smoke smell, where does recirc air come from?

[-Oz-]

I wrecked my 1997 4runner and have replaced it with a 2000 4runner. Only problem, the previous owner smoked.

I've kinda gone all out on detailing it. I've cleaned every single surface with vinegar & water, sprayed all the fabric with vinegar and water, and at one point sprayed everything with febreeze. The last thing left is to figure out how to pump these chemicals through the ventilation system. Where does the recirculated come from?

Also, any other tips to get rid of this smoke smell. I have all the mats out and stuff right now. I also have Husky mats but I don't want to put them over the carpet until the smoke smell is gone.

[Cyorke]

GOod luck getting it out. As to yor question the recirc air comes from inside the car. There is a flap that will move when you go from fresh air to recirc.
One way you can get rid of the smell seriously though is to try and find a ozone machine. I am not sure where or if you can rent one but they do work. We have one at work to use in our cars if they have bad smells and it works. Takes about 12-24 hours to run it through then you need to let it sit for a while to let the ozone air out but it will work. I have personally witnessed it.

You may be able to call around to some local car dealers or higher end detail shops to ask about having it done. I think we charge like $50.00 to have it done if you bring your car to us.

[sonofmayhem]

have your carpets cleaned and shampooed professionally, and your seats, i was gonna buy a 95 taco but the smell was too strong.

[80toy]

the problem is that the smoke has made its way into your vents and under your dash and in the a/c system. hence, that is where the smell is coming from, even though you cleaned out the inside of the car, that is not everything the smoke has effected. remember that smoke travels like air, so everything in your car that air touches, the smoke has also touched.

the best thing to do is probably just to roll down your windows and blow your a/c for a couple weeks . also, try febreeze in the vents and air fresheners to cover up the smell while you are still trying to get it out.
good luck

[-Oz-]

so far massive amounts of febreeze seems to be helping. Also found this stuff at checker that you spray into the AC intake and the vents and run the AC. It seems to have helped a little. I'm gonna spray more, if it works I'll post with more on the product.

Professional carpet cleaning is next if it doesn't go away.

[hilux5084]

you can try using a evaporator deodorisor just follow the instructions; you could also try spraying febreeze into the recirc inlet with the fan running you will need to do this a couple of dozen times. It took a long time to get this way and will take a long time to clear up.
Joe

[bsro]

Good luck ever getting completely rid of it! It will get worse during the hot summer months when the interior bakes. I learned that lesson: "If you don't smoke, don't ever buy a car that has been smoked in!!!"

[jayco]

I have the exact same problem in my 04 taco.

Is there a cabin air filter that can be replaced? My G35 has a one...

[triniphen]

jesus christ man, TMI