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Mildew Dirty Socks smell from vents

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by smitty99, May 7, 2016.

  1. May 7, 2016 at 10:56 PM
    #1
    smitty99

    smitty99 [OP] I also bought a 4Runner

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    Driving around without AC on, vents open and notice the smell of Mildew in the system already like it's a 10 year old Chevy malibu. Barely 10k miles on it. Anybody else have this issue yet?
     
    Lawfarin and Fohu like this.
  2. May 8, 2016 at 8:55 AM
    #2
    kerrdog

    kerrdog Well-Known Member

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    Don't put your dirty socks under the hood.
     
  3. May 8, 2016 at 9:03 AM
    #3
    DrFunker

    DrFunker Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]
     
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  4. May 8, 2016 at 9:08 AM
    #4
    Lawfarin

    Lawfarin Who me?

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    Check the cabin filter. A/C Drain plug could be clogged too causing water to back up
     
    tcBob likes this.
  5. May 8, 2016 at 9:10 AM
    #5
    tacoma guy

    tacoma guy Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I get the same thing from both my Tacoma and my wife's Rav 4 dos it as well . :confused:
     
    I married my tacoma likes this.
  6. May 8, 2016 at 9:23 AM
    #6
    808veedub

    808veedub Well-Known Member

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    My wife's highlander had that problem. Changed the cabin filter and it made a big difference.
     
  7. May 8, 2016 at 9:26 AM
    #7
    toyodajeff

    toyodajeff Well-Known Member

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    Could also set the air conditioning to pull in fresh air and spray Lysol in the intake in front of the windshield
     
  8. May 8, 2016 at 9:34 AM
    #8
    aggie77

    aggie77 Well-Known Member

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    The AC defaults to recirculate rather that fresh air and it encourages moisture build up. I almost always change it back to fresh air mode when using AC.
     
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  9. May 8, 2016 at 9:43 AM
    #9
    TRDoverland

    TRDoverland Well-Known Member

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    +1

    Wouldn't think you would need to do this under 10k but definitely depends on your driving conditions. Quick check and replace if needed - cheap fix.
     
  10. May 8, 2016 at 10:58 AM
    #10
    smitty99

    smitty99 [OP] I also bought a 4Runner

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    I notice it when AC is off and it's on vent
     
    I married my tacoma likes this.
  11. May 8, 2016 at 7:04 PM
    #11
    Hobbs

    Hobbs Anti-Lander from way back…

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    Yep…
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    Rock Bangen', Desert Tamin', Gold Findin' Machine!
    I'm surprised you are getting mildew smells in Scottsdale... I assume it's Scottsdale AZ.
     
  12. May 8, 2016 at 7:14 PM
    #12
    bulldog

    bulldog Well-Known Member

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    LOL, I actually had this happen on my Malibu. I sprayed an entire can of Lysol over a couple days and it cured it.
     
  13. May 8, 2016 at 8:14 PM
    #13
    smitty99

    smitty99 [OP] I also bought a 4Runner

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    Yes AZ
     
  14. May 8, 2016 at 8:30 PM
    #14
    HalfWayThere

    HalfWayThere Well-Known Member

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    I notice this on mine sometimes. I try to turn off the AC a couple miles from home so the condensation has a chance to evaporate before I shutdown the truck. Not saying that's a fix, but I believe it helps. I do that on all my vehicles.
     
  15. May 8, 2016 at 8:32 PM
    #15
    Mully

    Mully Well-Known Member

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    This, read the owners manual.
     
  16. May 8, 2016 at 9:47 PM
    #16
    smitty99

    smitty99 [OP] I also bought a 4Runner

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    Poor design
     
    txags92 likes this.
  17. May 9, 2016 at 9:12 AM
    #17
    Azbadboyz

    Azbadboyz Well-Known Member

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    Both my Tacoma's do the same thing
     
  18. May 9, 2016 at 9:22 AM
    #18
    TacosForever

    TacosForever Active Member

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    This problem is BULLSHIT!!!! IF this happens in my Taco then I will have to get rid of it due to my bad breathing problem that
    I have already.. I pray this problem doesn't happen to my Tacoma. My 1986 FJ60 vents have never smelled like this and the ac
    blows just as cold as my new Tacoma.
     
  19. May 9, 2016 at 9:38 AM
    #19
    smitty99

    smitty99 [OP] I also bought a 4Runner

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    Need a damn preflight checklist for all the buttons you have to press when starting the damn thing up. ECT - Check, Outside Air Vent - Check, .....
     
  20. May 9, 2016 at 9:41 AM
    #20
    Noelie84

    Noelie84 What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

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    Yeah, Toyota will have to get right on changing the laws of thermodynamics. :rolleyes:
     
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