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Odor from HVAC

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by jhcole, May 11, 2017.

  1. May 11, 2017 at 5:52 AM
    #1
    jhcole

    jhcole [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hey TW, got a puzzler

    About 3 weeks ago as the spring/summer temps started rising, my 2015 DCSB TRD OR w/ 20k miles developed an odor from the a/c vents at first start up. All jokes aside, it can best be described as closest to a faint urine/b.o., its not overpowering, you almost have to lean into the vents to smell it, but it is incredibly frustrating. I absolutely baby this truck. It is constantly spotless, and I never get in it wet/sweaty/etc. No pets, no spills, no smoking, original owner, purchased new.

    There are some variables I've tested:
    • Only does it when truck has been sitting outside on hot day and interior has reached a very warm temperature
    • Odor can be smelled from all vents across the dash
    • Odor dissipates away after 1-2min (as soon as A/C reaches max cold temp), and is no longer able to be smelled at all
    • Odor can be smelled regardless if the hvac is set to recirculate or outside air
    • I haven't messed with or replaced the cabin air filter yet
    • I can't recall the last time the truck saw rain, it is garaged at night
    The thing that jumps to mind is condensation-->mildew, but I shouldn't have issues like this on a truck so new that's absolutely mint.

    Any thoughts?
     
  2. May 11, 2017 at 7:06 AM
    #2
    tan4x4

    tan4x4 Well-Known Member

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    Could be caused by mildew in the vents, or a small coolant leak .
     
  3. May 11, 2017 at 7:11 AM
    #3
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    Old piss smell sounds like a bad heater core to me.
     
    grdgz97 likes this.
  4. May 12, 2017 at 12:44 AM
    #4
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    Antifreeze and urine smell nothing alike not even close.

    Maybe you have some rodents that caught a ride for awhile.

    If your Evaporator vent is clogged the water mixes with organic debris creates a new life form smells can be interesting
     
    grdgz97 likes this.
  5. May 12, 2017 at 12:47 AM
    #5
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    Reserected from the dead.
    I'm betting you got mice in the ducts. Been there, got the t-shirt.
     
  6. May 12, 2017 at 3:58 AM
    #6
    06Tacooo

    06Tacooo Earth Czar

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    Check/replace the cabin air filter. The air intake is directly above it... raise the hood, lift the cowling, place 1/8" hardware cloth over the opening to keep critters out. Even if this isn't the problem, you should do it. If the filter is chewed through, take the blower motor housing apart and clean it out, then disinfect it.. don't spray anything on the motor.
    Sparingly spray isopropyl alcohol into each dash/floor air vent to kill any bacteria, then run the blower on low, and in dash/floor mode. Will dry quickly, clear residual odors. May have to do this several times.
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2018
    I married my tacoma, tomwil and Sig45 like this.
  7. May 12, 2017 at 4:05 AM
    #7
    Sig45

    Sig45 Well-Known Member

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    ^^

    This would also be the first thing I would do.
     
    cliffyk likes this.
  8. May 12, 2017 at 5:49 AM
    #8
    ejl923

    ejl923 Well-Known Member

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    ive found acorn remnants in my cabin filter, mice alert.

    More likely, mildew from ac condensation. My xterra used to be real bad at it, especially when first used in the spring/summer. What i try to do regularly is the last couple minutes before i arrive at my destination i turn off ac and crank up the fan a little to remove the moisture they may be in there. I hardly ever let a very cold vent sit, and it seems to work.
     
  9. May 12, 2017 at 12:59 PM
    #9
    jhcole

    jhcole [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for all the help. I will explore the cabin filter end of the system this weekend.

    I will say that I'd hope there are no issues with the heater core as the truck is so new and the hvac still heats and cools perfectly.

    I still think some mildew is the culprit, the isopropyl is a good tip.
     
    I married my tacoma likes this.
  10. Jun 16, 2017 at 4:00 PM
    #10
    CusterFan

    CusterFan Well-Known Member

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    http://www.ebay.com/itm/BG-Frigi-Fr...ash=item4169d622ed:g:eNEAAOSwAuZX2r~-&vxp=mtr

    Get a can of Frigi Fresh and spray in the cabin fresh air intake. This is good stuff.. a little expensive but worth every penny.
     
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    #10
    I married my tacoma likes this.
  11. Jun 22, 2017 at 7:47 PM
    #11
    red79cj7

    red79cj7 Well-Known Member

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    There are so many possibilities when it comes to diagnosing the AC system... especially smells.
    If it is blowing good cold air, my bet the source is from something around the evaporator and blower motor... be it a dead rodent or mold. Make sure the evap drip tube isn't plugged. Also make sure that the cowl vents are clean.
    If it is not blowing cold air, my bet is a hole in the evaporator. (I just went though this with my 2011). Refrigerant really doesn't have a smell, but the PAG oil stinks. If there is a hole in the evaporator, PAG oil settles in it and can slowly drip from the hole... hence the smell upon startup... it quickly disipates after a few minutes.
     
  12. Jun 22, 2017 at 7:53 PM
    #12
    cliffyk

    cliffyk Well-Known Member

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    One other issue is that the HVAC defaults to recirculating air, and that many "stinky" molds/etc are anaerobic--they thrive in the absence of air, or more exactly free oxygen. Fresh air is their enemy, shut off the air recirculation whenever it's not needed and their "stench will not be as great"...
     
  13. Jun 22, 2017 at 8:00 PM
    #13
    RyanL

    RyanL Well-Known Member

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    My '15 does that too. Truck still smells new otherwise & cabin filter is fresh. If you turn it off recirculate & blow the fan for a minute before shutting down, it won't stank the next time you turn it on. Kinda annoying but I've given up after trying everything else.
     
  14. Jun 22, 2017 at 8:05 PM
    #14
    cliffyk

    cliffyk Well-Known Member

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    The default for "recirculate" should, in much of the US and especially in the South-East, be OFF...
     
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  15. Jun 29, 2017 at 4:25 PM
    #15
    CusterFan

    CusterFan Well-Known Member

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    The Frigi Fresh done the trick. Took me 3 different times spraying 2 - 5 second blasts directly in the fan under the cabin filter. I did this with the a/c on high then with nothing but the fan on high. Make sure you point the dash vents down or the stuff will blow in your face.

    Highly recommend Frigi Fresh!!!
     
  16. Jun 29, 2017 at 9:34 PM
    #16
    RyanL

    RyanL Well-Known Member

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    How long did it last?
     
  17. Jun 30, 2017 at 4:29 AM
    #17
    CusterFan

    CusterFan Well-Known Member

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    Been about a week so far. From what I searched and read reviews online you should have to spray it in twice a year. Spring and Fall. (I'm hoping for the best)
     
    RyanL[QUOTED] likes this.

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