My wife complained about a bad odor from A/C vents, during initial start-up in the morning. I did some research on line & it was mentioned that the A/C cabin filter could be the problem. Me, not mechanically inclined, had no idea where to go from there? So since my 2009 Camry LE is still under warranty, I called my local Toyota repair shop to ask about this issue. When I explained the problem to somebody in the "service" department at Toyota of Hollywood Florida, He said that the A/C filter needed to be changed & the A/C system flushed out and he told me that this problem is NOT covered under warranty service and it would cost me $159.95 to have them fix the problem. So much for warranty service. Then I called my AAA mechanic & he told me that the price of their repair was totally a rip-off. He said the cabin air filter costs no more than $20 & flushing out the A/C system should not be necessary. So, I went back to my computer & got information about how to replace the cabin air filter, that is located behind the glove compartment. I then called my local automotive parts store and found that the cabin air filter costs, $12.95. I picked up the new filter, came home, and replaced the filter in 15 minutes.
Bottom line, If you want to get ripped off, Go to Toyota of Hollywood, where you can pay them $159.00 for this fix. And by the way, my wife does NOT detect that odor from the A/C vent anymore.

 

There is also a repair where they clean the evaporator coil and then put a coating on it which prevents mold from forming on the coils and evaporator case. My Toyota dealer did that under warranty. Sounds like that was not the same problem you had and glad you didn't get ripped off.

 

This is what is supposed to be done and what i suspect this dealership planned to do with an "ac flush". The service writer used the wrong words to describe the task.
Dealership hourly labor costs are up to $100/hr. An evap coating procedure is likely up to an hours labor charge plus the parts and labor for the air filter and evap coating. $159 sounds about right

JJ

 

so, instead of offering the cheaper way out first, by just replacing the cabin air filter, I was offered the more expensive option first, which is a very devious method in my mind. I should have been given both options if they were a reputable business. I'll stay away from Toyota repair service for that reason unless I have a major problem that is still under warranty.

 

If you have that mildew smell blowing out of your vents- there is likely mold/mildew/bacteria growing on the evaporator coils. The mildew/mold/bacteria grows on the moisture that is left on the evap coils when the AC is used for long periods of time- then shut down. Most of the moisture will drain out of the HVAC drain tubes- but some will remain on the evap coil. This moisture is the perfect enviroment for fungus and bacteria to grow in. Replacing the cabin filter is usually done ON TOP of the evap coating procedure. It is very rare that the cabin filter itself is the cause unless something mildewy or mouldy is actually caught in the filter.

JJ

 

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