Eucalyptus/minty smell when running air conditioner

Hey folks,
I get this eucalyptus/medicinal smell that comes through the air ducts when I run the air conditioner. I have a 2002 Tacoma, and have had it for about 6 months now, so it's still pretty new to me. It's not a maple syrup smell, and the temperature gauge doesn't show anything concerning. I did a little looking around on the interwebs, and can't find anything that points to a smell such as this, and it's not any of the other smells that generally come up as concerning. It comes on intermittently, but I get it daily (just not full time while running the AC) since I live in southern California, it's hot like the surface of the sun out here, and I drive 40 minutes to work 2x/day necessitating AC use. Any ideas what it could be? Has anyone else had this happen to them? Do I have gnomes from down under living in my engine cooking with eucalyptus on my engine block?!?

Possibly pertinent information: The previous owner said that the power steering pump burned out while he had it (something about the oil change shop not putting the cap back on correctly when they changed or checked the fluids) but the pump was replaced. I do have a lot of black soot on the underside of the hood from what I'm assuming was this incident. When I took it in for it's first oil change, the shop said all of the fluids were fine.

What says the peanut gallery?

 

Are you using the wiper fluid when you notice this smell? If you have scented wiper fluid the smell will get pulled through the AC intake on the wiper cowl.

 

It's a 2002; be happy that it doesn't smell like dead mice

 

I have the same problem only for me it happens when the truck is running A/C at idle for a long time. Like when I am sitting in the parking lot for over 20 minutes and it's hot outside. Very medicinal strong smell almost feels like it's toxic. Sub'd for resolution.

 

Could be a stash of berries from previous critter tenants, I've found all kinds of food stash from chipmunks and squirrels in my airbox before. I'm sure they could get into the hvac too.

 

Maybe you have a scented AC air filter.

At the very least worth an inspection and probable change.

If the filter is loaded with debris, you can take steps to reduce/prevent that.

 

Issue is, that is smells more like a chemical smell to me. I have also removed the dash, all the ducting and cleaned them, replaced the entire A/C system (all new lines, evaporator, condenser, dryer, compressor, expansion valve, high/low switch etc...). I am not going to hijack the thread from the OP though. Just sounds very similar to what I have. I will let him chime in.

 

Refrigerant leak?

 

R134a is odorless.

Only the surfaces of the evaporator would potentially have anything to do with odor. And that would be from outside elements, not AC components.

 

This is exactly what's happening in my truck too, except I get it when it runs as well. I'll kick the AC off for a bit and it will stop, and, again, it's intermittent. But toxic smelling for sure.

 

So, Russianman92, did any of the things you did help, or no?

 

After I did all that the problem persisted unfortunately. I'm not sure what causes it. I do smell it on the outside of the vehicle as well. I have a feeling it is something that is heating up, creating the smell, and gets sucked in to the vents. Will investigate further when i have time.

 

If you say that there are no visible problems with your air condition, then you should take a look inside.

 

some of those a/c treatments for musty smell have a scent added. maybe they freshened up the HVAC system before they sold you the truck.

 

As long as you don't smell almonds, you're all good...

But I'm also wondering if it's just a scented treatment the PO used to hide a musty A/C smell.

 

I would fix that in no time a few dead minnows dropped down the defroster ducts that other smell will no longer be noticed.

Women have evil minds that is where I heard the above.

 

THIS. Many sellers try to rid their vehicle of offensive odors with other strong scents. I know my truck smells like ass all the time, and I've tried all kinds of "fresheners." Anyone with an older vehicle has likely had a dead rodent SOMEWHERE (How the f#ck did he get in there!?) that makes the sale of said vehicle problematic. I would speak frankly to the seller, and see if they would volunteer any insight.

 

Lol...eucalyptus, mint, maple syrup...This thread has it all. Just as long as you don't smell almonds!? Lol...

 

Moisture = RUST on metal surfaces (or) -MOLD- on non porous surfaces
aka the inevitable

The foam gaskets that connect the outlets/ducts get condensation, then mold. (more the ones that are in the cabin facing you. they have a small foam seal around each so when they slide into another it creates a seal.)

If you run heat, or fan air; most likely the mold is staying dry. When you run your AC - condensation is building up moisture in the vents closer to the blower. The mold gets wet & starts to smell.




Smells like mint after a while. Trichoderma viride is a mold in houses that has a similar smell. (Some mold is toxic..)

If youve ever left real food in your car for a day or so (construction work, eating out of the car; traveling), it gets a sweet; almost apple smell. Lol I don't miss living that life..

https://www.ultra-fresh.com/why-your-car-ac-smells-bad

Can take apart the dash/vents - clean them then spray hydrogen peroxide in there, try to circulate it somehow. Even the vapors from the mist will help. Obviously don't damage it by over-dousing.