T-TT-0051-10

Tech Tip T-TT-0051-10
September 13, 2013
Subject
Market
USA
Causes Of HVAC Odor
Service Category
Section
Vehicle Interior
Heating/Air Conditioning
Applicability
All Models
APPLICABLE VEHICLES
2007-2014
2008-2014
2007-2014
2009-2014
2012-2014
Camry
Highlander
Tundra
Matrix
RAV4 EV
2012-2014
2004-2014
2009-2014
2004-2014
2012-2014
2007-2014
Prius V
Avalon
Venza
Yaris
Prius C
Camry HV
2007-2014
2010-2014
2004-2014
2013-2014
2008-2011, 20132014
2008-2014
2006-2014
2010, 2012-2014
2004-2014
2008-2014
2009-2014
FJ Cruiser
Prius
Sienna
Avalon HV
Land Cruiser
Sequoia
RAV4
Prius PHV
Tacoma
Highlander HV
Corolla
CONDITION
If a customer states there is an unpleasant odor in the vehicle from the HVAC system, there are various
factors that may be involved.
RECOMMENDATIONS
When diagnosing HVAC odors it is important to remember the following possible causes:
 During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accumulate in
the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the vents.
 Odors coming from the outside air and interior can accumulate on the evaporator. As the
evaporator core changes temperature, some of these odors may be released resulting in an
unpleasant smell from the HVAC vents.
 Interior odors from sources such as air fresheners, animals, dirt, or trash can also accumulate
within the HVAC system and contribute unpleasant odors.
Tech Tip
Ver. 1.0 2/9/2010 T
10/13/2013
Rev1
© 2012, Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Page 1 of 2
Tech Tip T-TT-0051-10
September 13, 2013
Subject
Market
Causes Of HVAC Odor
USA
Applicability
All Models
RECOMMENDATIONS

Tech Tip
Setting the air conditioning system to the outside air (FRESH) mode prior to turning the vehicle
OFF can help to minimize these odors from accumulating.
10/13/2013
Rev1
© 2012, Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Page 2 of 2