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AC Smell

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by NightForce27, Apr 6, 2018.

  1. Apr 6, 2018 at 4:08 PM
    #1
    NightForce27

    NightForce27 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Has anyone experienced a foul smell when running their AC? Coming into Spring temps are rising here and I turned it on the other day for a few mins. Wasn't a pleasant surprise. It's happened about 2 or 3 times in a row. Keep the interior of my truck very clean. Any insight?

    *Hold the fart jokes please
     
  2. Apr 6, 2018 at 4:11 PM
    #2
    AverageGuy

    AverageGuy Well-Known Member

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    Check the cabin filer, also check the AC Drain tube. I'd lean towards the cabin filter though
     
    Smoothmove and NightForce27[OP] like this.
  3. Apr 6, 2018 at 4:12 PM
    #3
    TheFallGuy

    TheFallGuy Well-Known Member

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    Could just be from lack of use. My 2015 does this as well the first time I kick it on but I dont notice it during the summer. I usually keep the windows down for the first min as its rough.
     
  4. Apr 6, 2018 at 4:14 PM
    #4
    TheFallGuy

    TheFallGuy Well-Known Member

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    I did this with mine and the CF was brand new, I replaced it anyways as I bought the truck 2nd hand but it had no effect.

    R you saying check the drain for flow?
     
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  5. Apr 6, 2018 at 4:19 PM
    #5
    AverageGuy

    AverageGuy Well-Known Member

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    Yes, If your systems cant dry itself out, you get fungal or bacterial growth in places
     
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  6. Apr 6, 2018 at 4:23 PM
    #6
    AverageGuy

    AverageGuy Well-Known Member

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    If it isn't clogged, maybe run a lysol type aerosol through your system. Spray around the cabin intake, windows down of course.
     
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  7. Apr 6, 2018 at 6:52 PM
    #7
    NightForce27

    NightForce27 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm almost at 14k so should be at the dealer soon for the 15k service. If it persists I'll get them to check it out. Thank you all for the tips
     
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  8. Apr 6, 2018 at 6:53 PM
    #8
    AverageGuy

    AverageGuy Well-Known Member

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    Anytime, Please do let us know the outcome if it could help others down the road.
     
    NightForce27[OP] likes this.
  9. Apr 6, 2018 at 7:32 PM
    #9
    Judicar

    Judicar Well-Known Member

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    I second what @AverageGuy said. I haven't had the issue in my truck but did on my last car and the Lysol is what fixed it. Turn on the AC (high), turn off cabin recirculation, spray Lysol in the outside intake.
     
  10. Apr 6, 2018 at 7:41 PM
    #10
    splitbolt

    splitbolt Voodoo Witch Doctor

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  11. Apr 6, 2018 at 7:42 PM
    #11
    wilcam47

    wilcam47 Keep on keeping on!

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    musty, or dead animal smell?
     
  12. Apr 6, 2018 at 7:50 PM
    #12
    NightForce27

    NightForce27 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    More musty
     
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  13. Apr 6, 2018 at 7:54 PM
    #13
    NightForce27

    NightForce27 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah had ran it that morning.
     
  14. Apr 6, 2018 at 7:57 PM
    #14
    Rob Daman

    Rob Daman The Taco Formerly Known as Hard Shell Taco

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    a lot
    I've talked to service about this and was told I have to turn off the AC button and let it vent before I park to remove the moisture. I thought new cars finally had a system that it wasn't so 1992.
     
  15. Apr 6, 2018 at 8:00 PM
    #15
    Rob Daman

    Rob Daman The Taco Formerly Known as Hard Shell Taco

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    I did in my Honda Accord brand new.



     
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  16. Apr 6, 2018 at 8:00 PM
    #16
    NightForce27

    NightForce27 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You would think right?
     
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  17. Apr 7, 2018 at 2:42 AM
    #17
    charles.headlee

    charles.headlee Well-Known Member

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    Go to the air freshener aisle in AutoZone and look for a spray can called Ozium. I recommend unscented. It is strong and you will want to air out for a few hours after.
     
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  18. Apr 7, 2018 at 5:41 AM
    #18
    CusterFan

    CusterFan Well-Known Member

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    I had this issue with mine. The service department will have to take the dash out to get to the evap core to clean it. I could just see them scratching/gouging all the hard plastic in the truck when they removed then put the dash back in, so I never let them touch it. And who is to say the funk won't come back. I do know that bacteria blowing in your face is not good for your health. I traded mine off during the winter while the smell lay dormant. Still for sale too. Looks like they came down on the price a little.

    https://www.royschmidthonda.com/used/Toyota/2016-Toyota-Tacoma-7b39d6100a0e0ae93fe69c2026d373e0.htm
     
  19. Apr 7, 2018 at 5:43 AM
    #19
    CusterFan

    CusterFan Well-Known Member

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    Mine smelled like cow manure.
     
  20. Apr 7, 2018 at 6:14 AM
    #20
    crappie man

    crappie man Well-Known Member

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    My 16 Colorado has this issue
     
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