[bc]

I want to clean the condenser of the A/C of my 2006 RAV4 by myself but I don't know where it is located and how to disassemble all the plastic cover at the front. Could anybody please help and show me the steps.

 

[John E Davies]

I assume you mean the evaporator, inside the dash? (The condensor is right behind he grill, and very easy to clean with 409 and water.)

I can't offer detailed info, but it would be better to search online and buy an aerosol evaporator cleaning kit. You just drill a small hole in the plastic evaporator housing, thread in a coupling, and connect the can of cleanig solution. Inject the contents - the stuff foams violently and fills the entire cavity, then drains out the bottom with all the muck that accumulates on the fins.

It works very well - I did this to another vehicle that used to belong to a smoker - it got rid of (most of) the musty smell. I sure would NOT disassemble everything!

Keep in mind that the RAV4 has a dust/ pollen filter (in front of the glove box area), so there really should not be much stuff on the evaporator.... unless someone tossed the filter element instead of replacing it. Why are you determined to clean it?

 

[andrewcj]

I think there is also an aerosol which you can spray into the air intakes with the blower running. Doesn't sound as effective, but it can kill mold which causes the bad smell.

 

[John E Davies]

I think there is also an aerosol which you can spray into the air intakes with the blower running. Doesn't sound as effective, but it can kill mold which causes the bad smell.

Febreze aerosol would work well if you have some stinks - remove the cabin air filter and start the engine, and spray in the direction of air flow. Run the climate control system through all the modes while spraying, so all the different ducts get treated.

The interior will smell kind of dead for a while, but after the vehicle airs out it will be much better. This does NOT clean the system, it just kills stuff. The evaporator cleaner flushes the gunk out the moisture drain. Febreze also works well on interior parts like the headliner.

OTH, in my recent experience, when the cabin air starts to smell musty, you need to replace the air filter - that usually fixes the problem. If you smoke in your trucklet, then all bets are off, and your complete interior is a hazardous waste site ;(

 

[bc]

Thanks for your precious advice. David, you are right and I really mean the evaporator. Would drilling a hole in the plastic housing cause any water dripping when A/C is on? Where should the hole be drilled? There is an evaporator sensor near the evaporator. Would it be damaged if spraying aersol or foam through the hole. Is it easy to open the plastic housing and spray directly to the evaporator?

Thank you.

 

[John E Davies]

Thanks for your precious advice. David, you are right and I really mean the evaporator. Would drilling a hole in the plastic housing cause any water dripping when A/C is on? Where should the hole be drilled? There is an evaporator sensor near the evaporator. Would it be damaged if spraying aersol or foam through the hole. Is it easy to open the plastic housing and spray directly to the evaporator?

Thank you.

No you won't get leakage - you need to locate an area near the top of the housing on the upstream side, where the dirt is. The fitting has a cap for when you don't need it.

The foaming cleaner expands like crazy to fill the entire housing, then the vent fan helps drive the foam through the fins, so it doesn't really matter where you inject the stuff. If you use the recommended cleaner, it won't hurt any of the parts.

You canNOT easily open up most a/c systems - they are buried big time under the dash. However, it may be possible to reach the evaporator with the cabin filter removed, I haven't looked - if so, you wouldn't need to drill any holes. You might be able to use a telescoping mechanic's inspection mirror and strong flashlight to see if there is any dirt on the fins.

Here is one kit... there are others. I don't recall which I used, but it was cheaper. I bet NAPA carries a kit.
http://www.dwd2.com/docs/DWD2_Products.htm

Would you care to tell us why you think you need to do this job? It is normally done on high mileage vehicles (those without a cabin filter). You definitely do _not_ need to apply a refresher treatment every few months, as suggested by that website - that would be throwing money away.

 

[Carbon]

I saw another thread http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10320&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0 that pointed out this TSB: http://rav4world.com/tsb/AC002-97.pdf called "AC Evaporator Odor ". The TSB mentions several vehicles, but not RAV4.

I don't know if the problem will develop, but if somebody finds more, such as where to drill the hole to squirt the foam, or how to locate and clean a blocked hose, then it would be nice to have pictures.

 

[IZZY]

http://www.airsept.com/index.php?loadmod=ac

To cut down on the odor avoid running in recirc mode when possible and if you do turn the heat to high for one minute before turning off the blower.

 

[RTexasF]

The discussion is about the A/C in a RAV4 not a window unit at your house :roll: .

 

[CroMath]

It is essential that you know how to clean your air conditioner. This will help boost its efficiency and extend its life span. When an air conditioner is dirty and not cleaned frequently, it utilizes more power to run which increases your electricity costs. The most likely parts of the unit that will require cleaning are the condenser, filter and coils. Regular cleaning can be done once a month. However, if you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to clean it more frequently. The following guide will help you clean your air conditioner.
Materials Needed
Screwdriver
Vacuum
Fin comb
Hose or spray bottle
Air conditioner cleaner
Soft rag
Step 1 - Turn off Power

Before you begin cleaning, make sure you turn off the power to your air conditioner. Unplug it from the power outlet. This is a safety measure recommended when cleaning electrical appliances. It will prevent any accidental electrical shocks from occurring.
Step 2 - Remove Front Grille

Use a screwdriver to take off the grille at the front.
Step 3 - Remove Filter and Inspect

Reach inside the air conditioner for the filter. Once you remove it, the condenser coils will become exposed. Carefully inspect the filter for any slits or other signs of wear and tear. If the filter is damaged in any way, you are better off replacing it as a damaged filter will impair efficiency.
Step 4 - Clean the Filter

Use a vacuum to clean the filter. Do not apply too much pressure on the filter as this may cause damage. After vacuuming, use a garden hose to rinse off any residual dirt from the filter. Clean both sides with water. Place the filter somewhere to dry well. Fit it back into the airconditioner once dry and after cleaning the inside.
Step 5 - Vacuum the Air Conditioner

Use a vacuum to get rid off all dust and dirt accumulated inside the air conditioner. Pay particular attention to the coils.
Step 6 - Clean the Coils

Spray some air conditioner cleaner onto the coils and allow it to work for the recommended time as indicated under the instructions for use.
Step 7 - Rinse the Coils

Use a garden hose or spray bottle to rinse off the cleaner. Make sure all the cleaner is removed.
Step 8 - Dry

Use a soft rag to dry the coils. You may also use the vacuum or a hair dryer for quick drying.
Step 9 - Straighten Coil Fins

Inspect the coils for any damage. Use a fin comb to straighten out those that may be bent. Be careful as you clean because the fins are delicate and can get easily damaged if too much pressure is applied while cleaning.
Step 10 - Replace Grille

Return the front grille onto the air conditioner.
Step 11 - Plug

Put the plug back into the power outlet. Turn on the switch. Your air conditioner is now clean and ready to give you excellent service.

I sure hope you copied this from somewhere, because if not, you spent a lot of time and energy to miss the point.

 

[rovic]

lol

The discussion is about the A/C in a RAV4 not a window unit at your house :roll: .

hahahahahaha indeed !!:kiss

 

[rancidrancid]

i use one of those sprays that you spray directly into the air inlet near the wipers. Works well and have been using it for years. Just remember to remove the cabin filter when doing it. I usually try to do it when i change out the cabin filter once a year.