Air condition odor

GS300Fan · Lexus Owner Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 11

That's right, odd subject but one that I would like some feedback on. As I said in my previous post, I recently purchased a '01 GS300. As I inspected and drove the vehicle, I ran the A/C the entire time. I noticed there was a "damp" odor coming from the vents, but thought it would subside. After a few minutes, I asked the salesman what the odor could be?

He didn't have an answer. I wonder if there is moisture in the engine compartment (maybe the dealer hosed down the engine the day before?), or if there is something wrong with the filter system. I believe Lexus' have the built in filters? I don't want to be naive, so is this strange odor something I need to be concerned with? The A/C works fine, it justs omits an odor of a dark, damp, cold basement or cellar?

I did a check on carfax but there were no reports of water damage, accidents, damage reports, etc.

Thanks for your feedback

SUPERLEX · Lextasy Moderator Joined: Jan 19, 2005 Posts: 410

Find the dead animal in the system

AltezzaDude · Super Moderator Joined: Feb 1, 2004 Posts: 739

This case is commonly known as "stinky Air Conditioning Odor Syndrome",
Street name (SACOS) for short. Currently there are no cures for this disease but researchers are soon coming out with a new A/C filter that should cure the thousands out there with stinky air.....

also check Your upper lip and quite possibly the salesman's upper lip......

j-dog · Lexus Owner Joined: Mar 13, 2005 Posts: 2

You can have the cabin air filter changed and that is supposed to correct it. If that doesn't work just close the outside air vent.

GS300Fan · Lexus Owner Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 11

Thanks for the reply to my post, J-dog....Superlex and Alteeza need to keep their day jobs, comedy is not their forte

SUPERLEX · Lextasy Moderator Joined: Jan 19, 2005 Posts: 410

First off i was not trying to be funny. I've heard many times that when something crawls up the AC vents and dies, bad smell becomes a problem. And even if i was trying to be funny, you really need to lighten up. Im pretty sure that AC odor is not something that should be adressed to as "Top Secret"-100% serious issue.

AltezzaDude · Super Moderator Joined: Feb 1, 2004 Posts: 739

I was just being a smart ass

MarkIS · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:27 am Post subject:

hey i had the same problem in my 02' Is300 , check to see if your car drips water from underneath when teh ac is running, if its not the drain hose is just clogged and that a easy fix with a unbent coat hanger. another way to check is to go to teh passager side front seat and pull up some of teh carpet and feel for moistier if its wet take it to teh dealer and they will replace yoru carpet and teh padding under warranty.. i hope this helps

ISELLLEXUS · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:28 pm Post subject: wow

I like this dude

I think he speaks his mind like someone else we know

SUPERLEX · Lextasy Moderator Joined: Jan 19, 2005 Posts: 410

and who might that be?

ISELLLEXUS · Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 1:05 am Post subject: hmmmmmmmm

you know ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

GS300Fan · Lexus Owner Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 11

MarkIS,
I had the cabin filter replaced but the odor is still present, but only when the A/C is turned on. The odor is not present in the floor mat or carpeting, but I have not checked the padding underneath. Could this problem reside in the filter that is attached to the A/C Unit? Someone told me there is a filter inside the A/C? Never heard of that before, but I've never owned a Lexus.

Also, how do I go about checking the A/C hose? Is that expensive to have replaced if the hose is clogged?

DuAnnie · Lexus Owner Joined: Sep 07, 2006 Posts: 1

I've never smelt pregnant Cow piss but that is how I would describe my Lexus 2006 ES330 air conditioner smell when I first turn it on.

yansel · Lexus Owner Joined: May 28, 2007 Posts: 2