Questionable funk from the air vents

[SilverBack]

Okay, so my deal is that my vents have been shooting this stale, 3-week-old tortilla-chip smell everytime I start the car with the A/C on. It's only for a few seconds, then it either goes away or I get used to it. This is has been going on since the lovely new-car smell faded away at 4,000 miles. Since then, I've been dealing with this everyday and it's really starting to get on my nerves. I only have about 7,700 miles on it, so I'd say it's way too early for my car to stink itself up. Toyota dealer found nothing wrong with the A/C, filter and fan, and even sprayed air-freshener for free, which fades away in minutes. So what's really wrong with it? How do it fix it for good? Thanks.

[kimona]

Had the same problem. Still have it. And, I expect it will be there forever.
Get used to it, I don't think it's going anywhere.

[k2vitz]

I had the same problem. As uasual, the dealership could not find out whats the problem. I am using a hanging type car freshener to keep me in peace.:smile:

[SilverBack]

Not ready to get used to smelling ass on the start-up:moon:

Found this (http://www.ehow.com/how_2073997_get-rid-car-ac-odor.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art) to fix the problem. ..Tomorrow I'll find out if it works:confused:

[drbilal]

I have a similar problem. Randomly when I start the AC i get a stale, dusty smell that comes from the vents for a few seconds then stops. Doesnt happen every time but is annoying.

Ill try the tip u posted above, thanks.

[Mordarvia]

I don't have any Funk but when I accelerate the odd time its almost like I smell electrical but the car is getting checked out on Monday.

[CTScott]

Okay, so my deal is that my vents have been shooting this stale, 3-week-old tortilla-chip smell everytime I start the car with the A/C on. It's only for a few seconds, then it either goes away or I get used to it. This is has been going on since the lovely new-car smell faded away at 4,000 miles. Since then, I've been dealing with this everyday and it's really starting to get on my nerves. I only have about 7,700 miles on it, so I'd say it's way too early for my car to stink itself up. Toyota dealer found nothing wrong with the A/C, filter and fan, and even sprayed air-freshener for free, which fades away in minutes. So what's really wrong with it? How do it fix it for good? Thanks.

Check the TSB on HVAC evaporator drain blockage:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9753

When the drain tube is plugged up the condensate stays in and gets really funky after a while. It happened on my Xterra and I unplugged it from below by sticking a piece of flexible plastic up the evaporator drain tube. When I pulled the plastic rod out, about a gallon of putrid water came gushing out all over me. I nearly lost my lunch...

[SilverBack]

Check the TSB on HVAC evaporator drain blockage:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9753

When the drain tube is plugged up the condensate stays in and gets really funky after a while. It happened on my Xterra and I unplugged it from below by sticking a piece of flexible plastic up the evaporator drain tube. When I pulled the plastic rod out, about a gallon of putrid water came gushing out all over me. I nearly lost my lunch...

I'll have a look at it today. Thanks for the much needed info:thumbsup:

Quick question: Convinced this isn't a one-time thing, so how often do I need to do this?

[CTScott]

I'll have a look at it today. Thanks for the much needed info:thumbsup:

Quick question: Convinced this isn't a one-time thing, so how often do I need to do this?

The TSB mentions a cowl change that prevents stuff from getting in and plugging it up. You may want to check with you local service department to see if your car is affected by this TSB.

Otherwise, if you find that the tube is indeed plugged, you will notice what was plugging it up as it comes out (in my case it was the long thin flowery things that come off of my birch trees in the spring). By keeping my Xterra away from the birches when they are in bloom, I have not had the issue recur.

[Bob_VT]

Check the TSB on HVAC evaporator drain blockage:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9753

When the drain tube is plugged up the condensate stays in and gets really funky after a while. It happened on my Xterra and I unplugged it from below by sticking a piece of flexible plastic up the evaporator drain tube. When I pulled the plastic rod out, about a gallon of putrid water came gushing out all over me. I nearly lost my lunch...

Some of best flexible plastic to use is weed wacker string. It is great for clearing the lines.

Here are a few more hints once you make sure the line is clear.....

With the car off spray lysol (not air freshener but a germ killer that attacks / prevents mold) into all the vents and into the cabin filter slot. Now start the car with the Air condioning on and set it to recirculate for about 5 minutes and this will coat the entire system with lysol...... now switch the AC off and set the knob to fresh air intake and turn on the heat for 5 minutes.

I would not wait in the car when doing this..... the smell will go away pretty fast.

[firemachine69]

Dear lord. Some of the ideas on here...


A TSB has been put out by Toyota on this issue. This is a warranty item fixed by the dealer.

[cleong]

Try removing the air conditioning air filter for a few days and see if that helps.

[SilverBack]

Okay, found a little bit of semi-solid decaying leaf matter in my drain that smells like total shit. Looks like I've been carrying mulch around with me everywhere I go. Think I'll watch where I park from now on, and lay-off the A/C a little. Spraying Lysol in the vents once a week would be an added option. Thanks everybody for your advice:thumbsup:

[captainm27]

Okay, found a little bit of semi-solid decaying leaf matter in my drain that smells like total shit. Looks like I've been carrying mulch around with me everywhere I go. Think I'll watch where I park from now on, and lay-off the A/C a little. Spraying Lysol in the vents once a week would be an added option. Thanks everybody for your advice:thumbsup:

Can you post a pic to see where exactly you are looking at? Thanks!

[SilverBack]

Sorry can't put up a pic. Camera's dead, but feel free to take a look at yours and take a pic for everyone else here who also has this problem. Think they would appreciate it. :thumbsup:

[mmxcix]

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

That would be nice, mine did not come with any cabin air filter at all.

[mmxcix]

Try removing the air conditioning air filter for a few days and see if that helps.

Sorry, Toyota or the dealership forgot to install a cabin air filter on mine. They must be cutting corners or QC#666 was taking a break and it missed mine in the production line.

[SilverBack]

Why not just install one yourself?

[mmxcix]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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 :thumbsup:

[mmxcix]

...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]

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.