Questionable funk from the air vents

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by mmxcix

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]

Originally Posted by PK198105

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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Originally Posted by 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! :)

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

[mmxcix]

Originally Posted by pz's yaris

...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]

Originally Posted by PK198105

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.