AC Smell
AC Smell
My GS has the funky mildew / urine smell when i initially turn it on for about 15-20 secs then goes away. I've tried the DIY cleaning up with Lysol spray thru Vents (under the hood) while blasting the AC for 15 mins with windows down on 2 occasions.
While it helped, it still has the smell.. I've been only using outside air to inside this week in hope to get rid of them but I still smell it for the first 20 seconds or so.
Anyone experience this with their aristo (lol) and have other recommendations?
While it helped, it still has the smell.. I've been only using outside air to inside this week in hope to get rid of them but I still smell it for the first 20 seconds or so.
Anyone experience this with their aristo (lol) and have other recommendations?
Thanks fellas. The lexus service record shows the Cabin air filter was replaced on Feb 2019, so I didn't even check. I've ordered a replacement so I will update to see if that fixes it!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 37
Likes: 15
From: CA
Do you have it set to AUTO? or
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 253
Likes: 97
From: CA
When I don't use the air recirculation button, I get a faint sour smell when the outside air blows in. I assumed it was my cabin filter, but when I use the air recirculation, the smell goes away. My cabin filter was just replaced a month ago. I should try using outside air to see if the smell is still there.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 452
From: CA
Are you guys using the carbon activated OEM cabin air filter? Cheap 3rd party ones don't have to carbon activation. I think the OEM one cost me about $38. You can get them through rockauto.com or your local Lexus dealers. I have no smells with mine with or without recirculation.
Last edited by jdpdata; May 10, 2019 at 10:12 AM.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 452
From: CA
Lol how much did that cost? I hate Longo with a passion, they're all pompous ******. I drive all the way to Glendale for service. Cabin air filter is very easy to change literally took me 10 seconds. I already changed both of my filters so the dealer have no reason to rape me on those filters.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,822
Likes: 1,065
From: California
When u spray the Lysol the car needs to be off and let it sit for about 10 mins before turning the AC on. Then blast the AC on with re-circulation off and windows open until the Lysol smell is gone for about 10 mins.
I did that to my old RC and Camry and the smell never come back. My RC is already gone but I still have the Camry and it's still good. The smell will probably return in the future so we need to do this as part of maintenance.
I did that to my old RC and Camry and the smell never come back. My RC is already gone but I still have the Camry and it's still good. The smell will probably return in the future so we need to do this as part of maintenance.
Last edited by ItzFilyO; May 10, 2019 at 10:32 AM.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 253
Likes: 97
From: CA
Lol how much did that cost? I hate Longo with a passion, they're all pompous ******. I drive all the way to Glendale for service. Cabin air filter is very easy to change literally took me 10 seconds. I already changed both of my filters so the dealer have no reason to rape me on those filters.
I've never had an issue with Longo and it's like 5 minutes from my house. I was in a hurry and I just agreed to it. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't do anything and just charged me. I don't feel a difference. Never again.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 452
From: CA
Longo is the highest volume Lexus dealer in the country. They don't care about the little people like me. I too only live about 5 minutes from Longo, but will never return. I had horrible service there twice. Actually got into a shouting match with one of their service advisor. I complaint about wind noise from my driver's window. The idiot blamed it on my aftermarket exhaust. What the hell does an exhaust have anything to do with wind noise? They never even look at my complaint. They seems to be very discriminatory against people with modified Lexus cars. Glendale never a problem. In fact, the service advisor there has a modded GS too, just like mine. Cool dude! Longo oil changes are $149, Glendale $99. Extra 30 minutes drive to save $50 and much better service. And I find that Glendale have much better loaners too. I've gotten brand new 2019 ES, RX, RC,NX..you name it, they have no problems giving it to you.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 13,614
Likes: 2,923
From: Texas
Sadly, for the $1,300 you spent for your 60,000 service you actually only received about $160 (at most) of what was really needed 'if' you received the following: oil & filter change, engine and cabin air filter replacement and smart key battery.
60,000 Mile Service:
Replace engine oil and oil filter (0W-20) - Might not even need replacing! Only needed if it has been 10,000 miles or one year since last changed
Rotate tires (Applies to models with the same size front and rear tires and wheels.) - Can be done (with balancing) at no-charge by quality tire shops
Replace air conditioner filter - Might not even need replacing! OE Charcoal filter can be ordered online for $38.00 and changed in 5 minutes
Replace brake fluid - Not ever needed (Toyota does not recommend brake fluid replacement for any of their branded vehicles)
Replace engine air filter - Might not even need replacing! OE filter can be ordered online for $16.50 and changed in 5 minutes
Replace smart key battery - CR2032 battery can be bought at any drug/pharmacy store for $3.00 and replaced in 5 minutes
Replace spark plugs - Not needed until 150k - 200k miles. New spark plugs will not provide additional fuel mileage, performance or advantage in any way whatsoever
Measure brake pad thickness and rotor runout
Reset maintenance reminder light
Road test vehicle
Check installation of driver's floor mat
Inspect axle shaft boots
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect body
Inspect brake lines and hoses
Inspect drive belt(s)
Inspect engine coolant
Inspect exhaust pipes and mounting
Inspect fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses.
Inspect fuel tank cap gasket
Inspect rack and pinion steering assembly
Inspect rear differential oil
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Inspect transmission for signs of leakage
Visually inspect brake pads, calipers and rotors