05Flagship

How do you get rid of that initial mildew smell... I can only imagine get the AC serviced or is it more to it.

rkw77080

Have you replaced your cabin air filter? For the UL model with rear A/C unit, you'll have an additional cabin air filter for the rear blower.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Mold or mildew in the evaporator causes the smell. You can buy a kit from Toyota to pump chemicals up into the system or spray 70% rubbing alcohol down the cowl vent. The alcohol method works well. I have a thread on here how to do it. I will see if I can find it.

Here you go:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-c-system.html

JffGRY706

do the alcohol thing from Lavrishevo thread and make sure is draining on both sides. maybe the filter with charcoal for odors. leave out floor mats if carpet isn't dry. move to Texas

wolverine

iTrader: (9)

I gotta try this. Not on my LS but on my wifes 13 rx350. **** smells bad during start up. Had the same problem with her 06 is350 before we sold it. Didnt know this happened on the older models.

Tom57

... I'd move to Texas for many, many reasons, but this is not one of them. Based on the various postings in a few threads on this subject, it appears that those in the drier / hotter climates have the musty, mildew smell more than others in wetter, colder climes. Small sample size, unscientific survey, of course. I've never had to clean / refresh the air intake system on any of my LS's. Rain (and more frequent car washes) floods and rinses the evaporator system.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

You could not pay me to move to Texas.... Lol Well, at least Houston. What a miserable place.

If you leave the air conditioning on recirculate all the time this seems make the problem worse.

05Flagship

Where is that located - filters for the rear blower

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

In the trunk. A black plastic piece covers it. It's mounted against the back seat passenger side. Good to change them especially, the front but your smell is not coming from the filters. The 70% rubbing alcohol method works great.

Tom57

The Ultra Luxury model only has the rear filter. The Base, Modern Luxury and Custom Luxury models do not. How do you know if you have the Ultra Luxury model? There are radio and temperature (A/C) controls in the rear seat armrest, among others.