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Moldy mildewy smell from carpet behind driver's seat

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by sleelio, May 19, 2020.

  1. sleelio

    sleelio Junior Member

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    2015 Prius
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    I have a 4 year old Gen 3 and never had this problem before. I pulled up all the floor mats and did a sniff test to locate the mildewy smell I just started smelling when I first get into my car. The carpet behind the driver's seat is where I notice the smell - somewhat faint - but enough to notice when opening up the car. I can't feel any moisture. Does anyone know what is under the floorboard on that side of the car? Any suggestions on what might have leaked? The floor mat above the area doesn't have any odor, so it had to have come from below. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Pluggo

    Pluggo Senior Member

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    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Advanced
    Try keeping a box of baking soda under either seat.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    the leak usually comes from the a/c drain, cracks in the rain gutters, the hatch door and hinges, or the windshield washer tube that runs through the headliner.

    check the 12v battery area, spare tire well and hybrid battery