Strong Mildew Odor ? Possible Water Leak ? 2007 Access Cab

Yes, I've watched several videos. Not a problem, but it looks like that plastic barrier, is somewhat permanent - maybe glued in place ?

 

That i really don't know. There could be accumulated dirt, or something that's not blocking the drains, but is holding moisture. Might be a lot of stuff has filtered it's way in there in 9 or 10 years...also make sure the cowl drains are clear..

 

Seems to be glued, yes.

 

As you say, I'll just have to take a look.........I can handle removing the interior panel

Hate to ask a stupid question, but where are they, and what is the cowl ?

 

cowl is the part under your wipers, right in front of the windshield.. Not sure where the drains for the cowl are, though, Pop the hood and look around,...

 

Oh, okay....been there, done that. My first venture into this ordeal, was to check the cabin air filter. When I pulled it, I got some trash, that fell through. It was dry, however. I vacuumed out the fan, and then removed the cowl, to check under there. Everything was dry, I cleaned it out (just a small bit of trash), and I fashioned a "screen wire" filter, to go over the outside of the cabin air intake. I really don't believe it's coming from that area.

 

O.K. so., the search continues...

 

Yep. thanks for help. I'll pull one, or both of the interior panels tomorrow, and check.

 

Best of luck with it...

 

I just watched this a few times and still not sure how to remove the door panel. Yep, gonna have to re-watch it again.

 

Okay, that was simple, but to no avail. After watching the video, I removed the interior panel, with zero problems (maybe 3 minutes tops). Yes, the plastic moisture barrier is glued to the metal, so as not to tear or remove it, and to see into the other side, where the drains are located, the best way is to simply remove the large speaker (1 electrical plug and 4 - 10mm bolts). With the speaker removed, you have a good view of the outer section of doors interior, and more importantly, down towards the drains.

What did I find. NOTHING ! It was completely dry, there was absolutely no trash of any kind, and the drains were wide open. It was clean as could be in there, and there is nothing over in that side of the door to absorb or harbor moisture, only metal plastic, and air. Oh, but the mildew smell is still in there. I just don't understand what's going on with that. I don't normally expect metal, plastic, or air, to mildew (?)

Anyway, while doing all of this, which by the way, is quite simple, I likewise smelled all around on the floor and carpet, as well as the rear access door. Nothing ! The smell is coming out of the door.....

 

Yep, I'm thinking about watching it several more times, just to make sure I did it right

 

I see car repair in a whole new light.

 

Just try spraying a crapload of Lysol or similar inside the door and on the inside of the door panel. Hopefully that will eliminate the smell.

 

I will try that. I didn't have any Lysol, when I opened it up, but it's so easy to get to, it won't be a problem.

 

I get the smell on my tacoma as well. I noticed it the worst just as soon as i roll down the window and get the air flowing. I almost thought the window was cleaned with a dirty rag by the previous owner. Good luck with the fix. If i mess with it and figure it out ill post back up.

 

Thanks, and please do let me know. I too, notice it worst, just as soon as I start up the truck, roll down the windows, and get things flowing. I am really perplexed on this. Metal is not supposed to mildew.

 

Okay, I did that, and to the point that Lysol was running out the drain holes. I thought I had it covered. The next day, I got into the truck, and same ole, same ole, same ole smell. Nothing had changed. Not even a Lysol smell, just the familiar ole smell of mildew, coming out of the window slot.

I give up............

 

It's GOT to be coming from somewhere other then the door if there is NO moisture in the door itself. Perhaps from the A/C ductwork? Or the rocker panel under the door?
Short of gutting the entire interior, there might not be much else you can do. Maybe pull the seats, and lift the carpeting and seeing what's under there...

 

I understand, but the odor is coming from the window slot........ I've checked the area under the door, the carpet, and everywhere close by. The only place that I get the odor is through the window slot (?)