Strange Smell coming from the AC Vents

Thank you for the advice.

 

I'd bet you are close. Its probably mildew forming on the damp coil and then when you run the next cycle it blows out the odor.
This is a common problem with residential and commercial HVAC systems as well. Not exactly apples to apples here, just something to ponder...

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/97993-a-new-solution-found-for-dirty-sock-syndrome

I wonder if you left the fan running for a bit, or ran the heat to dry out the coil before turning off the truck would solve your problem.

I quit lurking to post this, so please be kind lol.

 

Welcome to TW, and you have been lurking a whole day?

 

I lurk 24 / 7

 

If I leave the fan running for a bit the smell goes away.

 

Thanks.

No, I just registered.

I actually found the search option to answer most of my questions and never felt the need to speak up. I also learned that TW likes to spell brakes as breaks, and manual as Manuel.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/12419984/

 

I would do these things listed above.

Also check and/or replace the cabin air filter. Surprising how quickly they can get dirty.

If the smell doesn't go away soon you may want to do a foaming evaporator cleaning though the condensation drain line with your foaming cleaner of choice. (BG, Toyota A/C Refresher Kit)

Mine developed a moldy/mildew smell at around the 6 month mark. It would smell upon the first cycle of the A/C.

 

This is a known issue, at least on Tacomaworld. You can find a whole bunch of threads about 3rd gens and stinky vents when you turn off the AC and use regular air. The cause is that when you turn on AC, its automatically setting it to recycle the cabin air. To keep it from happening, make sure to turn off that setting or it will start to stink. This happened in my truck too.

See this thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mildew-dirty-socks-smell-from-vents.431107/

 

Hmm, my 2nd gen keeps turning recirculation off.

 

found an interesting video in this thread- post # 2 - thanks @sadmrhappy :
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/glove-box-mods.474223/

https://youtu.be/UbJK_lHpspQ

Even though Brad got white-nukkied, no reason not to keep the thread going.

 

Just stumbled upon this, 2019 Tacoma . 5K miles. AC smells awful

 

Yup. Sounds about right. Make sure to turn off the auto air circulation when you get in the car as it causes condensation to build up inside the AC. Running it on HOT for like 20 minutes will dry it out and it will smell less. I got an arm and hammer cabin air filter and that seemed to help a lot. Good luck!