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A/C ODOR

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by pklea, Aug 24, 2006.

  1. pklea

    pklea New Member

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    My 2005 Prius just celebrated its 1st birthday & 16,000 miles. For the last 6 mos or so I have detected a strong MILDEW odor each time I turn the A/C on. I live in cental Tx, so I use it almost year round, & we are experiencing an extreme drought so excessive moisture is NOT a problem. I grew up in Houston & I know what mildew smells like. I do have a sensitive nose, but my daughter can also detect THE SMELL even if the dealer can't. The dealer has replaced the interior filter, flushed the evaporator, sprayed the vents, & charged me abt $200, but THE SMELL returns w/i days. I've asked them to research the problem, but haven't heard anything in over 2 wks. Has anyone experienced a similar problem or have any suggestions? I love the car, but THE SMELL makes me sick & I can't live w/o A/C. Thanks! my zoo
     
    #1 pklea, Aug 24, 2006
  2. DaveG

    DaveG Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(my zoo @ Aug 24 2006, 08:21 PM) [snapback]309175[/snapback]</div>
    This is more of a problem for wet areas, but you could check to see if there could be some kind of sludge buildup in the vent system. Only takes a few seconds to check the side with the removable vent panel on it:

    http://priuschat.com/How-to-fix-the-sound-...ing-t22839.html

    Does it make a difference if you have the air set to fresh or recirculate when you smell it?

    Is there any possibility that it could be critter that got inside the air conditioning system and decided to snuff it?

    Dave
     
    #2 DaveG, Aug 25, 2006
  3. M. Oiseau

    M. Oiseau 6sigma this

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    Have you checked your shoes? Experience talking here. ;)
     
    #3 M. Oiseau, Aug 25, 2006
  4. TimBikes

    TimBikes New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(my zoo @ Aug 24 2006, 08:21 PM) [snapback]309175[/snapback]</div>
    I've heard that minimizing the use of the re-circ button and also making sure you turn off the re-circ several minutes prior to turning off the car can help. Maybe also running the blower daily for a few minutes with the AC off?
     
    #4 TimBikes, Aug 25, 2006
  5. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    There is a water drain under the evaporator which might be clogged. would have thought your service people already checked that, but as your problem persists...

    Trapped water could go many places possibly even carpet underpad, and promote the growth of mould there.
     
    #5 tochatihu, Aug 25, 2006
    1 person likes this.
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