golffnutt

HELP, HELP. I am getting this sour, musty odor from the AC when I first start the engine. I read that this will happen if you do not keep the cabin filter changed and the AC evaporator cleaned out. There is suppose to be a special cleaning kit from Lexus expecially fro this purpose, does anyone know the part number or ball park cost.? Also does anyone know where the cabin filter is located in a '96 ES300? I could sure use some help and advise here guys. Thank you so much.

lexusk8

I wouldn't clean the A/C filter at all. If it appears at the least bit dirty, just replace it (once a year). The filter is located behind some carpeting on the floor, at the right of your gas pedal. The thread below discusses more about changing your cabin filter. It is a pretty simple procedure, and your owner's manual might even have details of this filter replacement

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=103096

golffnutt

lexusk8 thank you for the reply but I think you misread my post. I am not cleaning the cabin fillter , instead I am cleaning the evaporator core.

lexusk8

Oops Thanks for clarifying that up for me.

Moving this to Maintenance for more help from the expert side.

mikal

I've heard of people spraying some Lysol at the vents outside where your wipers are.

Just turn on your air, spray some in there to disinfect any germies that are in there.

golffnutt

Thank you for the Lysol tip, I will give that a try, but would still like to know if anyone has tried cleaning/disinfecting their evaporator core and if so how did they do it. Thank you.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

There are some posts about a kit Lexus / Toyota sells that connects to your AC to do that... let me search for a minute

edit here you go

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/automotive-care-and-detailing/81943-mildew-smell-from-ac.html

golffnutt

Can anyone tell me where the connection is located on the evaporator to connect the hose from an evaporator cleaning spray? I rolled the carpet back near the gas pedal, removed a white plastic plate, behind this plate was the evaporator. I could not locate the cabin filter in this area, can anyone tell me where the cabin filter is located, I though it was here but I do not see it. I have a '96 ES300 Lexus. Thank you for your help.

VVT-i

You have to get that kit from Toyota/Lexus dealer.

Look under the passenger side of the car( by the firewall). You will see a black rubber hose coming out of firewall. Then used the supplied hose that come with the kit and spray the cleaner inside the eveporator. You will have to jack the car up to access to the evaporator drain hose.

golffnutt

Wt-i thank you. Any idea where the cabin filter is located?

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

golf,

Please try the advanced search feature Instant answers, no waiting.

I put 'cabin filter' in the topic and pointed at ES forums and found a bunch of posts. I'm sure one of them will cover your 96. Might also try "a/c filter' or 'ac filter'

for example
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=160874

golffnutt

DaveGS4 will do, thanks.

mikefly

go to lexus technical service information bulletin #ac001-97
air cond evaporater odor dated 9/12/97

it's got all the info you need including step by step pics - and it works

tech service bulletins are available here

golffnutt

mikefly I really appreciate that info only problem is this site only has TSBs for 04 and 05 ES300s, doesn't help me as mine is a 1996. I did a google search trying to find this TSB and could only find sites where you had to pay for the info, not willing to do this. Do you know of any sites where I might be able to find the TSB you mentioned???????????? Thank you.

Junk

1996 es 300 do not have ac filters. only 2002 up es 300/330 do. it is rare to find a 1997-2001 that has them. use the toyota stuff that you spray into the evap drain tube.