AC smells like vinegar, anyone else?

[MadeInMaine]

Got into my ‘16 4runner today, cranked the AC from the triple digit heat, and the smell of vinegar filled the can. It wasn’t awful, but smelled off.

Anyone have this happen or know what is wrong with weird AC smells?

Cheers

Owen

 

[Aznisegi]

Make sure you open your vents to circulate outside air from time to time and not just circulating internal air. If you don't and you're around moist weather over time, it'll start smelling.

 

[MadeInMaine]

Make sure you open your vents to circulate outside air from time to time and not just circulating internal air. If you don't and you're around moist weather over time, it'll start smelling.

1. Thanks for input
2. I almost always have vents open for some level of circulation
3. I’m stationed in AZ, what is this “moist weather” you speak of?

Thanks boss

 

[TOYO74]

Even if you do not run your AC in Recirculate mode you can still get this odor. Try turning off your ac and just run the blower for a few minutes before parking . I do this when coming in to park for the night and it really helps blow out any residual moisture in the system. Even here there is condensate.

Welcome to AZ. Stationed at Luke?

 

[AINOMOATACO]

Shut off A/C and turn fan to full blast a minute before your destination/shut off vehicle. 103* in Tucson today . Time to go home F***in snowbirds!!!

 

[EddieV4runnin]

Shut off A/C and turn fan to full blast a minute before your destination/shut off vehicle. 103* in Tucson today . Time to go home F***in snowbirds!!!

I do this all the time in my 4Runner, when I have passengers and the A/C is running they’re surprised to have odor free ice cold air. :bravo:

I think most manufacturers have some sort of TSB or recommended procedure that substantially reduces or eliminates odors from the HVAC system.

 

[roborob1969]

Got into my ‘16 4runner today, cranked the AC from the triple digit heat, and the smell of vinegar filled the can. It wasn’t awful, but smelled off.

Anyone have this happen or know what is wrong with weird AC smells

I had a strange smell too -- when I had my last service (dealership - 25K) I told them that it smelled funny. They said "We'll run a treatment through it".

When I got it back -- smell was gone! Don't know what they did, but I'd like to know so I can do it myself

 

[SlickTRD]

I had a strange smell too -- when I had my last service (dealership - 25K) I told them that it smelled funny. They said "We'll run a treatment through it".

When I got it back -- smell was gone! Don't know what they did, but I'd like to know so I can do it myself

They either changed the cabin filter or did an ozone treatment.

Right now I am running a Lexus activated charcoal filter and its been working great.

 

[1000MPH]

There’s a kit you can buy to clean the A/C system.
Here’s a vid.
https://youtu.be/eRy23TFpM4I

 

[roborob1969]

There’s a kit you can buy to clean the A/C system.
Here’s a vid.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eRy23TFpM4I

I'm betting this is what they did.

 

[Warren5thGen]

I used to have this issue in my old Yukon, but it only happened in the summer when it was really hot.

 

[MeefZah]

Don't fail to consider outside variables - a cat getting in your warm engine bay and taking a piss is not uncommon...and that smells like vinegar.

 

[bane]

I'll second that you should check the air filter in your glove box and replace it if needed. I had some odor and swapped the old one out with a carbon filter from here http://www.premierairfilters.com/to...4-toyota-4runner-carbon-cabin-air-filter.html

After that the smell was gone.

 

[916T4R]

They either changed the cabin filter or did an ozone treatment.

Right now I am running a Lexus activated charcoal filter and its been working great.

Do you have a part number for the lexus filter? I'd love to have an active charcoal filter in my 4runner. Previous cars I owned used them and I think they really make a difference in reducing outside smell. Especially diesel exhaust.

Thanks!

 

[SlickTRD]

Do you have a part number for the lexus filter? I'd love to have an active charcoal filter in my 4runner. Previous cars I owned used them and I think they really make a difference in reducing outside smell. Especially diesel exhaust.

Thanks!

Lexus 87139-50100 - make sure you get OEM as I unknowingly bought a fake from eBay and got refunded. It makes a pretty big difference in terms of reducing outside smell. I recirculate air a lot less now.

 

[skinny420]

There’s a kit you can buy to clean the A/C system.
Here’s a vid.
https://youtu.be/eRy23TFpM4I

I had musty smell that would occur only when a/c engaged. I found same Youtube video and followed instructions. I saved a few bucks by buying this kit from Amazon. I have to believe is same chemicals, just Subaru branded. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TSGYKIU/

 

[FrenchToasty]

Got into my ‘16 4runner today, cranked the AC from the triple digit heat, and the smell of vinegar filled the can. It wasn’t awful, but smelled off.

Anyone have this happen or know what is wrong with weird AC smells?

Cheers

Owen

Mine is starting to have the same smell. I've done that kit before, it works pretty well along with replacing the cabin filter at the same time. Also checking your drains and clear any blockage; one at the firewall and one tube at the passenger left kick panel. You can also get better access to the evap drain port(it's actually plugged and should be re capped when done) at the drivers right foot kick panel

 

[916T4R]

Lexus 87139-50100 - make sure you get OEM as I unknowingly bought a fake from eBay and got refunded. It makes a pretty big difference in terms of reducing outside smell. I recirculate air a lot less now.

Thank you!!

 

[MadeInMaine]

Mine is starting to have the same smell. I've done that kit before, it works pretty well along with replacing the cabin filter at the same time. Also checking your drains and clear any blockage; one at the firewall and one tube at the passenger left kick panel. You can also get better access to the evap drain port(it's actually plugged and should be re capped when done) at the drivers right foot kick panel

Check the drains and clear clogs....

Can you tell me more about this?
How to exactly. Seems like a good task to do

 

[FrenchToasty]

Check the drains and clear clogs....

Can you tell me more about this?
How to exactly. Seems like a good task to do

I'm pretty sure I found it on here somewhere, but the center console trim where it meets the carpet at your feet will pop off and give you acess to a capped port on the drivers side and the tube the leads out to the firewall on the pass side. Both can be popped off and removed for inspection, when you spray that stuff in thru the drain hose it's going right there. Easy to just spray from the uncapped drivers port. Mine did like overflow/ooze out onto the carpet even though the drain was clear.