2003 IS200 Heater blower + stale smell

[mo2401]

Hi all, hope anyone can help. I have a 2003 Lexus is200 with 76k on the clock. I had the AC regassed about 6 months ago. All seemed to be working good and well and kept me cool in ghe warm weather we had but within the last 2 months, I've noticed that when I turn the AC  off and go to the normal heater, it brings a rather stale smell that becomes unbearable that I need to open the windows for about 5 min's.  Can this be some kind of bacteria that needs cleaning as I'm not sure that if it's had a AC service prior to me owning it as I've only had it for 2 years. 

Vehicle service is at another Lexus garage, edgeware and I need to take the V5 into that garage before they will give me the service history. Tried to get it from my local Lexus dealer but they too told me that I need to go there in person !! Weird.

Also second problem is the speed of the blower. It's not as effective as it used to be. I've noticed that the speed of the blower has reduced so for me to get some decent heat, I need to turn the blower to the HI position. This happens witn the normal heater and when K have the AC on.  Can someone please help me diagnose as to what the problem could be.

Apart from these 2 noted problems and some age related scuffs on the bumper, the car is in top condition and runs and drives perfectly. 

Any advice or tips will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[gdh300]

Hi Mo. The smell from the vents when you've turned-off the aircon is not uncommon, unfortunately. You can get a sort of deodorising 'bomb' that you put in the footwell for about ten minutes, and sprays that you inject straight into the vents. I did both about 18 months ago, and they did seem to do the job. However, the smell does eventually return. I've read that it because condensation forms in the system when the the a/c is turned off, and that promotes bacteria growth. To dry the pipes, it's recommended to run the last five minutes of your journey at a higher temperature, or whack the fans up to full. All of which is a bit of a pain! I got my stuff from Eurocarparts, but I'm sure other motor factors would do the same, not to mention specialist companies. 

Regarding the fan, have you replaced the pollen filter. It's a £8 and five minute job, might be a s simple as that. Alternatively, if it's not the fan dying, are you sure your recirculation flap is operating correctly? You should clearly hear the sound from the vents alter if it is.

[Venator]

Hey,

With the two problems you've said, I would first check the pollen/cabin filter.

Not many people change this or are even aware it exist so it usually gets neglected. If you find it is dirty then, (obviously!) replace it, and the smell should disappear and the air flow be greatly improved. And whilst your there changing the pollen filter, use those air con treatment/anti bacterial spray.

Hope that helps!

Here's a link showing how to change it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzY--HU4uco

[mo2401]

Thank You GDH300 and Venator for the tips. Much appreciated 👍

I'll check the pollen filter to make sure wether that's the culprit or not. As for the smell, I think I'll try the deodorising "bomb" and see what I can achieve with that. Will let you know how I get on. Thanks guys

 

[scudney]

Hi your first port of call would be to check the condition of your pollen filter and it's dirty have it changed(as one of the two contributors to your thread has suggested).A filthy filter is usually the main culprit of the stale smell.good luck

[Quantum]

Not a fan of the bombs. I prefer an antibacterial spray pumped into the vents from the outside while the car is on LO and recirculate.