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

Why does the car smell bad when it rains?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Richard77, Sep 24, 2022.

  1. Richard77

    Richard77 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2022
    7
    2
    0
    Location:
    Santa Clara
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    ----USA----
    This problem has been happening for a while. After every rain, if the car smells bad after the sun is shining, it is useless to turn on the air conditioner. After a few weeks, the odor will disappear. I don't know if it's a problem with the floor mats or the air conditioner filter.
    2017 Toyota Prius Prime
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,133
    50,050
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i would pull everything up in the hatch and check for leaks
     
  3. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2022
    1,014
    382
    0
    Location:
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    2022 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    Is this a relative new problem or one that has plagued you since new? Does it affect a specific area or does it seem to be concentrated in one area? Before pulling up everything in a specific area and checking for leaks there, this information will help us to give more helpful information.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,675
    39,222
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Do you use the AC a lot? Relentless use can lead to mildew.
     
  5. shmu

    shmu Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2016
    14
    11
    0
    Location:
    cincinnati
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I had a similar problem and fixed it by running ac(to wrung out humidity) and keeping fan mode in non-recirculate(to stop humidity buildup).
    Humidity causes mold. And removing humidity dries off the mold.
     
  6. Debo160

    Debo160 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2016
    41
    12
    0
    Location:
    MORTH CAROLINA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Im not sure how this model is but I know the get 2 used to have a issue sometimes where the water would get below the battery area because of a very small crack in the roof and hatch area. I normally clean the hatch and get some flex seal. And spray iron the passenger side of the hatch, all the way up to the small crack area on the roof.
     
  7. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2019
    1,042
    682
    4
    Location:
    Monument, Colorado USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Is it a mildew smell? Water left on the A/C coils can mildew which can stink. If you don't have a carbon-activated cabin air filter, get the FD157 (Fun Driving) filters on Amazon. ($15 for two) I replace ours yearly and haven't gotten any bad smells.
    Another tip that helps with the smell is to run your fan on HIGH but with the A/C turned off for about 5 minutes whenever you are done driving the car for the day. This helps dry out the water that's on the coils and vents to prevent mold and mildew.
     
  8. Peter Fanelli

    Peter Fanelli Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2012
    36
    8
    0
    Location:
    Smyrna, Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Have you tried replacing the cabin air filter?
     
  9. frankhawkins786

    frankhawkins786 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2023
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    US
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius+ MPV
    Model:
    Four Touring