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Stinking A/C FIX

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by windshearalert, Jul 7, 2010.

  1. windshearalert

    windshearalert Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2009
    37
    12
    0
    Location:
    Little Rock, Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Well, after a month of near 99 degree days, my A/C decided to start stinking like a barnyard.... Let me rephrase that, MUCH MUCH WORSE than a barnyard. I tried Febreze, Pfft.... No help. I sprayed Lyson...LOL, no help. Read through the forums and saw all the people with the same problem. Lots of Possible answers, and Lots of possible ways to fix this "Crappy" issue...
    Well, I have the solution and it will cost you approximately $15 and about 15 minutes of your time. It works and you WILL thank me for it.
    As all of the other forums, DO NOT USE Bleach. Do not try and drill any holes, or waste your time. Follow these directions and you will welcome a fresh smelling car on your next drive.
    #1 - Drive your car to NAPA. Purchase the $15 evaporator foam cleaner kit. It will consist of a large can with a hose and a smaller can.
    #2 Drive home with your stinky A/C on full cold / MAX A/C
    #3 Drive your car onto a pair of ramps or whatever you use. You can even take it to the oil change shop if you wish. They will probably charge you $5 to perform step #4
    #4 While under the car, locate the drain tube for the A/C. You will find it really easy, as if you ran your A/C as in step #2, water drops will be coming out of the hose.
    #5 Get the can of cleaner, shake it, attach the hose and put the tip into the drain tube, depress the trigger and dispense the ENTIRE can of foamy cleaner up into the A/C evaporator. Allow it to do its job. It will take about 15 to 20 minutes for it to drain out of the Evaporator box.
    #6 Once the foamy solution stops draining, turn on your A/C and allow the Fan to blow out the evap box. Can says to pull the plug to your A/C compressor but I did not go that far.
    #7 Spray the smaller can into the fresh air vents near hood while A/C is running full blast/Max / Recirculate button on
    #8 Close hood
    Enjoy your fresh A/C. I did it a month ago and smell has not remotely returned.
    FYI my Toyota dealer no longer had the $28 evap foam kit in stock.
     
    3 people like this.
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2005
    27,665
    15,664
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    Location:
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Was the A/C air filter compromised (aka., critter got in?)

    Just mold?

    Thanks,
    Bob Wilson
     
  3. windshearalert

    windshearalert Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2009
    37
    12
    0
    Location:
    Little Rock, Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    A/C filter had a few bits of trash and leaves on it. A bit dirty but was still fine. Yes it was funk on the evap coil. Its been about 5 weeks since i did the foam and A/C still isnt stinking. It definitely did the trick. Its been at least 100 degrees here daily and A/C is on all the time.
     
    1 person likes this.