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Musty smell when running the heater

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Canyon lands, Dec 13, 2020.

  1. Dec 13, 2020 at 9:49 AM
    #1
    Canyon lands

    Canyon lands [OP] Well-Known Member

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    We purchased a 2015 Tacoma, I replaced the filter in the cab/ air vent, and I’m still getting a slight musty smell when the heater is on. I don’t notice it with the a/c. Any ideas?
     
  2. Dec 13, 2020 at 9:50 AM
    #2
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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  3. Dec 13, 2020 at 10:18 AM
    #3
    rednext

    rednext Well-Known Member

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    Eh I just went to the hardware store and got a can of Ozium and sprayed it in the vents. And everywhere else. Seems to work
     
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  4. Dec 13, 2020 at 11:08 AM
    #4
    MNMLST

    MNMLST Well-Known Member

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    tinfoil lined cab runflat headlights pee-thru seats
    Have you tried clean underwear...?
     
  5. Dec 13, 2020 at 11:10 AM
    #5
    rednext

    rednext Well-Known Member

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    Well this is my December pair. I'll let you know when I swap to my January pair if it helps
     
  6. Dec 13, 2020 at 11:12 AM
    #6
    MNMLST

    MNMLST Well-Known Member

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    tinfoil lined cab runflat headlights pee-thru seats

    Go commando, you’ll save a ton of ca$h on cabin filters...
     
  7. Dec 13, 2020 at 11:12 AM
    #7
    Canyon lands

    Canyon lands [OP] Well-Known Member

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    3” lift, leer topper, James Baroud tent, Lund bull bar, 4 wheel running boards, Pioneer stereo, fosgate speakers, amp, bed slide, Thule racks, road shower
    I’m still on my November pair, could that be the issue?
     
    Rock Lobster, tacotoe and MNMLST like this.
  8. Dec 13, 2020 at 11:16 AM
    #8
    Canyon lands

    Canyon lands [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have since found several cleaning kits after the link sent by Clearwater Bill, any recommendations as to the best?
     
  9. Dec 13, 2020 at 11:19 AM
    #9
    MNMLST

    MNMLST Well-Known Member

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    tinfoil lined cab runflat headlights pee-thru seats

    Turn it on full blast and spray Lysol in the return

    (You can’t cover up mold, you gotta kill it)
     
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  10. Dec 13, 2020 at 11:53 AM
    #10
    Canyon lands

    Canyon lands [OP] Well-Known Member

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    3” lift, leer topper, James Baroud tent, Lund bull bar, 4 wheel running boards, Pioneer stereo, fosgate speakers, amp, bed slide, Thule racks, road shower
    Most cleaners seem to recommend a disinfectant after the flush. BG seems to have a one they would probably do the trick. I want to get it throughout the entire system, and be done with the moldy smell
     
  11. Dec 13, 2020 at 12:04 PM
    #11
    tacotoe

    tacotoe Pastry Chef

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    I believe the Lysol as mentioned would be considered a disinfectant. Blower on high and recirc on.
     
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  12. Dec 13, 2020 at 12:27 PM
    #12
    MNMLST

    MNMLST Well-Known Member

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    tinfoil lined cab runflat headlights pee-thru seats
    I’m also guessing you have a condensate drain plugged up somewhere, hence the moisture/fungus/stank retention...
     
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  13. Dec 13, 2020 at 3:59 PM
    #13
    Canyon lands

    Canyon lands [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I was wondering the same thing. Will check the drain as soon as it get back around freezing After viewing so many Youtube videos, I wonder how clean the evaporator/ heater core by spraying Lysol into the system. It would probably be disinfected, barring the wife’s smell test
     
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  14. Dec 13, 2020 at 5:17 PM
    #14
    ejl923

    ejl923 Well-Known Member

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    Happens a lot if the truck has been sitting. Two cars I bought had that smell. Both cases resolved themself. Try running full heat with windows open. Then Lysol, ozium has also worked well. I also have found in my case that summer is the culprit, and I try to run the a/c off for a few minutes before arriving at destination cleans out excess moisture.
     
  15. Dec 13, 2020 at 5:50 PM
    #15
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-varmit-and-ac-clogging-prevention-project.557970/

    When you look in this thread and see how part of it is made, apply your disinfectant via the cowl intake with the cabin filter removed.

    Also you can attach a shop vac to the AC drain which will clear that if the tube is clogged.

    Using the thread above, you'll likely find lots of things to clean. And be able to prevent rodent intrusion (via the cowl) as well.
     
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  16. Dec 13, 2020 at 6:52 PM
    #16
    Canyon lands

    Canyon lands [OP] Well-Known Member

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    3” lift, leer topper, James Baroud tent, Lund bull bar, 4 wheel running boards, Pioneer stereo, fosgate speakers, amp, bed slide, Thule racks, road shower
    Great thread! Thanks. Always amazed how much knowledge exists on this site.
     
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  17. Dec 14, 2020 at 3:51 AM
    #17
    cmoore

    cmoore Well-Known Member

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    Since it's new to you truck I would check the air intake and blower for any critter nesting. I found some dead baby mice in my blower one time.
     
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  18. Dec 14, 2020 at 4:25 AM
    #18
    blur

    blur Well-Known Member

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    I’ve noticed this with my 12 and my brothers 13. Neither gets driven a lot, especially mine in the winter. Where is the ac drain? I’d like to check this first. I had a clogged vent drain on a 93 wrangler that caused water leaking problems for years before I stumbled across the clogged drain hose.

    I’ve always tried to turn off the ac before turning the truck off in the fall, assuming that has something to do with it but no luck yet.
     
  19. Dec 14, 2020 at 9:58 AM
    #19
    CraigF

    CraigF Well-Known Member

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    none yet
    on the firewall on the passengers side
    kind of just stubs out from the FW
     
  20. Dec 14, 2020 at 10:26 AM
    #20
    blur

    blur Well-Known Member

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    Thank you. I’ll give it a look.
     

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