My Van Stinks - Don’t Let This Happen to You

This is a PSA for you to check and clean your air conditioning drain line.
Here, I show how to complete this in a 2011 Toyota Sienna.
The tool I used in the video is Harbor Freight #23700 Push Pin Pliers ($10)
hftools.com/ap...

[@MissAllyson707]

Thanks Bruce! 😊

[@BelindaTOV]

My truck has this smell! Thanks.

[@BruceParks]

Ha! You're welcome.

[@CoolioBeans]

Thanks for the tip

[@BruceParks]

Any time!

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

thanks for showing us this....................I hope I never have to do this.

[@BruceParks]

Haha, I hope you never have to too!

[@jeffjohanson3830]

My concern would be why did this happen in the first place? If the line isn’t flowing properly I’d be concerned that it was pinched somewhere further downstream from where you gave it the air blast to where the tube exits the van. While it could just be some sort of debris got lodged in there the is a possibility of a pinch in the drain hose. I used to work at a Toyota dealer (parts) and the horror shows the techs would see if this problem is not caught early. Once the mold sets in you’ll have to replace all the carpeting which requires huge amount of interior trim removal. The sound deadening material that is stuck to the floor the techs would freeze with dry ice and break it into pieces to remove it to apply new. This stuff would also absorb mold so it had to be removed. Between plugged sunroof drains (one reason I’m just not a sunroof fan) and AC condenser boxes doing what you experienced you can really get into a very expensive repair. Oh, yes we used to see pinched lines that were not carefully routed or installed that could cause this problem. Definitely keep an eye on this and if you get that slight odor or your carpets are suddenly damp for no reason DO NOT wait to have it checked out.

[@BruceParks]

👆 This. Excellent points, Jeff.

[@leolongo9178]

Once again, you bring a wealth of knowledge. Thank you.

[@BruceParks]

You’re welcome, Leo!

[@Jennifer-ys1tx]

Just the other day, my son and I both turned our noses up after I turned the AC off lol. I had no clue about this issue. Thank you for sharing :)

[@BruceParks]

Glad to help, Jennifer!

[@kookietherapy9398]

Probably keeps condensation from accumulating inside your windows. You are clever and I subscribed.

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for the compliment, and thanks for subscribing!

[@ChrisAndEmilie]

We had a water issue in our SUV camper this summer too. Ours was caused by a leaky water jug and was such a mess to clean up. Glad you were able to find the cause and get everything dried up and ready for another trip!

[@BruceParks]

Yeah, water issues can be sneaky; late to notice and hard to diagnose. Thanks for commenting, much appreciated!

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Thanks again, Bruce, both for the Sienna-specific and universal info.

[@BruceParks]

You bet! Glad to help.

[@owenparker6651]

Great tip Bruce! Thanks for sharing!

[@BruceParks]

You bet, Owen. Thanks for the comment!

[@sparkygirl9083]

You are the best van you tube channel

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for the comment! Much appreciated!

[@mymy3172]

It was no more than an hour ago and we just got back from Costco and the thought crossed my mind that it was doggy smelling in the van. Possibly because we took the mini poodle with us on the last trip but now you got me thinking. I know in the old motorhome we had, mud wasps use to get into the water tank vent hole and plug it up. And it has been dry lately and of course being summer we have been using the A/C. Thank you so much for sharing. I will be doing the BP air blast first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks again !

[@BruceParks]

You’re welcome. Hope you solve the smell issue!

[@toronado455]

thanks very much

[@BruceParks]

Always welcome!

[@johnwhatley]

Thanks as always for sharing info!

[@BruceParks]

You’re welcome, John!

[@stevenlake6293]

Thanks Bruce. Good information. Hope you are well...

[@BruceParks]

Thanks, you too! Good to hear from you again.

[@stevenlake6293]

@@BruceParks After much research, I bought a pre-fabricated 3 piece unit recently and am looking forward to getting it put together and installed as time allows. I knew that there wasn't any way I was going to build something as nice as yours with my limited skill set and resources; so I chose the "kit" route. A little pricey, but well designed and constructed. Still, there are many upgrades, features and "candy" that I will be adding to the final product that will not doubt be pilfered from your brilliant designs. Thanks for the ideas and response. Best regards, Steve.

[@BruceParks]

I think you’ll find it’s an ongoing learning process of discovery and improvement. Enjoy it!

[@MissAllyson707]

Hi Bruce, do you happen to know if the lubricant silicone would be okay to use for easily screwing threaded male and female pvc pipe fittings? *Allyson

[@BruceParks]

Silicone lubricant would make that easier than no lube at all but it wouldn’t provide a leak-free joint. What are you using the fittings for?

[@peterroh6327]

do you sell the drawing of Sienna conversion? I love to get a quote and buy it. My Sienna is 2020 LE model.

[@BruceParks]

I wish I could say yes but, unfortunately, I’m not able to offer plans for this design. Thanks for asking, I appreciate your interest.

[@stevewyche5232]

This video bring s to mind a question - do you have condensation issues in any of the seasons?

[@BruceParks]

Yes, in very cold weather, we’ve have some moisture on the inside of the windshield since that’s the coldest surface. When it’s below freezing outside in the morning, we’ve had ice on the inside of the windshield.

[@bertnerny]

Where do you get the retainer tool? I’m assuming different years require a different tool?

[@BruceParks]

I added info on it in the description. Check it out.

[@bertnerny]

@@BruceParks 👍🏽