White Dust/Particles on Dash

[bjohnston115]

I did search to see if there was a thread on this but did not find one. I have seen threads on this pertaining to other Toyota and Lexus models but not the 5th gen.

I have a 2011 trail that I bought CPO about 6 months ago and i have constant white particles on my dash and blowing into my eyes. The previous owner of the truck was a smoker so i always thought it was residual cigarette ash but have now drawn the conclusion that it most definitely is not. Other threads on the other vehicles state this is the evaporator coating flaking off and corroding then getting blown out. I am certain that I am having the same issue now and am going to make an appointment with the dealer to get it fixed. I am nervous that my warranty will not cover it first of all and I also do not like the idea of having a tech take my entire dash apart then changing the evaporator and heater core. Has anyone else dealt with this issue in another car or their 5th gen? Any advice on how to get this taken care of by Toyota? I am still under the CPO warranty and I also purchased an 8 year extended warranty through Toyota when I bought the truck.

Thanks.

 

[Titanpat57]

Had a 2010 with no issue like that...odd for sure

 

[bjohnston115]

Had a 2010 with no issue like that...odd for sure

Thanks for the response, ill post up some pics when I am back in the truck. There was apparently a class action suit filed against Toy/Lex for the issue a few years back and Toyota issued a letter admitting to the particles coming off the Evaporator but said it was harmless aluminum oxide dust and its safe to ingest...

Any other input from anyone would be great if you have experienced this!

Thanks.

 

[mountain mike]

Maybe the PO was a drug dealer or a coke head. Maybe there's a stash hidden under the dash. Do you feel "entergized" while breathing the white stuff? olice:

 

[philsey]

Have you pulled the cabin filter?

 

[bjohnston115]

Maybe the PO was a drug dealer or a coke head. Maybe there's a stash hidden under the dash. Do you feel "entergized" while breathing the white stuff? olice:

I am doing a lot of nose blowing.... With tissues though and not $100 bills.

 

[bjohnston115]

Have you pulled the cabin filter?

Cabin filter changed and particles coming out even when filter is not installed. The source is definitely upstream of the filter. I have used the foaming evaporator cleaners and they have not helped. I steamed cleaned all vents and the HVAC system as good as i could and still have particles coming out.

 

[Bevo]

You mentioned the previous owner was a smoker. Maybe the dealer used a cleaner/freshener to try and remove the smell, and what you are seeing is the residual of that?

 

[philsey]

With all the warranties you have in place, I´d have that thing back to the dealer.

 

[bjohnston115]

You mentioned the previous owner was a smoker. Maybe the dealer used a cleaner/freshener to try and remove the smell, and what you are seeing is the residual of that?

Good thought, could be. Either way, not my problem right? I'll keep this in mind.

With all the warranties you have in place, I´d have that thing back to the dealer.

I have an appointment scheduled for Monday morning. I am just anticipating them looking at my like i have 2 heads and telling me that it is snow or something. Just looking to build up evidence and ideas here before heading in.