One More AC Smell Thread: How to REMOVE (not prevent) smell? (class action lawsuit?)

That's what I'll have to do.

 

Class Action Law Suit?

Why are people so willing and anxious to embrace the idea?

I've participated in more than one automotive website. And I can tell you complaints about "smells" coming from your AC system manifest in just about all of them. Nearly all makes and manufacturers.

My feeling (opinion) is that the nature of the system itself in ALL vehicles lends itself to the possibility of mold, mildew and/or smells developing. Filters that can become contaminated, condensation drains that can become plugged, all just mean a vehicles AC system is vulnerable to becoming contaminated and developing odors.

I also think todays vehicles with more efficient systems, and enclosed cabins might lend themselves to manifesting and revealing the problem more than in the past.

But again, I think it's one of those things that it would be very hard to prove and hold Toyota liable for. Unless you could prove that there is a manufacturing flaw that goes well beyond the bounds of all other vehicle AC systems that guarantees the outcome.

The amount of people saying they've never had this problem manifest, would suggest to me this is NOT the case.

 

no commitment, no cost, chance at some free money?

 

here is my experience with AC smell in toyota cars.
Prius: no smell, i use AC responsibly (sparingly, no recirc, turned off 1 mile before destination). same in corolla i used to own.
RAV4: slight smell at times, my wife uses it (enough said).
Yaris: bad small, my daughter uses AC all the time with recirc on.
i purchases the $15 cleaning kit (see post #3) for my daughter. if she doesn't learn, next purchase is from her measly allowance.

 

What component would recommend for "disassembly"/inspection/cleaning related to possible source of that stank smell? I'm beginning to believe the smell I have is not a dead mouse or dead critter but something to do with the AC related mold/mildew build up somewhere in the car.

 

I haven’t had AC mold issues, so bit of a novice. Video #22 here:

Nutz About Bolts Prius Maintenance Videos | PriusChat

shows using a cleaning product, it’s made by Toyota IIRC.