yESman

I switch out my cabin air filter every year. The new ESs have a much better designed filter as of a few months ago that catches microbes down to a smaller size. It is similar in design to the 3M Ultra Allergen filters I use at home.

mcamson

I checked with various Toyota and Lexus dealerships and none had the Toyoguard evaporator cleaner. They only had a brand called DWD2. I picked it up from Toyota for $39.

I was wondering if anyone had detailed instructions and pictures illustrating how to commence this procedure?

skassamali

Did anyone successfully use this kit and locate the evaporator drain tube underneath the car? Do I need to get the car up on stands to get access? I was thinking of going to purchase the $20 2-ton jack stands from O'Reilly Auto Parts today.

WheezerMF

http://www.acsource.com/evaporatorod...orcleaner.aspx

Evaporator Cleaner and Deodorizer
6984
Evaporator Cleaner and Deodorizer 6984
List: $19.95
Price: $16.65

harleydjce

Try this if you can get it in the US. Easy as.

http://www.autoglym.com/products/pro...-con-sanitiser

sunami02

iTrader: (2)

Change out the air box!!!!!! I battle this problem a while back..... and that the only big difference impact.

sunami02

iTrader: (2)

Also, take apart your vents below front windshield...Rise it out real good.... use any good chemical cleaning before rinse. !!!!!! and change out the air box.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

Have you used this? I noticed mine smelled a little more than usual today before work..

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Those cleaners do work if your system is slightly smelly. The problem with running the cleaner up the drain tube is that it does not always reach the problem area. You'd have to shoot the entire can for it to be somewhat effective. Any chance it does cover the entire evaporator, it wont clean the grime off in one swoop. There goes $15-20.

My brother's old car had a habit of blowing out mildew-like smell whenever the A/C was in use. When I removed the blower cover to gain access to the evaporator, I couldn't believe how much crap there was. I had to spray it down at least 5 times to even see the metal fins. In between applications, I would scrub it down with a small brush. After I cleaned it, the A/C system smelled fresh and it stayed that way for months up until someone stole my brother's car, but that's a different story.

If you have time and you're willing to take apart some stuff under your dash, this is the best way to eliminate the smell for good.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/AC-Safe-A...7#.UjUcTz8m_6s

Much cheaper than the stuff you buy online and you can get it locally. Only difference is this one is meant to be sprayed directly onto the evaporator. If you want to shoot it up the drain tube, then you'll have to be creative and find a way to attach the hose to the nozzle.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

thanks Henry... yea taking apart the dash is a process in itself.. The shop did that to my old Es300 and costs me a fortune to replace the evaporator...

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Replacing the evap is definitely costly since it's labor intensive. For cleaning purposes, you don't have to remove it entirely. Just the blower cover should do the trick. As long as you can see the evap, you can spray it directly onto it.

69charger

It's your cabin air filter, change it. Works every time and don't spray those chemicals into your system, inhaling it all day

nparthi

I used the Toyota Refresher kit last week and the mold and mildew smell is completely gone. I bought the original kit from the local Toyota dealer for $34 and got it done with a local mechanic for $50 (30 mins labor).
If there was no need to jack up the car, this cleaning can be done at home. Toyota charges about $150 for this job. It has been a week and the mold/mildew smell is completly gone now
The smell from the refresher kit was a little strong for the first couple of days. So, if you have kids, try avoid using the car for a couple of days.

tunami

awesome, will try this!