by xXsolaraXx » Tue Sep 09, 2003 9:29 pm
this might help...mookie posted this in 2001!!!
"I hate it I'm guessing it's a thing with everyone? When I use the air conditioning there's not smell. But once I turn it off and just run regular air there's this odor. It's not a bad bad odor, but it's still an odor. I found these at Owners@Toyota: "
Q: Why does my air conditioning smell?
A: During air conditioner operation, cold refrigerant is pumped through the evaporator core by an engine driven compressor. Then a fan blows passenger-compartment air through “fins” to cool the air. Besides chilling the air, these fins also act as an air filter, trapping bacteria, spores, and dirt. Airborne particles are normally washed out a drain hole with condensation, but if they remain on the evaporator, the bacteria may collect and cause the unpleasant odor. This situation is not isolated to Toyota; it is an industry-wide condition.
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Q: How can I minimize the air conditioning smell from occurring?
A: There are ways to minimize the odor. Whenever possible, use the outside air setting on your unit rather than the recirculated air setting. Try to avoid parking under trees; this will reduce the possibility of leaves entering the air intakes. Whenever feasible, drive on paved routes as dusty roads may accelerate the condition. We encourage you to contact your local Toyota dealership for a thorough evaluation of the condition you are experiencing.
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Any other tips? I've heard people say spraying Lysol into the air intake (below the windshield wipers) helps.
