Weird smell from HVAC?

2009 TOYOTA CAMRY
88,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
FABIAN CHARLTON
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
There's a weird that comes from my car whenever I gave Max A/C on


Or. The windshield front defogger


My A/C has no Freon, so I don't use my A/C function. There must be a connection between the two functions that cause that smell, what can I do to fix it?
May 7, 2023 at 7:04 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
It sounds like the heater core is starting to leak, can you please check the passenger's side floorboard for coolant?

Please go over this guide and report back.
May 7, 2023 at 1:55 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
FABIAN CHARLTON
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
So, I looked under my hood and took a picture and I think that step 4 may be an issue. How would I address that?
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jun 4, 2023 at 7:10 PM
Avatar
FABIAN CHARLTON
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
That hose look damp.
Jun 4, 2023 at 7:10 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
That looks normal but it is hard to tell from the image. Can you check the passenger side carpet under the mat to check for coolant? Can you upload more close up shots?
Jun 5, 2023 at 1:24 PM
Avatar
FABIAN CHARLTON
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
There is no leakage.

https://youtu.be/prJq7S_jzlA
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jun 10, 2023 at 7:54 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Thanks for the video. I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Can I ask if the smell is like burnt coolant? You might have a heater core leak but not enough to show up on the carpet just yet. Also have you had any steam on the inside of the windshield at any time?
Jun 11, 2023 at 11:02 AM
Avatar
FABIAN CHARLTON
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I'm not too sure if I ever saw steam, I can't recall ever seeing it, only fog. But it's warmer weather now. And it'll happen with Max A/C on. So, I'm wondering what's up now. I don't have any freon though.
Jun 11, 2023 at 11:23 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
It sounds like the heater core is leaking a little bit.
Jun 12, 2023 at 9:21 AM
Avatar
FABIAN CHARLTON
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
How can I verify?
Jun 17, 2023 at 2:33 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
The only way is to remove the heater core for inspection. You will need to start by disconnecting the battery and draining the coolant and A/C system.

Here are videos to help:

https://youtu.be/4EqdrBVb0sY

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Jun 19, 2023 at 10:51 AM
Avatar
FABIAN CHARLTON
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
https://youtu.be/gVWnW-4QU_E

I think this may be helpful.
Jun 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Thanks for the video, do you have something in the glove box that can cause it?
Jun 25, 2023 at 11:22 AM
Avatar
FABIAN CHARLTON
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I don't believe I do.

https://youtube.com/shorts/o5Jp85Kzx8c?feature=share3
Jun 25, 2023 at 6:39 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Yep, it must be the beginning of the heater core, or the A/C drain is clogged.

Please check out this video:

https://youtu.be/q9_MZiS2_NE

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Jun 26, 2023 at 12:10 PM