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Sup CL, long story short, I've already changed the cabin air filter, did the Lysol trick and even used alcohol to kill the mold. It'll work for 2-3 months but it just came back! Is there a bigger problem here? Anyone had this issue?
(2014 IS250 if it matters) and I live in WA state
Another member has the same issue https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...xus-again.html
Based on a long discussion, most members here agree that the smell is due to mildew buildup inside the air vents, caused by leaving the A/C on re-circulation for long periods of time. This is true for all cars and not just Lexus.
Another member has the same issue https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...xus-again.html
Based on a long discussion, most members here agree that the smell is due to mildew buildup inside the air vents, caused by leaving the A/C on re-circulation for long periods of time. This is true for all cars and not just Lexus.
I was told the same, I don't use the ac at all cause I live in Seattle and it's not hot haha, but I always use fresh air never recirculate
I was told the same, I don't use the ac at all cause I live in Seattle and it's not hot haha, but I always use fresh air never recirculate
Not sure if this has been suggested...so my apologies if this is a repeat.
Get a can of A/C deodorizer...usually the instructions will say to feed a tube up the hole that the water drains out of when the A/C is on. (if not, do it anyways)
Hopefully the can of deodorizer comes with a tube...if not get some.
The hole in question is the drain tube from the A/C evaporator box...which is likely where the mildew has formed and creating the smell.
I'm not sure exactly where it drains under the car, but chances are you're going to have to jack it up and put it on stands (be safe!)
Follow the instructions on the deodorizer can and blast that evaporator.
It may take a couple applications to completely eliminate the odor...really depends on how bad the mildew is.
Not sure if this has been suggested...so my apologies if this is a repeat.
Get a can of A/C deodorizer...usually the instructions will say to feed a tube up the hole that the water drains out of when the A/C is on. (if not, do it anyways)
Hopefully the can of deodorizer comes with a tube...if not get some.
The hole in question is the drain tube from the A/C evaporator box...which is likely where the mildew has formed and creating the smell.
I'm not sure exactly where it drains under the car, but chances are you're going to have to jack it up and put it on stands (be safe!)
Follow the instructions on the deodorizer can and blast that evaporator.
It may take a couple applications to completely eliminate the odor...really depends on how bad the mildew is.
Is there a specific brand you'd recommend? And do you know where exactly the tube is at?
Is there a specific brand you'd recommend? And do you know where exactly the tube is at?
I haven't used deodorizer in a long time, so hard to say which one is the best (or good) out there.
Usually your local parts supplier should carry it...plus I'm in Canada, so I probably don't get a selection even close to what you have.
As for location, it's going to drain somewhere around the middle of the firewall, since that's where the A/C evaporator box is behind the dash.
I would honestly climb under the car to get you pic, but it's winter outside.
I found this pic that shows the dash and everything else removed...I put a red circle where the A/C drain out through the body.
Realistically it's right above the transmission, so there is likely a short hose that directs the water away from the tranny.
If it's warm where you are (which I'm guessing not), you can run the car for about 10 minutes with the A/C on and you should see a puddle forming under the car around the back of the engine/front of the transmission area...that's where the drain is.
I haven't used deodorizer in a long time, so hard to say which one is the best (or good) out there.
Usually your local parts supplier should carry it...plus I'm in Canada, so I probably don't get a selection even close to what you have.
As for location, it's going to drain somewhere around the middle of the firewall, since that's where the A/C evaporator box is behind the dash.
Thanks for the help
I would honestly climb under the car to get you pic, but it's winter outside.
I found this pic that shows the dash and everything else removed...I put a red circle where the A/C drain out through the body.
Realistically it's right above the transmission, so there is likely a short hose that directs the water away from the tranny.
If it's warm where you are (which I'm guessing not), you can run the car for about 10 minutes with the A/C on and you should see a puddle forming under the car around the back of the engine/front of the transmission area...that's where the drain is.
th
THanks for the help, I really appreciate it! Now it's time
tl take care of this stupid fiasco
You definitely have some sort of moisture issue around the evaporator. Which is no surprise there is lots of humidity in Seattle. But this is often caused, on cars in general not specific to Lexus, by those evap drain lines plugging up. The condensation has nowhere to go and just sits in there molding. Either way you'll need to do some sort of treatment for the odor, but I would use a coat hanger or wire to try sticking up that drain and ensure it is clear.
when ever possible don't use the a/c. push that button and turn the compressor off. let the evap and pan dry up. keep it on fresh air when ever possible.
when ever possible don't use the a/c. push that button and turn the compressor off. let the evap and pan dry up. keep it on fresh air when ever possible.
A few tips for A/C usage to maximize fuel economy and reduce odor:
Using any form of the front defroster will activate the A/C, without illuminating the A/C on the climate controls...so avoid driving around with the defroster on if not needed
Turn the A/C off approx. 5 minutes before you reach your destination...the remaining cool air circulating should still keep you comfortable and allow the evaporator to dry out before you stop the vehicle
Replace the cabin filter at regular intervals to avoid unnecessary strain on the blower motor and maximize ventilation performance
If you've had the A/C running for awhile, confirm you can see an appropriate size pudding of water under the vehicle...no puddle or very little water could indicate a blockage in the drain...if the blockage is severe, the water will spill into the vehicle interior
On those really hot days, you can customize the fob to unlock all windows and sunroof at once...great for letting all the hot air out in one shot before you get to the vehicle
Keep the wiper cowl clear as this could impede fresh air from flowing into the vehicle interior efficiently
This is really dumb to have to follow any of these procedures. My old camry had this same problem. So many car companies have solved this problem. Ridiculous.
This is really dumb to have to follow any of these procedures. My old camry had this same problem. So many car companies have solved this problem. Ridiculous.
Do you have any evidence to back up your claim that some car manufacturer's have found a solution to this problem? If yes, then please tell us what it is? Below is just a teeny tiny selection of threads from various BMW, MB, Audi and Toyota forums with people having this same problem. People can be seen discussing this problem on almost every single car forum. Car manufacturer's cannot control the environment, nor the humidity, in which you choose to park your car. People have got to stop slandering Lexus for this! Use common sense. Use facts.
This is really dumb to have to follow any of these procedures. My old camry had this same problem. So many car companies have solved this problem. Ridiculous.
The reality is that it's not a Toyota/Lexus problem, it's a "can happen to any car" problem. It really comes down to vehicle usage and environment.
There is one guaranteed for sure fix...110% will eliminate the odor...it's replace the evaporator.
Of course that involves taking everything out of the car between the firewall and back seats. All of a sudden the above fix for spraying a deodorizer into the evaporator drain tube doesn't sound so bad...while I admit it is challenging.
It's unfortunate the vehicle developed the odor, and it's tough to get rid of.
I have the SAME issue with my 2015 RC-F and have taken it to the dealer twice, but the issue pops up after a few months. The last time i took it in the technican gave me the same tips as Sasnuke posted above but even following those no luck
Originally Posted by dataman
This is really dumb to have to follow any of these procedures. My old camry had this same problem. So many car companies have solved this problem. Ridiculous.
I would agree to this statemtn based on my exeoeicen of owning Hondas, Acura, and other vehicle. none of them had this issue, but my RCF has....
02-15-17, 03:52 PM
Air vents smell like MOLD/BO
