NC330

It's on my '05 330 with 37,000 miles. We bought it certified used in Charlotte, and have had 3 returns to Hendricks due to a/c problems (compressor, clutch, diverter, new R134a etc done at various times since April under warranty). But now, we've noticed this foul, musty smell when going to heat mode through either the dash or defroster vents.
Dealer says to replace cabin air filter (ok, only $70), but they want to install a "kit" to control future smells, and reduce chance of this ocurring again. What's in this "kit"? The service writer led me to believe it's some king of antiseptic foam material, that eliminates mold, mildew, smoke issues. Is this right??
I'm upset that I'm having so many problems with the HVAC component of the car! Could this new smell be caused from the a/c problems (above)?
Can I change the cabin filter by myself, by going thru the glove compartment like in my Infinitis and Hondas??

Thanks

mandyfig

Cabin Filter is $20 and takes 5 minutes to replace. A kit? That's a new one. Have not heard of a kit that takes the musty smell out. There are other recommendations on how to get the bacteria out from the evaporator....

salimshah

Before you reach out for any snake oil... just run your heater at high for couple of days. It can be simply mildew from the dampness of the A/C cooling action.

Salim

Grumpa72

I agree with the others that the filter isn't close to $70 - more like $25. In addition, I have an '05 330 with 36000 miles, very similar to what you are saying and no smells of any sort. I would clarify with them exactly what the kit is, is there a TSB on it, and then do a search on this board for a/c issues. I recall that someone else had smells in their car.

Gary

grouch

On Cars Without Cabin Filters, You Just Turn The Fan On High And Spray Some Lysol Or Other Discenfectant. I Don't Know If It Will Pass Through The Filter.

jim256

I would not call it a kit, but our Toyota dealer has a process that fills the entire air box and coil area with an expanding foam that kills bacteria, mold, etc., then disipates and is flushed out with a spray. It seems like a good idea to me, although I have not needed it.

salimshah

I would be wary of it ... the ducts are typically snapped into one and another and usually Lexus adds a bit of foam packing to reduce rattle and prevent leaks. If you happen to own an old lexus, over time the sponge drys up and breaks into pieces which are blown out of vents. Any expanding foam might make things worse. That is why I am more for dry air doing its job. Heavy hammer or chemicals should be last option.

Salim

The G Man

Turn the fan on high and spray some Lysol into the air intake. When you drive, turn off the AC and place the intake on outside air for 5 mins before you turn off your car. This will get rid of the condensation inside your ductwork.

sxn179

I have a 2005 rx330 as well and have a similar issue. I've taken it to the dealer with no real solution so I do something similar to what salim said above. run it on high heat for a little while to get the condensation out.

hope that helps.