Heating/Air Conditioning - Unpleasant Odor
L-SB-0146-11December 8, 2011
HVAC Odor
Service Category
Vehicle Interior
Section
Heating/Air Conditioning
Market
USA
Applicability
Introduction
Under certain temperature conditions some vehicles may exhibit an unpleasant odor coming from the face level HVAC vents during the initial 10 - 30 seconds of HVAC system operation. An HVAC Amplifier is now available with updated logic that will direct air away from the face level vents under certain temperature conditions during the first 10 - 30 seconds of HVAC operation.
This TSIB does NOT apply if the vehicle exhibits the following conditions:
^ The unpleasant odor continues after the initial 10 - 30 seconds of HVAC system operation.
^ The unpleasant odor does not begin immediately after the HVAC system is turned ON.
^ The unpleasant odor is present with the HVAC system OFF.
Production Change Information
This TSIB applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown.
Warranty Information
Parts Information
Repair Procedure
1. Duplicate the condition by performing the following:
A. Park the vehicle outside.
B. Set the HVAC system to Low Fan Speed and Face Mode (72 degrees).
C. Turn the HVAC system "OFF".
D. Turn the vehicle OFF.
E. Let the vehicle sit for at least 2 hours.
F. Turn the vehicle "ON".
G. Turn ON the HVAC system.
NOTE
If the unpleasant odor does not start immediately after the HVAC system is turned "ON" or continues for more than 30 seconds this TSIB does NOT apply
2. Remove the A/C amplifier. Refer to the Technical Information System (TIS) applicable model and model year Repair Manual:
^ 2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 GS 350/460:
Vehicle Interior - Heating/Air Conditioning - "Air Conditioning: Air Conditioning Amplifier: Removal"
^ 2011 IS 250/350:
Vehicle Interior - Heating/Air Conditioning - "Air Conditioning: Air Conditioning Amplifier: Removal"
^ 2010 / 2011 / IS 250C/350C:
Vehicle Interior - Heating/Air Conditioning - "Heating/Air Conditioning: Air Conditioning Amplifier: Removal"
^ 2011 IS F:
Vehicle Interior - Heating/Air Conditioning - "Heating/Air Conditioning: Air Conditioning Amplifier: Removal"
3. Install the updated A/C amplifier Refer to the Technical Information System (TIS), applicable model and model year Repair Manual:
^ GS 350/460:
Vehicle Interior - Heating/Air Conditioning - "Air Conditioning: Air Conditioning Amplifier:/Installation"
^ 2011 IS 250/350:
Vehicle Interior - Heating/Air Conditioning - "Air Conditioning: Air Conditioning Amplifier: Installation"
^ 2010/2011 IS 250C/350C:
Vehicle Interior - Heating/Air Conditioning - "Heating/Air Conditioning: Air Conditioning Amplifier: Installation"
2011 IS F:
Vehicle Interior - Heating/Air Conditioning - "Heating/Air Conditioning: Air Conditioning Amplifier: Installation"