Mildew Dirty Socks smell from vents

So in summary it's a poor design. Thanks for nothing.

 

How is it poor design if it's operator error that doesn't know how to use proper AC system? If you want a more intelligent design, it's going to require the ECU or supplementary processor to be on after the engine has turned off and open the vents and turn on the fan to blow dry the internal vents.

Seems you don't want to RTFM (as other members (Mully) pointed out) and then complain about it and when folks try to tell you why you keep on saying it's poor design and be ungrateful about it. Dealer is not going to do anything for you... I doubt techstream is going to have an option to allow this adjust to have it open by default and never to go recirculate.

I stand corrected... aggie77 gave an attachment that techstream does have that option... so you can ask the dealer to set it for you.

 

That's exactly how mine is but I don't have the tech package. The AC works great.

 

Smitty, Practically ever complaint post I have seen you post in. It seems that your truck has all the problems that they have. If that's the case you must have got the worst 2016 tacoma out there. I to have had a couple of issues but nothing I can't live with. If I was you I would get rid of it. I know you will take a hit on selling it but do it. If I hated my truck half as much as you seem to do, I would trade it in. Stop all the complaining and do it.

 

Complaining is free. Selling it or trading it will cost me 5 to 6k. Wanna start me a GoFundMe site?

 

In my previous vehicle I had the dirty sock smell, if you turn heat and fan on high for 5 min or so this should get rid of smell.

 

I'll give it a try

 

Automakers program the climate control to set itself to recirculate when you turn on the vehicle for a reason. They figure if your turning on the vehicle for the first time, chances are the vehicle is hot. So the fastest way to cool the vehicle is to recirculate the air that's in the cabin that is being cooled, instead of constently trying to cool warm air coming from outside of the cabin. Obviously those with basic AC controls can override this because its a manual interface.

I have a Limited with climate control. I'm in Florida where its hot AND humid and I've never had an issue with smell even with recirculate. I just leave it on auto, and set my temp and go.

I will note, I'm not one of those that drives the AC down to its lowest settings either. Lowest I go is 72, but for the most part its at 75. So it's not producing a ton of water which could cause moisture to build up and cause problems.
I also have ceramic tint, and have my windshield and sunroof treated, so the ac doesn't work that hard.

Also,if you run the AC on recirculate, for the last couple of minutes of your drive, switch to fresh air. This will help get the moisture out before you turn the vehicle off. This way you don't leave all the moisture in the system and vehicle while its not running, and helps reduce the chance of stuff growing in the system.

 

I haven't run mine lower than 72. I usually keep mine at 75. The climate in AZ is vastly different from FL so that makes a difference I'm sure. I'm glad you haven't had issues with yours but mine does have issues. I don't want to have to hit a button every time I use my Climate Control system. This was the purpose of buying an Automated Climate Control system, so it is one less thing I have to muck with every time I am in and out of my truck. If the system could be designed to be "automated" to run without pressing buttons so as not to smell like a wet clothes hamper, that'd be great.

 

Well some do. My Touareg would run recirculate when it first started, but then switch to fresh air automatically. Then again that was a $60,000 German SUV.

You seem to have a ton of issues with your truck..........have you thought about setting it on fire and claiming the insurance lol......joking by the way.

 

My 2011 BMW 335D didn't have this issue because I think it functioned the same as your Toureg. My old 2003 Ranger XLT just had a MAX AC setting and it would set the system to recirculate otherwise it stayed on Fresh Air.

 

Here's Toyota's answer for the dirty sock smell. Notice the last bullet. Apparently, if you turn it to fresh air mode before shutting off the truck it leaves the flap open.

 

Gracias senor... still sucks you have to hit a button every time on an "automated" climate control system

 

I've had this in a few cars. This almost always takes care of it:
1. Start with the cheapest solution - change the cabin air filter:

$13 FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, CF10374 for Dodge/Toyota Vehicles

amazon.com/dp/B001CEJH0W/
2. Try cleaning the vents. This stuff works a little better than Lysol and has a handy nozzle, though none last more than a week or two:

$9 Interdynamics 760 Auto Air Conditioner A/C and Heater Duct Cleaner - 4 oz.

amazon.com/dp/B000UHD74E

 

Por nada. I guess this might work until a polecat takes a nap under your truck some evening .

 

I've noticed this stink too. Smells like socks. I live in the city so I put on the internal air quite a bit so i'm not sucking in bus exhaust. Now when I turn off the recirculated air, and turn off AC, its stinky.

 

Have you checked the cabin filter like I subjected a couple of days ago? It takes a few minutes and may be the culprit. all the time on these posts you easily could of had it check and or changed

 

Leaves and twigs in the filter. Cleaned it out. Still stinky. The filter itself smells just fine. Its interesting that this is happening to multiple people and almost at the same time. When did you guys buy your truck? I got mine in January.

 

Might be stuff growing in the system, I'd do like others have suggested and get a can of disinfectant and spray it in the intake. I wonder if its possible to flush the drain line.

 

Got mine in mid Feb.

I think the problem is, all the new car smell is now trapped in the filter. Add that, humidity and a warmer weather you get the smell of old socks.