Stinky AC .Fix it yourself

[ca.detailchick]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzYlp9dm7AI]How to Fix Smelly AC in Your Car Like the Pro in 3 Minutes - YouTube[/ame]

I havent done this yet but thought it was a good video. Im going to try something without chemicles though when I try it.

[jtford95]

Cool. Thanks. I will try that.

[Angus]

Replacing your cabin air filter should also be considered as that could be contributing to the mold growth. I`ve also used 1Z Einszett Klima-Cleaner with great results too.

[Stokdgs]

Been using Einszett Klima-Cleaner on Clients vehicles for at least 10 years..

You have to run a supplied plastic tube into the center vents and spray the entire can into the vent which gets the product all the day down onto the evaporator which is usually growing mold from being damp and not drying out.

Some vehicles cant be treated this way because of electronics down there along the way that might get the product on them.. I believe its Japanese cars..

Most vehicles including our Bimmers can go over a year, sometimes, the mold is gone for years and all is good..

They even came out recently with a formula that you just open up inside the car with the A/C running full blast, close it up and let the A/C suck all the chemical into the system and it works about the same way..

Its especially needed on Bimmers that the Clients dont shut off ever and eventually the moisture drip tube underneath gets plugged up and then it starts to grow mold on the evaporator underneath the Dashboard..
Dan F

[ca.detailchick]

Thanks Dan and Angus for the added info.

I never had a problem with AC smell until I got a TOYOTA.

I have changed my cabin filter and its not the problem for me .

I cannot even use my AC once .As soon as I shut it off ,the air from the vents smells like a mix of moldy dirty sox and some sort of toxic waste .

I really dont like the idea of using chemicals either .

From what I read Toyota has a problem with this.

[Angus]

the air from the vents smells like a mix of moldy dirty sox and some sort of toxic waste .

Oh man! That sounds awful. 1Z Einszett Klima-Cleaner is pretty simple to use as long as you get the tube all the way into the vent and down to the compressor. I used it on was my wife`s 2013 Subaru Impreza last March and so far so good.

Like most 1Z products it does leave a lemon lime scent and it was noticeable for a few days afterwards. So if you do go that route make sure you can drive with your windows down.

I hear you on the chemical issue. I`m not sure you can get around it however.

They even came out recently with a formula that you just open up inside the car with the A/C running full blast, close it up and let the A/C suck all the chemical into the system and it works about the same way..

Good to know! Thanks, Dan!!

[Setec Astronomy]

1Z Klima-Cleaner Professional (the one with the spray tube) is what you want--it appears to be out of stock in the US right now (hopefully they aren`t changing it so it doesn`t work).

I have never had to use anywhere near a whole can. It`s not chemical-y at all, just has a lemon scent.

There is a similar industrial product called Nu Calgon Evap Foam, but it doesn`t have the long tube.

[Stokdgs]

DC -
Does your car drip water from underneath, about where the dashboard would be, after using your A/C, and shutting the car off ?

If not, then that little rubber tube that is supposed to drain all the moisture out is clogged..

I quickly did a little research via google, and I think on Toyota Vans, the little tube might be on the Passenger Side of the Firewall, and I assume towards the bottom of the firewall, as you need to have the tube lower than the Evaporator, so the water will flow down and out..

There are Toyota Forums that talk about this also..

See if you can ask the Toyota people to tell you where it is, or better still have them verify you have this and put it on a lift, find it and run a wire through it to unplug it..

All Air Conditioners get moisture on the evaporator , and the moisture has to go somewhere as its collected..

This is why A/C units smell because the little evaporator (looks like a little radiator), behind the Dashboard, usually at the bottom, behind a console, etc., is swimming in moisture that needs to go out the little tube and onto the ground underneath the car..

Hope you can get this fixed !
Dan F

[ca.detailchick]

I will have to check Dan. Yes your right Ive seen it drip on the passenger side ,but that was a few years ago.

I havent been using my AC but I will later this week its suposed to be hot again.

That would be nice if it were a simple fix like that!
Thanks Dan!

DC -
Does your car drip water from underneath, about where the dashboard would be, after using your A/C, and shutting the car off ?

If not, then that little rubber tube that is supposed to drain all the moisture out is clogged..

I quickly did a little research via google, and I think on Toyota Vans, the little tube might be on the Passenger Side of the Firewall, and I assume towards the bottom of the firewall, as you need to have the tube lower than the Evaporator, so the water will flow down and out..

There are Toyota Forums that talk about this also..

See if you can ask the Toyota people to tell you where it is, or better still have them verify you have this and put it on a lift, find it and run a wire through it to unplug it..

All Air Conditioners get moisture on the evaporator , and the moisture has to go somewhere as its collected..

This is why A/C units smell because the little evaporator (looks like a little radiator), behind the Dashboard, usually at the bottom, behind a console, etc., is swimming in moisture that needs to go out the little tube and onto the ground underneath the car..

Hope you can get this fixed !
Dan F