Bad smell from A/c

Discussion in 'Toyota Prius Service Bulletins - TSBs' started by Gaprofitt, Jul 20, 2008.

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    Gaprofitt New Member

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    Hi All,

    When I first turn on my 2007 Prius there is a bad smell from the a/c, it goes away after about 5 secs. I checked the cabin filter and it looks and smells fine, anyone else experience this?

    Thanks,

    Greg
    Gaprofitt, Jul 20, 2008
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    seasalsa New Member

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    seasalsa, Jul 21, 2008
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    edthefox5 New Member

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    I got excited when I saw your header. I thought that maybe Toy finally put out a TSB for this problem. Your in the wrong forum. Post this in the "Care-Maintenance" forum. If you want to see alot about your problem search my old posts.
    edthefox5, Jul 21, 2008
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    kazots LifesaBeach

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    You could always go to the "search" box to ask your questions.
    kazots, Jul 22, 2008
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    javadanno New Member

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    I had this problem and it is caused by moisture (condensation) in the AC system. Set your AC to 72 degrees or higher and the problem should go away. It has for me.
    javadanno, May 12, 2009
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    fayeweezer New Member

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    You may also want to change your cabin air filter and have the air conditioner system serviced. It may be a large problem if not taken care of right away.
    fayeweezer, Feb 1, 2010
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    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    There is also a [low] possibility that some critter died inside your car vent system.

    edit: oh wtf this thread is old.
    Bob64, Feb 2, 2010
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    Bear68 New Member

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    There is now a TSB applying to 2007 – 2010 Camry, Camry HV
    2004 – 2008 Prius which involves replacing the evaporator core. T-SB-0261-09 August 6, 2009
    HVAC Odor.
    Bear68, Apr 14, 2010
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    deeno New Member

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    Wow thank you! Found more info about it here:

    T-SB-0261-09 August 6, 2009 HVAC Odor - Toyota Forums :: Toyota Nation

    Looks like it's covered under the 3yr/36k warranty and I barely qualify still. Hope to get this fixed ASAP!
    deeno, Apr 15, 2010
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    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Might as well quote the content here: :)
    from
    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2909862

    2009Prius, Apr 16, 2010
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    Supreme Hypebeast

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    Had my evaporator replaced under this TSB. Smell is starting to come back again. I might just get rid of the car at this point.
    Supreme, Jul 27, 2010
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    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    2009Prius, Jul 27, 2010
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    ryogajyc New Member

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    My A/C had a sour smell too b/c I use to force it to recirculate the air even when Auto mode chose fresh air. Toyota service explained to me that fresh air needs to be used every so often keep the system from retaining moisture, leading to mildew.

    When the smell occurred, switching to fresh air for a minute would clear up the problem for a little while. I changed my habits to allow Auto mode switch to fresh air as it wishes and eventually the problem went away for good.
    ryogajyc, Sep 20, 2011
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