rza8gamma

I just recently purchased a used Lexus IS 350 with 39k miles, prestine condition. I'm just noticing that when i have the a/c set with the air coming from the outside their is a foul smell coming out of the air ducts facing the driver. When the a/c is set with the air circulating inside the car i don't smell anything. Even when the a/c is turned off, and the air is set to come from outside, i can smell this foul odor, its hard to describe. I hope that after I change the cabin air filter, i wont have this problem. Has anyone had this problem??? I'll keep everyone updated. Sigh

panda327

iTrader: (3)

turn up the heat
for 5-10mins and teh smell should be gone

taejin09

After you change the filter, the smell will most likely go away but come back. It is from condensation that AC makes during a hot temperature which produces mold... There are a few threads regarding this and a quick fix by turning on the heater for a few minutes if you search for it! I think what I said is your problem

rza8gamma

Thanks for the quick response, I live in the bay area which means I always have my A/C set to the lowest temp. I've read that the cabin air filter is sold at auto zone, so i will be doing that tomorrow. I will also turn up the heat on the way to work,

2slow

iTrader: (5)

You might have rats living in your AC ducts.

panda327

iTrader: (3)

the helll... i said the heat thing too... and u quote him and not me ... *mad*

llamaboiz

pull my finger

rza8gamma

My bad, you cant be too mad after all you do drive a lexus IS.
Nice car btw

taejin09

what he said

are you happy now? lol jk

Pnuge88

iTrader: (1)

thanks to the hot *** heat the smell is back for me too.. annoying and disgusting

Initial_K

iTrader: (2)

Isnt't there a button next to Auto in the Climate control that you can use to control the smell?

DarkIs250

lol...now i understand why I get that bad shoe smell from car.....

Tungy2k

theres a spray that the dealership have, its for the mold

shadowman

iTrader: (2)

Does it smell like urine? That's probably the mold in your A/C evaporator unit that was caused by condensation / moisture build up.

The best way to avoid this is to shut-off your A/C unit 5 minutes before you park the car. I usually turn off A/C and let the fan run on outside air about 5 minutes of reaching my destination.

You can try to run the car on outside air for a while to clear up the smell and put it into windshield defog.

If your car is under warranty, try asking the dealer nicely to help clean your A/C. Some may do it and some won't...

iSuxeL

iTrader: (21)

Ahhh the good ol Lexus A/C smell