Access to A/C evaporator from cabin

Tiny
FARSCAPE1701
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 167,000 MILES
The air from the A/C, heater, all that, stinks. I need to clean the A/C evaporator with a foam cleaner. I tried to go through the drainage hose (where the water drips out) as directed, but it still stinks, obviously the foam cleaner didn't get far enough back to clean everything. Can I get to the evaporator from the cabin by removing the cabin filter and going from there, or possibly put the foam down one of the console vents? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Thursday, February 24th, 2022 AT 3:16 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,496 POSTS
Removing the filter isn't going to do much as it is above the blower motor. The air comes through the filter, through the blower and then out into the HVAC case. What would likely work would be to drop the blower fan out the bottom then snake a tube up into the HVAC from that side of the case. Then spray the cleaner in from there. I normally try to clean anything I can get to when a system smells, that includes the ducts and heater core. For that work an inspection camera that lets you look into the A/C ducts is a great thing to have. The cheap ones off eBay and amazon that connect to a phone or tablet are very useful.
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Thursday, February 24th, 2022 AT 4:21 PM
Tiny
FARSCAPE1701
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Hi Steve, thank you, that's good information. I have one of those cameras, so I'll check the ducts with it. Will I be able to get to the blower fan from inside the car? I have ramps to lift the front of the car if I need to.
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Thursday, February 24th, 2022 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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Yes, just remove the panel below the glove box (3 clips that pull out) and the floor duct that blocks the blower, the blower is just above it with three screws. As you have a camera already run it down the ducts as well. You will be able to check them for anything that might stay behind after the spray.
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Thursday, February 24th, 2022 AT 8:59 PM
Tiny
FARSCAPE1701
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for the info, hopefully I'll be able to get rid of the stench. I'd love to get the heater/AC back!
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Friday, February 25th, 2022 AT 2:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I noticed you haven't been contacted for a couple of days. Have you been able to make any progress? We're interested in knowing.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
FARSCAPE1701
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Joe,

I haven't tried yet, it's been cold here on the east coast, just waiting for a warmer day, but the first decent day, I'll try it. I want the heater back!
Vince
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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No problem, Vince. I'm not on the coast, but not too far away. LOL Finally the weather has gotten a little better today, but with rain. Ugh!

You take care and let us know if we can help in any way.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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Yeah, I know what the weather can do, been interesting here, one day 50+ next day -4. Then snowing, and next a nice windy day. Not hard to deal with in a heated shop but no fun without one.
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 10:38 PM

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