1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Bad smell from A/c

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

  1. Gaprofitt

    Gaprofitt New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2008
    28
    0
    0
    Location:
    Atlanta, GA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    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
     
    #1 Gaprofitt, Jul 20, 2008
  2. seasalsa

    seasalsa Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2004
    1,278
    20
    0
    Location:
    Kent, WA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    #2 seasalsa, Jul 21, 2008
  3. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2007
    10,096
    4,817
    0
    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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.
     
    #3 edthefox5, Jul 21, 2008
  4. kazots

    kazots LifesaBeach

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2008
    262
    0
    0
    Location:
    CALIFORNIA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    You could always go to the "search" box to ask your questions.
     
    #4 kazots, Jul 22, 2008
  5. javadanno

    javadanno Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2009
    5
    1
    0
    Location:
    Leesburg VA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    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.
     
    #5 javadanno, May 12, 2009
  6. fayeweezer

    fayeweezer New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2010
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    sacramento
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    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.
     
    #6 fayeweezer, Feb 1, 2010
  7. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2007
    1,540
    93
    0
    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    There is also a [low] possibility that some critter died inside your car vent system.

    edit: oh Wth this thread is old.
     
    #7 Bob64, Feb 2, 2010
  8. Bear68

    Bear68 Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2007
    373
    72
    0
    Location:
    West Palm Beach, FLA
    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.
     
    #8 Bear68, Apr 14, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  9. deeno

    deeno Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2010
    17
    2
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A

    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!
     
    #9 deeno, Apr 15, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  10. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2009
    2,705
    510
    63
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Might as well quote the content here: :)
    from
    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2909862

     
    #10 2009Prius, Apr 16, 2010
    kiwiminime likes this.
  11. Supreme

    Supreme Hypebeast

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2010
    182
    19
    0
    Location:
    Philly
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    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.
     
    #11 Supreme, Jul 27, 2010
  12. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2009
    2,705
    510
    63
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    #12 2009Prius, Jul 27, 2010
  13. ryogajyc

    ryogajyc Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2004
    985
    165
    0
    Location:
    Reseda, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    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.
     
    #13 ryogajyc, Sep 20, 2011
    mfa-prius likes this.
  14. mfa-prius

    mfa-prius Old member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2005
    299
    46
    1
    Location:
    Hansville, WA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I do the same, thinking that in my humid climate it's silly to keep sucking in fresh humid air. I also have the smell, but all the dealer ever did was recommend changing the cabin air filter every few months. Thanks for the tip.
     
    #14 mfa-prius, Aug 18, 2012
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)