Smelly vents!

[cada0311]

Hi there,

I have a 2002 LC with 187K miles on it and love the truck! Over the past few months, when we turn on the heat, a kind of moldy, unpleasant odor comes from the air vents.

Anyone have any tips or techniques to deal with this?

I've just started doing things myself on the truck; replaced an 02 sensor, changed my own oil...I guess you have to start somewhere, right? I'm fairly technical, so if I need to take things apart, clean/disinfect them, etc. I'd certainly give it a go. Was thinking maybe of trying to get some sort of long spray nozzle to jam up into the air vents and spray some sort of antibacterial cleaner or something of that nature...

Thanks much for any tips!

Chris

 

[planomateo]

I'd start here, you're blower housing might be messy.

Noisy Climate Control Fan

 

[DirtDawg]

Probably something in your blower motor as @planomateo suggested or nasty cabin air filters.

 

[diego355]

Start with the basics,
First thing to look and prob replace would be the cabin air filters, second the intake for the a/c system.

 

[cada0311]

Thanks guys - appreciate it. Just removed and cleaned the blower; it wasn't too bad. Found out from the other threads that I'm one of the lucky ones with Toyota's "lifetime air filter", so I goggled around and ordered the replacement cover, air filter hole cover and filter - so for $72 we'll soon have an air filter in the car.

Also, will be looking at the intake for the A/C as suggested. I remember we had a little water leak off and on over the years - maybe I'll find a leaky seal or something like that when I take it apart.

 

[highonpottery]

I followed a recommendation here about this topic a few years ago - Lysol spray.

Basically you simply spray the disinfectant spray into the cabin air intake while running the fan on high (exterior of vehicle, passenger side on the cowl between the hood and the windshield). Put it on heat and spray for about 15 seconds, then switch it over to AC and do the same. Leave the car open to vent. The ductwork will suck in the spray and hopefully kill the mold smell. Worked for me and is a good $1 fix

 

[abuck99]

I followed a recommendation here about this topic a few years ago - Lysol spray.

Basically you simply spray the disinfectant spray into the cabin air intake while running the fan on high (exterior of vehicle, passenger side on the cowl between the hood and the windshield). Put it on heat and spray for about 15 seconds, then switch it over to AC and do the same. Leave the car open to vent. The ductwork will suck in the spray and hopefully kill the mold smell. Worked for me and is a good $1 fix

This works

 

[Sandroad]

Just be sure you like the smell of anything you spray in the HVAC! With just a little overspray, it will pool up a bit in the nooks and crannies and you'll smell whatever you use until it evaporates, dries out, and the odor dissipates. For some of the stronger stuff, it can be many days. Although I've never used it for that purpose, I know white vinegar can be a great disinfectant and odor-killer and it's smell dissipates quickly.

If you've had a water leak off/on over the years, the wet crud in the bottom of the HVAC housing could be moldy. You can clean all that out when you install the filters and you may be good to go.