Originally Posted by Lavrishevo

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

Originally Posted by 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.