Damp in the Air Conditioning?

[Peter Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Peter]

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question to see if anyone else has noticed this. We've had our '05 GXL from new and is just over 6 mths old now and we're noticing when we start the car after it has been off for a few hours or overnight, the air con has a smell similar to old running shoes. *barf* After 5 mins or so it goes away. Verrry annoying..

The car is garaged all the time so I don't think it has anything to do with rain/mildew etc but who knows. And we don't use the back seats as a rubbish tip. The only thing that really comes to mind is that lately the temp gague is in the 'grey' area of the temperature dial, rather than being completely cold or in the hotter zone.

Even if the air flow is changed from fresh to recycle the same symptoms occur.

Is this a sign that my new fourbie isn't so new anymore?

Has anyone had this problem before and how did you reduce or remove this annoying smell?

Thanks guys,
Peter

[John Member Find all posts View Profile Close John]

Gidday Peter,

Yep, your Prado isn't new anymore :lol: Every car I've owned with aircon does that.

To minimise the pong, I switch the aircon off a couple of minutes from my destination and run fresh air through it. Still get the pong for a minute or so, but when I get back in later.....no smell.

[Peter Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Peter]

Hi John & Team Piggy,

Thanks for the tips. Will try out the run fresh tip from John and see if that helps. Worst case, will contact a mechanic at some point.

Off to sulk now about my old car