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Highlander vinegar smell?

12 messages,  Last post on Sep 03, 2011 at 4:06 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#9 of 12 whiff of exhaust on 2009 Highlander by chunloa

Dec 16, 2009 (4:58 pm)

when start the engine, whiff of exhaust from the back and it lasts for a minute.
Just wonder it is a brand new car, how come it comes with that kind of smell?

#10 of 12 Re: Highlander vinegar smell? [forthill] by toyotachevyguy

Jul 04, 2011 (2:05 pm)

Replying to: forthill (Oct 15, 2007 6:04 pm)
Same problem, same "vinegar" smell in our 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Only happens after the AC has been running. First noticed it right after purchase. Didn't know at that time that anyone else had the same problem yet. The smell will turn your stomach and make you roll down the windows, which of course negates any cooling effect of the AC. There is a service bulletin for 2008 Highlanders on this, T-SB-0314-09 (09/02/09), but I haven't found one yet for the 2006. Seems the AC unit design was faulty leading to moisture accumulation / subsequent mold growth. Will we ever see a recall for it? Not likely unless the mold mutates and starts outright killing people.

#11 of 12 Re: Highlander vinegar smell? [toyotachevyguy] by moonlight293

Jul 04, 2011 (8:15 pm)

Replying to: toyotachevyguy (Jul 04, 2011 2:05 pm)
2005 HL here. Had similar problem. turns out the drain tube from the AC was clogged and moisture was draining into the front cabin floor, so that water was accumulating underneath the carpeting. Had to blow out the debris from the tube, pull back the carpet and padding to let it dry out and pull the drain plug on the floor to evacuate the accumulated water. Your problem may not have be that severe but a moldy smell has to start somewhere moist.

#12 of 12 Re: Highlander vinegar smell? [toyotachevyguy] by almass

Sep 03, 2011 (4:06 pm)

Replying to: toyotachevyguy (Jul 04, 2011 2:05 pm)
Hi,
 
I just put a deposit on a 2008 Highlander Sport. When I first got in the car had a vinegar smell. Seemed to clear after a while driving. Interesting was that the dealer had this ready for me to test drive and the windows and sunroof was already open.
 
Does the service repair in the T-SB-0314-09 fix the problem?
 
Thanks.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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