HVAC ODOR: NEW technical service bulletin from toyota - Page 5 - Toyota Yaris Forums

Jungle Rot · 11-02-2009, 05:43 PM

Why would my 2009 Yaris (8000 miles) not be covered if there is a stench from hell when the heater is turned on?

Lafiro · 11-02-2009, 10:28 PM

Because all Toyota is looking for is $ ?

Jungle Rot · 11-04-2009, 01:02 PM

Brought it to the dealer today with the TSB. They agreed it had an odor problem as they smelled it. They said my 2009 is not covered because this model had the odor problem corrected.

So I asked them and important question:

Why does it still stink?

They offered to drain something and run some chemical in the system to clean it out? Well I said go ahead and I'll bring it back if it still stinks. I'll pick it up later today and update this later on.

CTScott · 11-04-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jungle Rot

Brought it to the dealer today with the TSB. They agreed it had an odor problem as they smelled it. They said my 2009 is not covered because this model had the odor problem corrected.

So I asked them and important question:

Why does it still stink?

They offered to drain something and run some chemical in the system to clean it out? Well I said go ahead and I'll bring it back if it still stinks. I'll pick it up later today and update this later on.

I believe that there are two separate issues:

1. The metal incompatibility issue which the TSB covers.

2. The putrid funk caused by the condensate drain getting plugged and bacteria growing in the backed-up water.

The first is probably exacerbated by the second. The second can be avoided by always using a cabin filter. If yours doesn't have a filter, I would try to talk them into adding one so that you don't end up back there for another flushing.

RUFFSTUFF · 11-04-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jungle Rot

Brought it to the dealer today with the TSB. They agreed it had an odor problem as they smelled it. They said my 2009 is not covered because this model had the odor problem corrected.

So I asked them and important question:

Why does it still stink?

They offered to drain something and run some chemical in the system to clean it out? Well I said go ahead and I'll bring it back if it still stinks. I'll pick it up later today and update this later on.

Yeah, my '09 definitely stinks with the AC on recirc... have to get it checked out... don't even have 4000 miles on it...

UTVitz · 11-04-2009, 01:22 PM

If you're having a heater odor that may very well be an issue with the drain for the a/c.-water building up in the housing. The odor that effected my yaris only occured after the a/c had been on or in use and the car was parked for awhile-the heater never had an odor. The evap. replacement did cure the a/c odor, though. Try and keep the air intake on fresh air coming in-and if it has a filter installed they should check it to make sure it's not the reason for the foul smell.

adamschneider · 12-02-2009, 06:57 PM

I brought my '07 Yaris in today for the odor fix (TSB 0103-09). They took my whole dash apart, took out the old parts, and then discovered when they tried to hook up the new stuff that there was a part (a valve, I think they said?) that they didn't have! So they had to put it all back together, and now they're calling around the country to find the missing part. Apparently it was NOT listed as a required component in the service bulletin.

So now I have to waste ANOTHER full day of my life getting this fixed again next week.

Lafiro · 12-05-2009, 06:23 PM

What are they charging you to do the work?

ozmdd · 12-05-2009, 06:38 PM

It should be totally free if you are still in the warranty period. Mine was.

Maxh91 · 12-15-2009, 08:08 AM

If you are an Canadian, the TSB is valid. I have an appointment tomorrow. The only problem: they must find a specific odour to repair...

EDIT: USA only

adamschneider · 12-23-2009, 05:09 PM

Three weeks later, and they finally got my missing part. I'm at the Toyota dealership waiting for it right now; it's an all-day job. (It's 2:00 PM now, and I brought it in at 8:30 AM.) My understanding is that I won't be charged anything.

Edit: 4 PM, still waiting.

UTVitz · 12-23-2009, 07:04 PM

I was lucky enough to have another vehicle to drive, but the dealer had my car two days before the work was completed. I did tell them to not rush it as I really hated having the dash taken apart and was worried about dash rattles. So far three months later everything seems well screwed together again. So glad I had it done-I really thought the musty smell after using the a/c was something I had to live with-nope.

adamschneider · 12-23-2009, 09:25 PM

I finally got out of there at 6:00, as the dealership was closing... and found that they put my console back together wrong!!!! They switched around the heat and blower controls, and now neither one feels exactly right. The whole thing doesn't look flush either. I am so pissed off.

I guess I should have let them keep it and "not rush it." God damn it.

unclenefeesa · 12-28-2009, 05:32 AM

I called the dealer last week to ask about the odor from the AC. From the quick reply they gave over the phone I could tell this was a frequent problem with them.
I didn't mention the TSB (I am not in the US) but all they suggested is to take an appointment (earliest available is after mid January) and they would clean the AC with some chemical. It would take more than 3 hours to finish and would cost me 75 USD. what a rip off.

I will call them back later this week ans ask why this is not covered by warranty. I mean the car is still under warranty and the AC is not functioning properly right?

I bought an air system cleaning can. it comes with long tube. i used the tube and sprayed the inside of the AC for 5 to 6 seconds. I haven't used the AC since then, but the car smells extremely clean and fresh that it some times gives me and my wife a headache.

unclenefeesa · 12-29-2009, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclenefeesa

I called the dealer last week to ask about the odor from the AC. From the quick reply they gave over the phone I could tell this was a frequent problem with them.
I didn't mention the TSB (I am not in the US) but all they suggested is to take an appointment (earliest available is after mid January) and they would clean the AC with some chemical. It would take more than 3 hours to finish and would cost me 75 USD. what a rip off.

I will call them back later this week ans ask why this is not covered by warranty. I mean the car is still under warranty and the AC is not functioning properly right?

I bought an air system cleaning can. it comes with long tube. i used the tube and sprayed the inside of the AC for 5 to 6 seconds. I haven't used the AC since then, but the car smells extremely clean and fresh that it some times gives me and my wife a headache.

Well, the air system cleaning can certainly gave my car a clean fresh smell but it didn't solve the problem. The smell comes on as soon as I turn the fan on (both on hot and cold).

UTVitz · 12-28-2009, 10:45 AM

Have the dealer run your VIN to see if it falls under the TSB for a/c evap. replacement. The musty smell comes from the metals used to make the evap. core-it's defective. But once you run out of warranty you're out of luck to get toyota to cover it-and it's not a safety item, hence no recall on this problem.

unclenefeesa · 12-29-2009, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTVitz

Have the dealer run your VIN to see if it falls under the TSB for a/c evap. replacement. The musty smell comes from the metals used to make the evap. core-it's defective. But once you run out of warranty you're out of luck to get toyota to cover it-and it's not a safety item, hence no recall on this problem.

I don't live in USA. the TSB we have says US Market only. the Dealer doesn't have to honor this TSB, unless I can find a TSB that does not say US Only.

swidd · 12-28-2009, 11:22 AM

Not a safety problem? Is it healthy to breath in these gases, especially if the A/C gas starts leaking?

12-15-2009, 08:08 AM	#10
Maxh91 Drives: Red 3 Dr HB 2008 Auto. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: New-Brunswick , Canada Posts: 60	If you are an Canadian, the TSB is valid. I have an appointment tomorrow. The only problem: they must find a specific odour to repair... EDIT: USA only Last edited by Maxh91; 12-16-2009 at 02:58 PM.

12-23-2009, 05:09 PM	#11
adamschneider Drives: Bayou Blue 2dr, AT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 67	Three weeks later, and they finally got my missing part. I'm at the Toyota dealership waiting for it right now; it's an all-day job. (It's 2:00 PM now, and I brought it in at 8:30 AM.) My understanding is that I won't be charged anything. Edit: 4 PM, still waiting. Last edited by adamschneider; 12-23-2009 at 06:56 PM.

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11-02-2009, 05:43 PM	#1
Jungle Rot Drives: 09 Yaris Sedan AT PP Silver Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: TX Posts: 25	Why would my 2009 Yaris (8000 miles) not be covered if there is a stench from hell when the heater is turned on?

11-02-2009, 10:28 PM	#2
Lafiro Drives: 06 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 694	Because all Toyota is looking for is $ ?

11-04-2009, 01:02 PM	#3
Jungle Rot Drives: 09 Yaris Sedan AT PP Silver Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: TX Posts: 25	Brought it to the dealer today with the TSB. They agreed it had an odor problem as they smelled it. They said my 2009 is not covered because this model had the odor problem corrected. So I asked them and important question: Why does it still stink? They offered to drain something and run some chemical in the system to clean it out? Well I said go ahead and I'll bring it back if it still stinks. I'll pick it up later today and update this later on.

11-04-2009, 01:22 PM	#6
UTVitz Drives: Black Vitz Liftback Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 238	If you're having a heater odor that may very well be an issue with the drain for the a/c.-water building up in the housing. The odor that effected my yaris only occured after the a/c had been on or in use and the car was parked for awhile-the heater never had an odor. The evap. replacement did cure the a/c odor, though. Try and keep the air intake on fresh air coming in-and if it has a filter installed they should check it to make sure it's not the reason for the foul smell.

12-02-2009, 06:57 PM	#7
adamschneider Drives: Bayou Blue 2dr, AT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 67	I brought my '07 Yaris in today for the odor fix (TSB 0103-09). They took my whole dash apart, took out the old parts, and then discovered when they tried to hook up the new stuff that there was a part (a valve, I think they said?) that they didn't have! So they had to put it all back together, and now they're calling around the country to find the missing part. Apparently it was NOT listed as a required component in the service bulletin. So now I have to waste ANOTHER full day of my life getting this fixed again next week.

12-05-2009, 06:23 PM	#8
Lafiro Drives: 06 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 694	What are they charging you to do the work?

12-05-2009, 06:38 PM	#9
ozmdd Reluctantly Crouched... Drives: 2008 Yaris HB M/T Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 867	It should be totally free if you are still in the warranty period. Mine was.

12-23-2009, 07:04 PM	#12
UTVitz Drives: Black Vitz Liftback Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 238	I was lucky enough to have another vehicle to drive, but the dealer had my car two days before the work was completed. I did tell them to not rush it as I really hated having the dash taken apart and was worried about dash rattles. So far three months later everything seems well screwed together again. So glad I had it done-I really thought the musty smell after using the a/c was something I had to live with-nope.

12-23-2009, 09:25 PM	#13
adamschneider Drives: Bayou Blue 2dr, AT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 67	I finally got out of there at 6:00, as the dealership was closing... and found that they put my console back together wrong!!!! They switched around the heat and blower controls, and now neither one feels exactly right. The whole thing doesn't look flush either. I am so pissed off. I guess I should have let them keep it and "not rush it." God damn it.

12-28-2009, 05:32 AM	#14
unclenefeesa Da Uncle Drives: 2008 Toyota Yaris Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Beirut, Lebanon Posts: 36	I called the dealer last week to ask about the odor from the AC. From the quick reply they gave over the phone I could tell this was a frequent problem with them. I didn't mention the TSB (I am not in the US) but all they suggested is to take an appointment (earliest available is after mid January) and they would clean the AC with some chemical. It would take more than 3 hours to finish and would cost me 75 USD. what a rip off. I will call them back later this week ans ask why this is not covered by warranty. I mean the car is still under warranty and the AC is not functioning properly right? I bought an air system cleaning can. it comes with long tube. i used the tube and sprayed the inside of the AC for 5 to 6 seconds. I haven't used the AC since then, but the car smells extremely clean and fresh that it some times gives me and my wife a headache.

12-28-2009, 10:45 AM	#16
UTVitz Drives: Black Vitz Liftback Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 238	Have the dealer run your VIN to see if it falls under the TSB for a/c evap. replacement. The musty smell comes from the metals used to make the evap. core-it's defective. But once you run out of warranty you're out of luck to get toyota to cover it-and it's not a safety item, hence no recall on this problem.

12-28-2009, 11:22 AM	#18
swidd Drives: Yaris HB Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Alabama, GOD BLESS AMERICA Posts: 755	Not a safety problem? Is it healthy to breath in these gases, especially if the A/C gas starts leaking?