BlackLexRX

I started noticing a musty smell while using my AC this weekend (rarely use-probably part of why it's smelling bad). Today I decided to do something about it. Here's what I did and it worked well as my HVAC system is totally fresh now. I used Lysol, sprayed into my intake air ducts under hood. In doing so, I was sure to spray just a little; directly into air ducts, as there are flammables such as alcohol in Lysol. But carefully done, no problems, just clean HVAC.
1. Start car, turn on AC full blast, I had mode on head and feet. With outside circulation. Not recirculate function.
2. Auto down all windows and open hood. Up near windshield wipers there are 3 vent sections (one driver, one middle, and one passenger side). They are small circular vented air ducts that draw fresh air into the system. I tested them by placing a tissue near them and it was drawn down by the air being pulled into system.
3. I carefully sprayed a few streams of Lysol into each of the 3 ducts. Ducts pull in the Lysol, but I was careful not to spray anywhere near running engine. I sprayed a few bursts into each duct.
4. Let car run with AC on for ten minutes or so while I stayed safely away from car and Lysol exiting duct work through vents in car (Lysol is harmful if inhaled).
5. Turned car off and let sit for 30 minutes.
6. Started car again and let run with AC full blast for 5 minutes after Lysol had saturated the system. Still windows down. Lysol smell had completely dissipated and no odors present. Ran a few more minutes with AC off but full blast just to be sure all Lysol was evaporated and gone from HVAC system.
Maybe just placebo, but my AC feels colder and totally odor free now. Really works well as Lysol kills any and all bacteria or mold, but do at your own risk. Lysol is flammable and also harmful if inhaled. I use it at work so I am used to it, for others it can be very strong so please use discretion and careful consideration and application. I do not take any responsibility for anyone trying this and having problems. Really worked great for me though. HVAC system is now factory fresh.

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

Did you replace the HVAC filter?

BlackLexRX

Yes, every ten thousand miles. Due in about 2k, so an old filter is not the cause of odor in system. It only happens when AC is on, so it is mold and bacteria built up onto the condenser in there. This is a known problem with early rx350s as Lexus introduced a TSB for it where they will install a newer designed condenser for crazy money. I'm just going to disinfect mine once or twice a year with the Lysol method as it worked very well.

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

Good to hear you found a work around. Our 2007 didn't have this problem.

BlackLexRX

Mine's a Colorado car, so it rarely sees AC use. I think that exacerbates the mildew buildup as it doesn't run and purge itself often. Then turn it on, and there's odor.

mdbrown

My A/C runs year round. In the winter it dries the incoming air. Best to run it monthly to keep the hoses lubricated, helps prevent leaks.

BlackLexRX

Yeah, I'll definitely be running mine more now. Just my greed in always trying to max mpg's. Plus I'm coming from a CRV which have a tendency for the compressor to explode, literally at any moment when AC is on, so I got used to never using it. In Honda forums it's known as the 'black death' as it really tears up your engine bay and HVAC when it goes.