When i first start the Runner if i turn on my AC on low a foul smell comes out the vents. If i let it blow for a minute the foul smell goes away. If i turn it on, on low, the foul smell comes on but if i crank it up on high the smell goes away immediatly. The smell only comes out if i start the Runner with the AC on low and only last about 1 minute. Ive changed the cabin air filter and i never take it offroad. Ive been told it could be a bad evaporator? Any comments?

 

My 03 did the same thing. I replaced the cabin air filter, then sprayed Lysol mold/mildew/bacteria spray into all the cabin vents, then, with the fans on high, sprayed (for 30 seconds) into each of the 3 engine compartment air vents (under the wipers, below the hood line).

That seemed to do the trick. Just make sure you pick a scent that does not make your ride smell like a fresh scented bathroom. Unless you happen to like that scent.

Dealers usually have a guy that can perform a similar treatment. They will do it for used vehicles that used to belong to smokers and pet owners. The treatment deodorizes the entire cabin starting from the vents. But it sounds like your issue is just coming from the vents.

I then took it a step further by replacing all floor mats and did a thorough carpet shampoo. She sure smells purdy now..

 

My 07 Tacoma is having the same problem, along with a clicking AC blower fan behind the glove box. I did the same as jamanred did but with a 1:5 ratio isopropyl alcohol and its all better....also make sure and read this....

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/gen...oner-odor.html

We will see if the smell comes back tomorrow, it has been a 100 with high humidity. I will be taking my truck in for the blower fan on the next oil change. Apparently its an issue and they should take care of it, the clicking can be heard over a low level radio volume, its really annoying.

 

Change the A/C filter in your 4Runner.

 

thats the first thing i did.. Its done tho.. sprayed that badboy down and it smells great now.. thanks fellas..