Mildew/Wet Sock Smell after rain/car wash

[ngfilla94]

I've noticed a terrible smell the next day after driving in rain or after a car wash. It smells as though the carpet has gotten wet and developed a wet mildewy smell. It's not the A/C, because after a few dry days the smell does not appear. I've felt all around different areas on the carpet and headliner for damp areas and I have not found the source. Has anyone else experienced this and been able to locate the source?

Sponsored

 

[MT11]

I'm having the same issue and can't locate the source. Have you had any luck identifying the cause?

 

[DangItsDen]

Do either of y'all have aftermarket roof racks? The culprit in 5th gen 4runners was usually a leaky bolt tube thingy after swapping roof racks. Needs to be sealed with silicone, and redone every few years. If not, I have seen some people have sunroof "leaks" which some people claim is normal and that there is a drain situation that moves the water out, but I have no idea. Just sharing what I've seen other folks say. My sunroof has dropped a few drops of water on me while at highway speeds in heavy rain.

 

[127.0.0.1]

got a sunroof ? plumb the drains

peel up front driver side and front pass side carpet away
from firewall and look around, feel around, anything wet there ?

if you find roof rack leaks into headliner or pillars
107% that is warranty work and you
need a specific Toyota remedy. do not put in your own sealant
before Toyota gets a chance to diagnose/remedy
roof rack leaks can lead to needing to replace wiring harnesses
so if it is leakin, that's bad and ...needs a dealer to check it

 

[horbit]

Go to each door and the rear hatch and take off the rubber plugs at the bottom so see if your doors are filled with water.

 

[MT11]

Thanks all. I do have an aftermarket roof rack, but it's under a year old and sealed TIGHT on initial install with recommended RTV sealant. I will wait for this to get diagnosed before re-sealing. I removed all the rubber door plugs when I bought the car, as some of them weren't effectively letting the doors drain. I can't seem to locate any wet/damp areas after the rain or a specific area the smell is coming from. Off to the dealer I guess.

 

[gvan1998]

I have the same issue but cant locate the source

Sponsored