2013 lc200 Stinky odor, on 5/8/19 found the smell, What caused it is the Question?

[njccmd2002]

So i have checked and even removed the floor mats, and cleaned them used a special spray to remove odors into the body carpet.

I have inspected the cooler box, and its clean. the a/c does not stink when it blows.

during this winter we had some days with high humidity, and thats when we started to notice a musty rancid smell.

Checked under the seats, we have let the car sit with doors open under the sun.

the smell gets worse overnight and you smell it first thing in the am when you get there. In 5 years of ownership, we have had no problem.

Is there a specific place where water can accumulate, or maybe under the cooler. im desperate...

Im removing the seats to check for anything, but i hate to tear car apart. Anyone with similar issues. The Car is bone Stock.

 

[Oakleyguy]

Perhaps a clogged sunroof drain or improperly replaced windshield?

Are you noticing any moisture on your carpets?

I'd also check your HVAC filter (be warned, set your air source selector to RECIRC)

 

[njccmd2002]

just read the hvac ordeal, thanks... where is the sunroof drain?

 

[Markuson]

Maybe something meaty fell into the gaping hole under one of the front seats? Seat removal actually isn’t all that hard, if it comes to that.

Also... Have you check for evidence of rats, mice or other critters? One died above the skid plate on my 100 series and man was it nasty until finally discovered. One bloated, exploding maggot-fest when that thing dropped at the Toyota dealer...and the tech would got the lovely surprise barfedon the spot...

 

[elk]

I've had good luck deodorizing cars in the past using a gallon bucket filled with vinegar and left in the car for a few days. The vinegar smell airs out quickly and the smells seem to be absorbed. I used this to deodorize a smoked in BMW 5 series years ago and it was quite effective.

 

[njccmd2002]

I tried deodorizing, a/c deodorant and was going to clean evaporator but drain holes are impossible to reach.

Have not had chance to take off seats. Def not a dead animal. I’ve smelled that before. I’m tempted to pay dealer to clean evaporator

 

[molanginaeda]

Do you change the cabin filter? Cabin filter inside the glove compartment.

 

[njccmd2002]

Yes I did. No smell there

 

[firstlc]

Do you have a dog? Have you picked up dog poop and put it in your truck? Have you forgot about it for a month under your seat? My wife did that... It smells really bad.

 

[njccmd2002]

now that spring is with us, the smell is from the AC, and i cannot find the way to do it at home, since evaporators drains are hidden

 

[Sac Cerevisiae]

Check the air intake on the passenger side underneath the hood. Leaves and debris can deteriorate in there. Could be the source.

 

[Ali FJ80]

If all else fail an ozone generator will remove pretty much any odor in 15-20 minutes.

 

[molanginaeda]

Do you use carbon/charcoal activate cabin filter? I only use activated charcoal cabin filter, not the typical particulate cabin air filter. Air output is much fresher, less odor.

 

[Rigger]

Definitely let us know what you find.

 

[Gappy]

just read the hvac ordeal, thanks... where is the sunroof drain?

There are 2. Open the roof, you will see one in each front corner. You will see a hole in a area that is a bit lower and the hole is a bit smaller than a standard pen. I ran weedeater cord down mine then took a small amount of water and slowly poured it in the hole to see if it drains. If it is draining properly you will see the dripping from behind the front tires in the area of the mud flaps.

 

[njccmd2002]

after 2 hours of hard work, on a super hot day...

took this baby apart and what a pain it is to take apart the center console.

anyways, on front foot area of drivers, I found the spot..

there is a styrofoam plate, that has padded area with the usual Toyota padding...

the padding is wet, foul smelling. I took out the entire carpet out to check and make sure no other sources are there.

at first I checked under the cooler box, and no smell, no smell from the rear ac vents either.

what made the wet spot.

It wasn't rain, as it should be dry, its hot in garage... it continues to be wet.

Assuming its the a/c drain, oh boy its going to be a pain to unclog it, since its hidden very well...


Appreciate your guys input, ill go back to cleaning the area and vacuuming the food bits I found

 

[Sac Cerevisiae]

Is the styrofoam piece attached under the dash assembly, the side of the tunnel, or the floor?

 

[Markuson]

after 2 hours of hard work, on a super hot day...

took this baby apart and what a pain it is to take apart the center console.

anyways, on front foot area of drivers, I found the spot..

there is a styrofoam plate, that has padded area with the usual Toyota padding...

the padding is wet, foul smelling. I took out the entire carpet out to check and make sure no other sources are there.

at first I checked under the cooler box, and no smell, no smell from the rear ac vents either.

what made the wet spot.

It wasn't rain, as it should be dry, its hot in garage... it continues to be wet.

Assuming its the a/c drain, oh boy its going to be a pain to unclog it, since its hidden very well...


Appreciate your guys input, ill go back to cleaning the area and vacuuming the food bits I found

If you did all that in two hours?

You are SUPERMAN!

 

[molanginaeda]

While you take all interior apart, time to lay some sound deadening mat.

 

[blatant]

Wow! Hope i never have to pull mine apart.