keeping the fan on. shut off the engine and the next time i use the AC, i don't experience the bad odor from condensation.

i don't have to resort to using a spray or turning up the heat either.