Moldy smell coming from vents
09-04-13, 06:25 AM
#16
Lexus Champion
09-04-13, 10:31 AM
#17
Lexus Champion
I'm not sure if the mold problem is truly well known nor constitutes a Service Bulletin. I do occasionally get a smell, but that's because I've got it running in recirc. It may be a matter of educating the user to use the fresh air option. 
09-04-13, 07:05 PM
#18
I also have this musty smell in the morning. I figured it was time for a filter change. with 7500 on the odo...
I will try turning the a/c to fan before shutting down, and see if that helps.
the smell is only noticeable for about 5 seconds when I first get in.
I will try turning the a/c to fan before shutting down, and see if that helps.
the smell is only noticeable for about 5 seconds when I first get in.
09-05-13, 05:13 PM
#20
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Recall may be the wrong word but MOLD is something Lexus should have had a fix for since it has been an issue for years!
Go ahead and LYAO. I am sure you would love the smell because that's exactly what it smells like!
09-05-13, 06:02 PM
#21
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John, this issue goes way back and was never disclosed to me when I purchased 2 new 2013's. Had I known there was a mold issue, I wouldn't have purchase my 4th/5th Lexus.
Recall may be the wrong word but MOLD is something Lexus should have had a fix for since it has been an issue for years!
Go ahead and LYAO. I am sure you would love the smell because that's exactly what it smells like!
It isn't a Lexus issue.
Get a can of this and do it yourself.
http://www.hondapartsdirect.com/air-...cleaner/bg709/
Never had a problem with a Lexus or any other car in Texas the last thirty years.
John
09-27-13, 01:56 PM
#22
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For reasons of fuel economy, Lexus made a design decision that has the climate control system, when in full auto mode, default to recirculating air whenever the engine is started and the temperature is anywhere above the low 70s. This means that, whenever the temperature is in the 70s or higher, no fresh air at all is entering the cabin. With every other vehicle that I've owned, including a couple of other Lexus vehicles, the automatic climate control default was fresh air, and it went into recirculate only when the car was started after sitting in the sun on a day when the temperature was in the 90s.
My guess is that defaulting to the recirculate mode saves only a very minimal amount of gas, and the decision to set up the vehicle that way is one that I wish they had made differently. I've found that, when the temperature is cooler and the default is fresh air, cabin air upon start up is much fresher than when we have had several 90 degree days in a row and the system has been running only with recirculating air. I try to remember to manually switch it to fresh air, but I don't always remember to do so each time I start the car.
In the manual for my vehicle, it actually shows a personal setting that would allow you to change this, but, unfortunately, either the manual is incorrect or Lexus made a change in the vehicle between the time the manual was written and the time when my vehicle was manufactured because the option to change the fresh air/recirculate default doesn't appear in the settings options where the manual says it should be.
My guess is that defaulting to the recirculate mode saves only a very minimal amount of gas, and the decision to set up the vehicle that way is one that I wish they had made differently. I've found that, when the temperature is cooler and the default is fresh air, cabin air upon start up is much fresher than when we have had several 90 degree days in a row and the system has been running only with recirculating air. I try to remember to manually switch it to fresh air, but I don't always remember to do so each time I start the car.
In the manual for my vehicle, it actually shows a personal setting that would allow you to change this, but, unfortunately, either the manual is incorrect or Lexus made a change in the vehicle between the time the manual was written and the time when my vehicle was manufactured because the option to change the fresh air/recirculate default doesn't appear in the settings options where the manual says it should be.
We did mention this to our Technology specialist who hadn't heard about this. However, he did call us back a few days later and said that Lexus was going to be publishing a software update soon that would allow for the setting to be permanently set to one or the other. I didn't listen to the message so am unsure when it's coming out - but help may be on the way.
10-06-13, 04:03 AM
#23
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2300 miles, 2 months old and I began smelling it a week ago on my 13 ES UL. Usually upon start up and then it fades.
I have experienced it in other vehicles as I do live on Florida's west coast... But only after 50k+ miles and/or 3-4 years. Most often a cabin filter fix. I will bring it up to my dealership on my next visit.
I have experienced it in other vehicles as I do live on Florida's west coast... But only after 50k+ miles and/or 3-4 years. Most often a cabin filter fix. I will bring it up to my dealership on my next visit.
10-06-13, 05:35 AM
#24
Lately I tried to set the air flow at "Fresh" more often and I still get the smell. So I don't think it is a matter of using the "Recirc" versus "Fresh" Button. It happens with both. But again it lasts only for few seconds when you first start the car. I have over 11000 miles on the Odometer and I have not changed any air filters yet and it didn't get worse. So for me, It is not a big deal.
10-09-13, 06:32 PM
#25
Driver School Candidate
Moldy smell in new ES300h
We have the same problem for about a minute after starting the ES300h, purchased new last May. We never had this experience with an RX350 also purchased new. After a couple of attempts at fixing it, our dealer in Montgomery County, MD. is saying there is a recently released repair kit as this is a known problem. They are getting one for us. They also confirmed that older ES350s allowed you to leave the recirc open when you shut the car off but the 2013 no longer allows that (a bad choice they suggested as it seems to be causing this smell).
I'm hoping the kit will fix it. Again, the smell only last a minute or so but EVERY morning...we've only had the car since late May, warm weather in this area. The problem might not occur during cooler weather.
I'm hoping the kit will fix it. Again, the smell only last a minute or so but EVERY morning...we've only had the car since late May, warm weather in this area. The problem might not occur during cooler weather.
10-09-13, 07:04 PM
#26
We have the same problem for about a minute after starting the ES300h, purchased new last May. We never had this experience with an RX350 also purchased new. After a couple of attempts at fixing it, our dealer in Montgomery County, MD. is saying there is a recently released repair kit as this is a known problem. They are getting one for us. They also confirmed that older ES350s allowed you to leave the recirc open when you shut the car off but the 2013 no longer allows that (a bad choice they suggested as it seems to be causing this smell).
I'm hoping the kit will fix it. Again, the smell only last a minute or so but EVERY morning...we've only had the car since late May, warm weather in this area. The problem might not occur during cooler weather.
I'm hoping the kit will fix it. Again, the smell only last a minute or so but EVERY morning...we've only had the car since late May, warm weather in this area. The problem might not occur during cooler weather.
10-10-13, 09:27 AM
#27
Lexus Champion
I'm reaching 10K and going to the dealer for the 10K service. Part of this service is to check the filter, and they'll try to up charge you a new one at "their" cost of around $60+ with no labor charge. Woopee. I've ordered a Fram cabin filter at a quarter of the cost since the filter is pretty dirty and can contribute to some smell. At most, it takes about 5 minutes to change out.
10-10-13, 12:05 PM
#28
pg 305 of the nav manual has a section on "Air Conditioning Odors"
it says:
During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the vents.
To reduce potential odors from occurring:
- It is recommended the the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
- The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.
it says:
During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the vents.
To reduce potential odors from occurring:
- It is recommended the the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
- The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.
10-15-13, 06:56 AM
#30
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MOLD Issue 2013 ES-350
I reside in California. Can you tell me what dealership said there was a new repair kit for this issue? Was it: • 15501 Frederick Rd , Rockville, MD 20855 • (888) 702-5338 ?
Check these quotes out from my dealer:
• I am sorry you are experiencing an un pleasant smell in your Lexus. I realize you have created a case with Lexus customer satisfaction and they are in discussions with you about your concern. I did not realize you where waiting for a call from me. If there is something you would like to talk about my contact info is below. Please contact me at you convenience if you would like to discuss your concern. As for your concern vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. There is no way to eliminate these odors. During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. These odors may then be emitted from the vents. Odors coming from the outside air and interior can accumulate on the evaporator. As the evaporator core changes temperature, some of these odors may be released resulting in an unpleasant smell from the HVAC vents. Interior odors from sources such as air fresheners, animals, dirt, or trash can also accumulate within the HVAC system and contribute to unpleasant odors as well. Odors emitted from the A/C system are a normal characteristic of automotive A/C systems. It is normal to experience odor upon the initial startup due to the moist/humid air that is trapped in the HVAC system, after the vehicle has been parked. To help reduce the intensity of these odors that you are experiencing we have replaced your HVAC filter with a charcoal impregnated filter. I recommend for you to set the HVAC system to the outside (fresh) air mode when parking the vehicle to assist in the reduction of odors that could be trapped in the HVAC system. I had been told this was discussed and explained to you and since you where not happy with the results that is why you elected to contact Lexus. I am not sure how I can further assist you as we have already replaced your filter with the charcoal style but by all means if there is something more I can do please get in touch with me.
•
•
• Thanks,
•
•
• Michael Pedro
•
• Service Director
• Office (925) 682-3033
• Direct (925) 808-4106
• Lexus of Concord
• 2001 Market St
• Concord Ca 94520
• www.lexusofconcord.com
************************************************************************************
• Ron,
• There is an option that will help reduce these odors that are naturally occurring from your HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. This is not something that is warrantable concern as described to you in this email chain but with your permission and in the interest of customer satisfaction, as a onetime goodwill gesture Lexus of Concord will complete HVAC treatment at no charge to you. This treatment travels through the entire HVAC system to combat HVAC odors and improves the quality of the air in the vehicle. If you would like I can complete this treatment on Thursday 10/17. Please let me know what time you can come in on Thursday.
Thanks,
Michael Pedro
Service Director
Check these quotes out from my dealer:
• I am sorry you are experiencing an un pleasant smell in your Lexus. I realize you have created a case with Lexus customer satisfaction and they are in discussions with you about your concern. I did not realize you where waiting for a call from me. If there is something you would like to talk about my contact info is below. Please contact me at you convenience if you would like to discuss your concern. As for your concern vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. There is no way to eliminate these odors. During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. These odors may then be emitted from the vents. Odors coming from the outside air and interior can accumulate on the evaporator. As the evaporator core changes temperature, some of these odors may be released resulting in an unpleasant smell from the HVAC vents. Interior odors from sources such as air fresheners, animals, dirt, or trash can also accumulate within the HVAC system and contribute to unpleasant odors as well. Odors emitted from the A/C system are a normal characteristic of automotive A/C systems. It is normal to experience odor upon the initial startup due to the moist/humid air that is trapped in the HVAC system, after the vehicle has been parked. To help reduce the intensity of these odors that you are experiencing we have replaced your HVAC filter with a charcoal impregnated filter. I recommend for you to set the HVAC system to the outside (fresh) air mode when parking the vehicle to assist in the reduction of odors that could be trapped in the HVAC system. I had been told this was discussed and explained to you and since you where not happy with the results that is why you elected to contact Lexus. I am not sure how I can further assist you as we have already replaced your filter with the charcoal style but by all means if there is something more I can do please get in touch with me.
•
•
• Thanks,
•
•
• Michael Pedro
•
• Service Director
• Office (925) 682-3033
• Direct (925) 808-4106
• Lexus of Concord
• 2001 Market St
• Concord Ca 94520
• www.lexusofconcord.com
************************************************************************************
• Ron,
• There is an option that will help reduce these odors that are naturally occurring from your HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. This is not something that is warrantable concern as described to you in this email chain but with your permission and in the interest of customer satisfaction, as a onetime goodwill gesture Lexus of Concord will complete HVAC treatment at no charge to you. This treatment travels through the entire HVAC system to combat HVAC odors and improves the quality of the air in the vehicle. If you would like I can complete this treatment on Thursday 10/17. Please let me know what time you can come in on Thursday.
Thanks,
Michael Pedro
Service Director