So... I have a weird smell. .

Been happening to every vehicle I’ve been familiar with since I was a kid. It’s not a Toyota thing. It’s not a “at 5000 miles you wouldn’t think” thing. It’s an HVAC thing.

 

I agree except that this particular vehicle exacerbates the problem by defaulting to recirculating air

 

Well, it does keep the road stink out, imagine that.

 

I tried using the Toyota foaming condenser cleaner and deodorizer and it didnt help. I sprayed Lysol, didnt help. If i could get to the condenser and clean the coils, i would do it at this point.

 

SimpleAir EZGA EZ Green HVAC Coil Cleaning Spray, 19 oz, 1 Pack

$13 SimpleAir EZGA EZ Green Biodegradable HVAC and Air Conditioner Coil Cleaner Foam Aerosol Spray, 360 Degree Nozzle, 19 fl. oz, Clear

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E9V4PD4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2gISDbTJDRP9A

 

Lysol worked for me. No issue since.

 

Yeah same here. I usually just turn mine off and open the window a few blocks from my house. It seems to remedy the problem but I live in a fairly arid climate so I am not sure how this would work out in high humidity. My last 4 cars (various makes and models) with A/C had this problem, the only one that never seemed to have this problem was my 1995 Jeep Wrangler that had the under mount A/C unit on it. I never leave the A/C on and shut off the vehicle.

 

I had a civic that did this. Replaced the air filter with one of those fancy carbon ones and never had the problem again.

 

This is going to sound weird, but I think wasps have flown up your AC drain tube and created a nest inside.

Next you should hear swishing as the water cannot drain due to the mud and larvae.

A blast of air from a air hose should allow it to drain, but you could have as much as 32 oz of water up there.

 

Such a random theory. What led u to this? Genuinely curious

 

You are correct sir. It does indeed sound weird.

 

TLDR

Condensate drain tube is clogged. My best guess as well

 

Popcorn smell: OP needs to forgo drive in movie theaters

Musty mold: OP should start using deodorant

 

Not sure if the new Toyota’s have this or not, but most new GM vehicles have a feature than can be turned on with a factory scan tool called “afterblow”. Basically it turns the blower motor on for a minute or so about 5-10 minutes after each time you turn the vehicle off to help dry off the evaporator. It won’t help if you have a clogged drain tube, but it’s worth asking the dealer about.

 

Deodorant usually helps. But really you might have to spray something into your ac coils to clean them out

 

Any links for how to execute said coil cleansing in these tacos?

 

Heading to the dealership tomorrow AM.


Will follow up with update when I can Fam.

 

Most newer vehicles recirculate in A/C or in max A/C mode by default. This is to make the system more efficient and cool the cabin quicker.

 

I love you too, family.

 

Take out the cabin filter first and leave your windows open overnight, and it will kill off the bacteria/mold.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VrVc_FXrbHY