Does a 96 have a cabin air filter? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

whodkne · 10-29-2004, 06:35 PM

If not, how do we get a musty smell out of the AC? Is there some sort of cleaning method for the condensing unit?

slowginjoe · 10-29-2004, 06:52 PM

i don't believe the 3rd gens have cabin filters. some methods of getting mildew smell out of ac duct:

1. wait until car is warmed up and while driving, turn the heat to highest it will go and turn fan on high. the heat will dry any condensation left in the airway.

2. with the car parked, turn fan on high using outside fresh air setting (not recycled air). stand outside and spray some lysol into where the air gets sucked into the cabin right below the windshield. (mechanic told me this trick)

3. make sure you use the outside fresh air setting every once in a while and not recirculate all the time.

whodkne · 10-29-2004, 06:55 PM

Thanks, will try those out. I believe it was a smoker's car before and doesn't smell like it was ever opened up. I am shampooing and SUCKING all the water and gunk out of the carpets, put in several freshening scents and now want to clean out the AC. So I will start with your methods. Thanks!

slowginjoe · 10-29-2004, 07:05 PM

also as a preventative measure, i always turn my ac off a mile or so before i reach my destination and turn up the fan with fresh air. this helps dry any water in the system before parking the car.

js1984 · 10-23-2019, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowginjoe

also as a preventative measure, i always turn my ac off a mile or so before i reach my destination and turn up the fan with fresh air. this helps dry any water in the system before parking the car.

nice, helpful tip

RS Dude · 10-23-2019, 12:12 PM

My '96 does not have a cabin filter. Turning off AC before parking is the best technique to prevent mildew smell.

jgue467 · 10-23-2019, 12:38 PM

If anyone's vehicle has a 'mildew' smell to it there is something WRONG.

No one should have to shut off the A/C a mile before to Prevent mildew - (though it is being nice the system to let it cool down some).

Figure out why your drain isn't draining completely and you'll get rid of the mildew smell. No different than a home A/C, you wouldn't put up with mildew smell! Even in super humid Houston, we don't get mildew from the humidity in A/C systems.

Bad Luck · 10-23-2019, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgue467

If anyone's vehicle has a 'mildew' smell to it there is something WRONG.

No one should have to shut off the A/C a mile before to Prevent mildew - (though it is being nice the system to let it cool down some).

Figure out why your drain isn't draining completely and you'll get rid of the mildew smell. No different than a home A/C, you wouldn't put up with mildew smell! Even in super humid Houston, we don't get mildew from the humidity in A/C systems.

Mildew smell from excess moisture/humidity is pretty common in the south. Most new vehicles come with an afterblow option that turns the fan on for a few minutes after you turn the vehicle off to dry everything out.

96RedRunner · 10-23-2019, 04:47 PM

No 3rd Gen has cabin filter. I'm with @jgue467 on this one something not right.
Bought 01 198k mi, Had smell drain working. PO traveled with dogs alot lot of hair everywhere.
Evap had layer of 16 yr dirt and hair that stayed damp. Once that was cleaned off things were better Lysol in duct work took care of the rest.

BoomerBob · 10-23-2019, 04:54 PM

It's possible the heater core has a very small leak which could smell kinda musty with a hint of coolant smell.

MaineRunna · 10-23-2019, 04:57 PM

No, there is no cabin air filter. Parts stores sell an A/C duct deodorizer that you spray in through the cowl with the fan on high. Air conditioners remove moisture from the air so the ducts should not be damp inside after running for a while. Water condenses in the evaporator core and should drain out. Check you evaporator drain and check for mouse nests also.

Bad Luck · 10-23-2019, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaineRunna

No, there is no cabin air filter. Parts stores sell an A/C duct deodorizer that you spray in through the cowl with the fan on high. Air conditioners remove moisture from the air so the ducts should not be damp inside after running for a while. Water condenses in the evaporator core and should drain out. Check you evaporator drain and check for mouse nests also.

While water does condense on the evaporator during operation the condenser does not shed all the water which is why there is an after blow option to dry the evaporator out.

pluton · 10-23-2019, 10:43 PM

Stanky A/C evaporators are quite common across all types of cars, especially after 20 years of not being cleaned internally.
You may enjoy this thread from about 2 years ago where the subject was discussed at some length.
Moldy Smell From AC AFTER Running It

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