Does the 97-up Camry or other Toyotas put black foam out of vents?

[93 Camry LE V6]

My old 93 Camry LE V6 was like new, but at times when I would turn my A/C on high, it would blow out black foam from the vents. It would get on my clothing and smear black streaks on them when I would try to knock it off. I looked closely in the vents of my 90 Lexus LS400 and although it does not blow this out, I think I know what it was on my Camry. It seems as if during those years (at least early 90s) that they put that foam substance around the vent flaps- I guess to ensure that no air came out of the certain vents turned off when the blower was on. Perhaps there was too much foam on there and after time, it was breaking loose? Does anyone else have this problem with their Camry's? Does anyone know what years Toyota used this? I am wondering, because I am considering a 1997 Camry or a 1998 4-Runner, but will not buy another Toyota if they still have this. Thanks for any information.

[jhbhatia]

The foam was used on 1990 celica as well. I know what your talking about (its black and almost like a window airconditioning foamscreen). I think the foam came from drying out over the years. I've yet to see him problem on my gen4 camry, hope this helps!

[93 Camry LE V6]

Thanks. It does help - I too was thinking maybe it was just getting old and dry and that is why it was breaking loose. It seems as if all early 90s (at least new styles since 1990) Toyota products have it. Even my 1990 Lexus LS400 has it, but luckily, not coming out yet. It seems to be a bit sticky and clings to clothing. Hopefully the 97-up Camry does not have it. I do not think the Hondas have it, as I never seen it coming from the vents of my old 91 Accord.

[93 Camry LE V6]

Well, I am assuming since there was no replies from 97-up Camry owners, that it is no longer a concern on these cars.

[CDub LXi]

I remember my '89 Rolla had something like that. I never had a problem with it blowing on my clothes though. I haven't looked close at my 01 Camry. I will tomorrow.

[93 Camry LE V6]

Thanks. Would be interesting to know......

[famous182]

my 97 camry doesnt do that. it doesnt blow out anything but air.

[Ken4]

My gen4.5 2000 camry 4 cyl has this problem on the right side vent. Funny why the left vent and centre vents dont have this problem. I live in singapore and this is a RHD made in japan vehicle. The foam problem went on for about 3~4 months, but fortunately now the foam has stopped coming out.

[93 Camry LE V6]

That is interesting. Seems as if they still used it at least on the 2001-older models. Still- I wonder if they also used it on other Toyota models in the late 90s thru 2000s. Who knows- they still may use it.

[jhbhatia]

I took a flash light and explored the vents on my gen 4, i think what i see is foam in the passanger vents. i think as a car ages the foam becomes dry and cracks up and blows with the air..if a car stays in the heat too long, the foam dries up more quickly.

[earthmike]

That happened on my 2000. The foam is maybe 1/8" thick, and the pieces aren't very big. But they weren't too sticky and sure didn't leave streaks on my clothes. If it's because of heat drying it out, well, that makes a lot of sense for me because the first owner lived in Florida and I'm in Atlanta.

I didn't think too much of it because I don't close the dash vents anyway. *Should* I/we be worried?

--Mike

[93 Camry LE V6]

Earthmike: I do not think it is cause for concerns. I am guessing it was sticky and leaving black marks on my shirts, because my car was older. It was a 1993 model. I think the more the vents are opened/closed, the more the foam comes loose. Also, it would not come of out my vents unless it was in "VENT" mode and the blower was on high speed and I would open/close a certain vent with the dial at that vent. Also, the possibility that the previous owner (was a 1-owner car) never used the vents, or always left them open and then when I started using them, all of that extra loose foam started coming out.

I checked the vents closely on my 90' Lexus LS400 and it also has this foam around the vent flaps, but none coming out yet, nor have I heard any other 90-up Lexus LS400 owners complaining. I guess the main reason for the foam is to ensure that no air comes out around the vents, when other modes are used. I have no idea what other car makes use (if anything). I think this is just an extra measure that Toyota takes to ensure precise control of the HVAC systems and even without the foam, the vents would work just fine.

I just find it interesting that Toyota still uses this even on models as late as 2001.

I also agree with "jhbhatia" - I think the dry heat, or areas where the humidity is typically low (deserts) dries it out more quickly than cooler climates (northwest, northeast) or areas where humidity is typically high (southeast)- which is where I am, but I since my car was a 93', I guess even higher humidity did not stop it, in addition, we have very hot summers here.

[famous182]

^ like i said in my first post mine doenst do it and i live in Las Vegas (desert) and it still doesnt do it. we too have hot summers.

[jhbhatia]

Sorry to resurrect - cleanign my interior this weekend, i noticed a loose piece of foam on the passanger vent..so yes! its has NOW become a thing for my 97 camry!

[epidemic]

i got 98 AND i never had this problem but i am surprized cause ive everything else go wrong with it