I HAVE A 2002 CAMRY. OVER THIS PAST WINTER THE AIR COMING FROM THE BLOWER WENT FOUL!
IT SMELLS LIKE AN ANIMAL CRAWLED IN THERE AND DIED. I THOUGHT THE SMELL WOULD LEAVE BY NOW, BUT IT IS STILL WITH ME.
IT IS AT ITS WORST WHEN I FIRST TURN ON THE BLOWER MOTOR,
WHERE COULD AN ANIMAL GET IN AND DIE?
HOW CAN I REMOVE IT?
HAL
Chances are good that it may be nothing more than a blocked drain or some leaves and stuff in that area with the vents in front of the windscreen.
Start by making sure the air intake area (the vents in front of the windscreen are clear and that when you pour water in there it freely flows out under the car.
Next see if you can find the A/C drain (usually under the car close to were the passenger puts their feet) and make sure it is flowing freely. It should have a good drip when running the A/C on a hot humid day. You can use compressed air or string trimmer line to clear it, if clogged.
With either of the above you can try using household Lysol or one of the products sold at the auto parts stores for this job. Turn the fan on high and spray it in the intake (where you cleaned out the leaves) with the vent fan on high and not on re-circulate.
If that does not do it, then your first guess is likely correct it means disassembling and cleaning. On most cars this is a nasty job designed for a very nimble 14 year old.