B.O smell - leaking a/c?

[water]

Noticed that my car smells like b.o. (body odour) / old socks recently. Did a bit of googling and it may be water leaking into the carpet, or the a/c line being clogged. Any ideas where to check these on a 2011 IS?

Cheers!

ps: yes i h ave checked all over the car in case there are old socks lying around :P

[bazzle]

Is it all the time or when the AC is/ fan is on?

For carpet get down there and sniff under edge to confirm.

[_ISF]

Often when the cabin filter is old/dirty it smells like you are describing. The cabin filter is located behind the glovebox - i would suggest removing it, inspecting/cleaning it and possibly fitting a new filter. They are designed to be replaced every few years.

[bazzle]

Agree. Before you remove/replace filter read online or in Handbook on how to set Heater controls 1st or you may damage recirc flap.

[Morpho17]

If you constantly run the a/c on recirculate the evaporator will produce a stale water smell. Run it on fresh for a while which should help dry out the evaporator and get rid of the smell. Other than that ensure the drain hose is clear. 

[water]

Thanks for the replies everyone. To answer your questions:

. The smell only comes when the a/c is on, no smell when just running the fan/heater.

. Have felt around the footwell area for the carpet being damp, its all dry, so doesnt seem to be leaking directly into the cabin carpet

. Culprit is most likely the cabin filter, not sure when this was cleaned/changed last, at least a few years now. Thanks for the heads up about setting the heater controls beforehand as well!

. Ensure the drain hose is clear: where abouts do i find this?

 

Thank you!

[DoinKerS]

As the others have said, most likely the cabin filter. Got mine replaced and it fixed the problem. Dealer charged me and a leg from memory =( Try to source the part number and part and do it yourself if you can. From a quick look previously, didn't look too hard to take out to clean/replace. 

[Atlantis]

Toyota part number 87139-07010 for the cabin filter for a 2009. Assuming it's the same for a 2011.

[bazzle]

If you get one look for a carbon impregnated like this.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cabin-Filter-Suits-TOYOTA-87139-07010-CF178/223598792965?hash=item340f86d105:g:9BYAAOSwRgJXiH~4&frcectupt=true

[water]

got a carbon filter from repco for $40, installed in a flash, no more smell! thanks guys, appreciate all the assistance 🙂

also, this run off hose, where can i find it, just to make sure its not clogged

[2bling]

Small black tube underneath the car,above the front of the gearbox easier to find after a good run with the a/c on, you should see it dripping water cheers.