pizitz70

I realize its been a very long time since I started this thread but I wanted to give an update on my situation.

After more searches and additional reading on the AC Refresher Kits, I decided to try a different approach.

I came across someone who told me that some Toyota techs are using a simple solution of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol to solve the annoying AC smell problem. I did this cheap and easy procedure about a month ago and the smell has yet to return.

The Procedure:

1. Fill a basic spray bottle with undiluted 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
2. Start the vehicle and turn the AC on max using outside air
3. Raise the hood and generously spray the alcohol in and around the intake grate at the bottom of the windshield near the firewall. Don't be shy. I sprayed .5 liters

For me, the results were exactly what I was looking for. The musty smell was immediately removed and remains so one month later. I did this without removing the cabin filter. I turned right around and did this on my GS300 as well. Same results!

I have no need to purchase AC Refresher kits and breathe in those added chemicals now. Thank you all who contributed to this thread.

My theory is this --- The smell is coming from pooled water down in the air intake area. Some of that water cannot escape. It sits there and eventually bacteria begins to grow producing fungus and the smell. When you hit that area with all that alcohol, its sanitizes it somewhat.

bobbyg49

Great subject. I have learned a lot here and will try it.

Thanks everyone.

ilovett76

Thanks for being the guinea pig. That sounds like a great, cheap, and easy solution.

bobbyg49

Yes, thank you for sharing the idea, as well as doing it. Great post.

Thanks,

molecule

I used this kit last week on the wife's 99 Avalon. Worked great removing the musty smell she says it seems like her AC get a bit colder also.

johnnyg66

Bought this kit last summer. But just used it today. Works very nice good smell though it wasn't too bad before. Probably a job to do every 2 years.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I almost always keep my AC on recirculate. On a recent trip, I noticed I am getting a bad smell when I turn it on fresh air. Recirculate is fine. I am considering purchasing the AC refresher kit or just use the rubbing alcohol method. Any other comments on one vs the other?

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

Ive used the refresher kit and the "lysol method". I prefer the lysol/rubbing alcohol method as its alot easier to do, doesn't require lifting up the car, and is just as effective. Make sure you turn OFF the ac and set the fans to bring in fresh air.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I will try this. The directions above say to leave the AC on but on fresh air. It should be off?

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

Mmm, I turn off the AC so the alcohol doesn't go to the compressor. The directions from Toyota's AC refresher recommend turning OFF the ac and make sure its to fresh air.

Im not certain what the best practice is with the AC portion, but you must have the system set to fresh air and not recirculate.


Read below for Jay's description. Keep the AC on

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Great. Thank you. I will keep the compressor off.

jayclapp

None of the air that is cooled goes to the compressor. The compressor compresses freon and it is chilled when the compressed gas expands. It then flows thru a heat exchanges where the incoming cabin air is cooled by the cool walls of the cooled freon gas. The freon is on the other side of the walls (think of how your engine water is cooled in the radiator by air on the outside of the walls that contain the water, only the A/C cools the air).

Since the walls fo the A/C heat exchanges is cool when the cabin inlet air flows over those walls, that is what causes water in the air to condense and then drain out the bottom of the car. Consequently, it is your advantage of having the A/C running when you spray an alcolol based cleaner thru your system to clean it. The cleaner (alcohol) will condense on the walls of the heat exchanger and assist in cleaning it.

If the A/C is not on, then the cleaner will more likely be swept thru the heat exchanger is a gaseous form and provide far less cleaning than if it is allowed to condense on the cold walls of the heat exchanger.

Make sure the A/C is on when trying to clean it!

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

Great Info Jay! Never knew how the ac system really worked.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

looking forward to trying this.. I have the musty smell as well... Changing the cabin filter helps a little but the smell is back in about 2 months..

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Ok, so the consensus is to leave the compressor on now. Will do.