Vent/AC Odor

[bear1906]

I thought I posted this before, so disregard if it appears twice.

05 Avy Limited - Musty odor coming from the vents when I start the car. If its mold in the evaporator, how do I eliminate this without having to go to the dealer. Can I just spray something into the vents?

[tfelton]

Have you checked the in-cabin filter?

[boosted-fc3s]

There is a TSB regarding this. It was covered under the 3yr/36k warranty, so you're too late to get it for free, but you can still pay for them to do the service.

T-SB-0312-09

September 2, 2009

HVAC Odor
Service Category
Vehicle Interior

Section
Heating/Air Conditioning

Market
USA

Introduction

Some Avalon vehicles may exhibit an intermittent HVAC system odor. A newly designed evaporator sub-assembly has been made available to decrease the potential for HVAC odor.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Thanks Boosted-fc3s! You just provide me with the solution to the musty odor issue as well. Now I can have the dealer take care of it under my extended warranty.

[bear1906]

http://www.ehow.com/how_4495070_elim...ntilation.html


Dealer wants $70 to eliminate the odor, even more for that TSB solution. No dice. I think I will spend $5 for Lysol and try the solution in the link above.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Originally Posted by bear1906

http://www.ehow.com/how_4495070_elim...ntilation.html


Dealer wants $70 to eliminate the odor, even more for that TSB solution. No dice. I think I will spend $5 for Lysol and try the solution in the link above.

I've used that method several times but it doesn't quite seem to cut it anymore. I'll try to get this handled under extended warranty.

[boosted-fc3s]

Originally Posted by bear1906

http://www.ehow.com/how_4495070_elim...ntilation.html


Dealer wants $70 to eliminate the odor, even more for that TSB solution. No dice. I think I will spend $5 for Lysol and try the solution in the link above.

How much did they quote you to do the TSB outside of warranty? I haven't gotten any odors yet, but never know what may happen it the future.

[bear1906]

The service mgr didnt quote a price but said the TSB would be alot more expensive.

As much as I am nitpicky with my car, I think I will take the easy road on this issue. I did the Lysol through the vents thing and it worked - I didnt even have to use the dryvac as recommended in the DIY link.

Before I pay for the TSB, I would do the $70 shortcut first. It took 110K miles to develop the smell, i dont think I will have the car in another 110K (then again, maybe I will...

[sr20det]

I have had good luck with this product before, never used it on the Avalon though.

http://www.1z-usa.com/einszett_klima_cleaner.html

It is a foaming evaporator cleaner, just make sure your evap drain is flowing properly (the dripping condensation from under the car near the firewall).


A few tips to keep your AC smelling decent.. 1. use outside air as much as possible. 2. for the last 5mins of the drive to your destination, turn the AC off and just use the fan to help dry out the evap area, it will reduce the mold growth after the car is off.

[tfelton]

A little deviation from the AC; how could a mouse get inside an Avalon. I had some Mentos stored in the compartment below the radio and I swear a mouse got in and ate some of the wrapping. Where would be a place they could use to get into the cabin area? I would think everything would be sealed except for the AC and air vents.

[boosted-fc3s]

Wow, that is a good question. They can contort themselves into really tiny areas. My guess would have to thru a vent or or maybe he chewed his way thru a rubber bushing in the firewall or something.

[tfelton]

He also ate some of the In-Cabin air filter so I installed a new one. I talked to the Toyota service manager and he said there's all kinds of places where they can get in. I'm pretty sure he's not in there now but I'll put a Decon in the car over night just in case.

[tfelton]

Just an update on this. The Toyota Service Manager specifically suggested the cowling just below the windshield. I looked at this area and there are plenty of gaps where a mouse could get in. Either end of the black plastic cowl where the air vents are and there are holes where the windshield wipers come through the cowl. Big holes for an enterprising, hungry mouse.