o5 4runner vent smells

[ace777]

hey guys, i just bought an 05 4runner v8 and really like it, but after about a month the vents are stinking bad. it seems to be worse when the heater is on but does it some whether it is a/c, heat or just vent blowing? i have searched the web and found how to replace the cabin filter, any other suggestions what it might be? it is not the sulfer smell from the converter i have read about, more like dust and mold smell.
thanks

[AF2005]

Thanks for mentioning your problem. I too have a 2005 4Runner with similar problem. It started nearly 3 years after I got it. Last year with that San Diego fire I thought it was that acrid smell. Seemingly it occurs randomly, with heater or A/C. I've replaced the intake filter but with no avail. Did you find out anything new?

[kris]

Chances are your in cabin micro-filters are filthy, instead of clean and fresh.



They should typically be changed every 6 months/10k miles, or at least inspected.



Change them out, and wait a few days. Then come back and we'll talk.

[4Wheel]

Do you know the history of the vehicle? This is the common copmplaint with flood damaged vehicles, as in the thousands that are ciculating after Katrina storm damged vehicles.