I've noticed many times when starting the ac you can smell a certain scent in the ac air that is blowing into the cabin. It's kinda sweet smelling but fragrant almost. Is that normal? Is that coming from the cabin air filter? If not what is the source of that scent? I was thinking of changing my air filter soon and figured I should get the OEM to retain that scent.

Anyone else smelled the same in their ac?

 

I detect no scent and use the Toyota branded OE charcoal cabin air filter.

 

I was experiencing the same thing and I don't want to have any scent. I changed air filter multiple times and it didn't solve the problem.

I used Lysol and other AC coil cleaning products and the scent is still present.

And the scent is most obvious when in heating mode.

I would like to know how to thoroughly clean the AC system.

 

I've never had a sweet scent. Before changing the cabin filter, it was more pungent like wet dog. After changing the cabin filter, nothing.

 

No smell at all. I just leave it on Auto and don't bother turning it off.

 

That's the way Lexus designed it to be operated...

 

Which is the point.

 

Sorry to revive an old post. I went to a Lexus dealer recently to resolve this issue. At the beginning, they told me they would insert the foam cleaner througth the drain pipe and clean the coils. This is exactly what I wanted them to do. However, when they called me to pick up the car, they said they couldn't do it because they have to lower the transmission etc which is too much work.

So if the dealer cannot do it, what options do we have?

 

Just spitballing here, but you mention sweet smell especially when using the heat. Did anyone check for a leak with the heater core? Anti-Freeze does have that kind of sweet smell as opposed to the usual "dirty socks" many Toyota/Lexus owners get which is caused by bacteria buildup.