darkdream

I had this problem. Turned out I just needed a new air filter. I live in California too.

yardie876

There was a thread on the SC forum in which someone had a litter of dead mice babies who were previously nesting on the filter. Imagine that stench in the hot summer sun.

Boy1109

iTrader: (1)

going to get my 20k service at the stealership this Sat, hopefully they can address the issue free of charge (crossing fingers)

fieldsphot

The cabin air filter? Or a different one? I have a brand new cabin air filter just changed last Saturday. I do change that regularly, and so far it has not made a difference in the smell. I think the mildew is in the evaporator core, which is past the filter's ability to control if the system works the way I think it does.

But if there is some other filter I need to change, I will try that.

fieldsphot

I hope you are able to get some headway. I have heard of folks getting the condenser changed under warranty for this issue. I have had no luck so far, with two different Lexus dealers and a Toyota dealer telling me it is essentially my fault that it smells.

my1s250

iTrader: (1)

It's called mildew and it's in you a/c vent it's from condensation after using the a/c with recirculation on and just letting the car sit there. Just use Lysol and spray into the vent in outside with a/c in and recirculation off

Boy1109

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. If not, I will try these options: Carbon Impregnated Cabin Air Filter (Deodorant Filter) & A/C REFRESHER KIT from Sewell


http://is.sewellparts.com/accessorie...2012/1882.html


http://is.sewellparts.com/accessorie...2012/2403.html

nosurprise

iTrader: (1)

It's definitely something wrong with the AC design. I had a new Nissan rental that had the exact same smell (probably same AC design). Putting it in fresh air mode doesn't work. I tried after killing the smell with air cleaning spray -- it came back after a year. Turning off the AC while the fan is running for a few minutes before turning off the car helps.

I wish Lexus just let the fan run for a few minutes after the car is off to get rid of this smell. I had an 2012 (or 2011?) ES loaner that had the same smell, so I wonder if they changed the way the AC work after 2012.

Boy1109

iTrader: (1)

no luck with Lexus, just a bunch of excuses I guess I'll have to go with plan B

2IS_Girl

iTrader: (7)

OP, you need to use this: or a similar product. The smell is due to the build up of mold, dust, etc through the normal use of your AC, regardless of what car you have. It's a part of the normal maintenance that's often overlooked by people. Apply it yourself or ask any capable mechanic who should know exactly what to do.

fieldsphot

I have ordered the carbon cabin air filter from Sewell - I looked at the one the dealer installed and it is the non-carbon one.

In the meantime, I have tried the Ozium spray. That stuff does stink! I popped about 5 very short sprays into the intake under the hood while the car was running and the A/C on high and that was too much. I left the car running for about 10 minutes and now I have it off but with all the windows down. Hopefully the strong Ozium scent will die down by tomorrow.

So if you are going to try the Ozium stuff be aware it has a very strong smell itself.


The thing I worry about trying the Klima stuff is the reviews where folks have damaged their electronics and sensors etc when the liquid escaped the ducts.

Boy1109

iTrader: (1)

Waiting for my carbon fiter to come in the mail, I know it won't resolve the problem but anything just to subside the odor will be a little satisfying.

Marty315

I have used both the Ozium spray and the traditional style air freshener to remove cigarette smoke smell from a vehicle driven by a smoker for 40K miles. It's worked very well for me. Prior to that I'd changed both filters (air and cabin), used the Lysol and Febreze methods and none of those worked for me. I found Ozium at the autoparts store near the air fresheners.

my1s250

iTrader: (1)

@Boy1109 doing the lysol method everyday for a week should help

Boy1109

iTrader: (1)

^ thanks! I'll give that try and the other suggestions as well.