HHartley

Hi.

So I just bought a used 2007 Lexus sc430 on Thursday. It has 84k, paint and seats are pristine (My cousin's roommate used to own one and remarked how there's too perfect of a gloss on the paint and that it may have been redone . My only contention with that is if they're willing to repaint then why not also fix the driver sun visor that's a tad loose too?), and it seemed to be previously owned by someone who was rich considering I found a plastic surgery reminder lodged under the passenger seat. Lol

On part of the test drive we drove past a commercial building finishing construction with a part being painted. Naturally, paint smell came through the vents. When we came back around the top was down cause I wanted to make sure it functioned appropriately and naturally smelt the paint easier on the way back.

Now it's a come and go scent when the A/C is on. I'm highly concerned now since I bought it and I'm wondering if something is internally wrong and it was just perfect timing for that smell to show itself on the test drive. I want to know what the issue might be and what the estimated cost to fix would be?

Thanks.

Edit 1: My friend did an OBD scan with that bluedriver tool he got from Amazon and the only thing that came up was code B1281 (Airbag ECU communication stop). Since we're on it, is that part of that huge airbag recall?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Replace the cabin filter. Behind the glove box. Other smells can come the evaporator. This is usual caused if the drain tubes are clogged and mold will build up. This can be cleaned out too. And yes, the aibag should be replaced.

HHartley

I'll do the filter and see what happens. But it's not moldy or musty smelling, it's chemically like paint. No sweet smell from coolant either, thankfully.

I figured so about the airbag.

ivanj

Let us know how long it takes to get a new airbag from the dealer. My passenger side airbag was ordered two weeks ago. The dealer said Lexus had them in stock. I still haven't heard anything.

I'm hesitant to drive the car with a companion since there is no switch on the dash to shut it off.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

When you change the filter try this too. With no filter in the system, put cover back onto filter access point. Turn AC on high - select outside air, roll windows down, use a can of lysol and find the spot with the greatest suction on the bottom of the windshield where the venting is. Spary into the system. You don't go crazy but it's needs to go through a bit. Let AC run for a 3 or so more min making sure water is draining. Put new filter back in. Amazon has them a great prices. Carbon activated.

GmanSC

Use your AC frequently. It will eliminate the smell.