hybridlexy

Hey CL,

My CT has recently started to emit a smelly odor when the A/C first starts up, for about 5-8 seconds...think rotten something or bad bad bad body odor.
It clears up after that and turns odorless.
Anyone else have this happen to them?

For what it's worth, we have a 2011 with about 21000 miles

Thanks!

canknee

usually when it's humid outside, i've noticed that happening. it happens more when you turn on the fan without the AC on rather than when the AC is on

hybridlexy

hmmm...i live in a pretty humid state, and this has not happened prior?
will definitely roll it into the dealership when I have some time and get it looked at!

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Here's an old thread I recall that might have some helpful hints
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...l-from-ac.html

Clutchless

What you need is Einszett klima cleaner to clean the mold off the A/C evaportor/condensor that is inside the dash. It is a foam you spray inside the center vent per instructions. It will remove the smell. Then replace your cabin air filter.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_2mi9vypzov_b

hybridlexy

Wouldn't this odd smell be covered under warranty anyways? I've definitely seen a few DIY items with the a/c compressor or hoses...

Pretty interesting that this happens to both hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles! My RX450h doesn't have an issue

Wayles

YES - mine stinks too, but only for a few seconds like you said. I have replaced the filter and sprayed the stuff in the vents to no avail...

whlkev

it's just mold growing inside.. it could happen to any car...

just keep up with the maintenance of the filters change and turn off the AC and change to out side air before you turn off the car in a high humidity place

and spray the cleaner to help reduce it as previously mentioned

never in any of my cars did I have this issues even when CA reaches 60-70% humidity

FLYCT

Mine started to smell when AC started up at about 10 months after delivery. The dealer used the Toyota evaporator 2 part cleaner and changed the filter in the glove box. All fixed for now. They did it under warranty.

The Toyota cleaner costs about $20 retail. It's a foam that you inject through the evaporator drain tube, let it sit for about 15 minutes and it changes to a liquide that flushes out the drain tube. Part 2 is a chemical that you spray into the fresh air intake with the fan running on fresh air, not recirculate. .
It kills mold, mildew etc that cause the smell.

Here's a you tube video
Here's a link for the Toyota refresher
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=330951548956

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2008/4481.html

I was also advised to run AC on fresh air prior to turning car off which helps recurrence.

JR

sears1234

Simply turn on your heat to maximum, open your windows, let it blow over ten minutes, and all mold will be killed and smelly odd will go away.

lattemocha

I have exactly same symptom. The dealership changed the filter and performed power foam cleaner to the system twice, but it only works for 48 hours at max. Now the dealership is saying it is normal characteristic of the vehicle, and since the computer diagnostic says everything is normal, there is nothing they have to do under warranty. I contacted the Lexus corp and they said that since the dealership concluded it is normal, they cannot do anything or force them to perform additional services to remove the smell. I sure do not want to smell the bad mold smell every time I get into the car with AC on.