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.

[SilverBack]

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

Found this to fix the problem. ..Tomorrow I'll find out if it works

[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]

Originally Posted by k r a y z e e . j o j o

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]

Originally Posted by CTScott

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

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

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by k r a y z e e . j o j o

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

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]

Originally Posted by CTScott

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

[captainm27]

Originally Posted by k r a y z e e . j o j o

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

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.

[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.

[mmxcix]

Originally Posted by cleong

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?