DIY: Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,929
Likes: 856
From: NJ
3 minutes of my time, no tools required. Puralator $15 bucks. I can't believe dealers charge $90+ for this job. WHY? even acura filter $30, but $60 to install it?! they are morons, and then they wonder why no one comes to dealership. Couldn't they just make reasonable profit $20 for a 2 minute job???\
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
I'm not sure when mines was last changed but I know I haven't changed it since I got the car. I got my car with 49K and its now at 108K that may be that horrible smell when I start the car. That may be the reason it kinda smell like feet in there 
I guess I will get this filter along with my other parts today.
I guess I will get this filter along with my other parts today.
10th Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Went to change my cabin air filter today, and lo and behold THERE WASN'T ONE ALREADY IN THERE.
Bought my car used at 11K miles last year from Kearny Mesa Acura in San Diego. I doubt it had been changed prior to me looking at it right now...maybe there has never been one in my car. There isn't a frame for the filter either so I can't put my new one in.
Did the factory forget, prior owner forget, or dealer change it and forget?
We may never know =\
EDIT: Just looked up how much it would be for a new filter frame...$53
for a piece of plastic!
Bought my car used at 11K miles last year from Kearny Mesa Acura in San Diego. I doubt it had been changed prior to me looking at it right now...maybe there has never been one in my car. There isn't a frame for the filter either so I can't put my new one in.
Did the factory forget, prior owner forget, or dealer change it and forget?
We may never know =\
EDIT: Just looked up how much it would be for a new filter frame...$53
for a piece of plastic!
Last edited by kmillard92; Dec 9, 2009 at 09:04 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 562
Likes: 7
http://www.hondapartsdeals.com/produ...s_id=520216173
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Went to change my cabin air filter today, and lo and behold THERE WASN'T ONE ALREADY IN THERE.
Bought my car used at 11K miles last year from Kearny Mesa Acura in San Diego. I doubt it had been changed prior to me looking at it right now...maybe there has never been one in my car. There isn't a frame for the filter either so I can't put my new one in.
Bought my car used at 11K miles last year from Kearny Mesa Acura in San Diego. I doubt it had been changed prior to me looking at it right now...maybe there has never been one in my car. There isn't a frame for the filter either so I can't put my new one in.
Point is, you wont know most of what happened to your car before you got into it.
10th Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Went to change my cabin air filter today, and lo and behold THERE WASN'T ONE ALREADY IN THERE.
Bought my car used at 11K miles last year from Kearny Mesa Acura in San Diego. I doubt it had been changed prior to me looking at it right now...maybe there has never been one in my car. There isn't a frame for the filter either so I can't put my new one in.
Did the factory forget, prior owner forget, or dealer change it and forget?
We may never know =\
EDIT: Just looked up how much it would be for a new filter frame...$53 for a piece of plastic!
Bought my car used at 11K miles last year from Kearny Mesa Acura in San Diego. I doubt it had been changed prior to me looking at it right now...maybe there has never been one in my car. There isn't a frame for the filter either so I can't put my new one in.
Did the factory forget, prior owner forget, or dealer change it and forget?
We may never know =\
EDIT: Just looked up how much it would be for a new filter frame...$53
for a piece of plastic!
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: boston
i found this site when doing a google search. i was told that the cabin air filter was due for a change @ 20K and it would cost $85 in boston.
saw this post, got the part @ auto zone for $20 and installed it in about a minute. it was easy as hell! - and believe me, i am clueless.
pics are great! thanks XLR8R!!!
saw this post, got the part @ auto zone for $20 and installed it in about a minute. it was easy as hell! - and believe me, i am clueless.
pics are great! thanks XLR8R!!!
10th Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
What do you guys think of this:
http://www.handa-accessories.com/rdx.html
They sell the Micron brand Pollen Filter for $16 (not including shipping).
Found some on ebay for a bit cheaper and not OEM. Or should I just go for those recommended above? I live in NYC btw.
http://www.handa-accessories.com/rdx.html
They sell the Micron brand Pollen Filter for $16 (not including shipping).
Found some on ebay for a bit cheaper and not OEM. Or should I just go for those recommended above? I live in NYC btw.
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: UpNorth
I just replaced mine tonight with a Fram Fresh Breeze filter that I picked up at WalMart for $18. The old one (Bosch) was absolutely filthy and installed upside down!
Last edited by eilros; Jun 30, 2010 at 08:59 PM.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Fantastic post
Great detailed instructions, thanks very much. Doesn't get much easier than this.The Cabin Air Filter is located behind the glove box. Open the glove box and note the connecter arm (yellow circle) and retainer pin (red circle). There is a retainer pin on both sides.
Start with the connecter arm, gently unsnap the arm's hook from the glovebox door (yellow circle) by pushing it towards the front of the car. Then press inward on both sides of the glovebox close to the retainer pins until the pins clear the frame (the sides are flexible) and you can lower the glove box door down:
Now look inside at the filter frame and note the airflow direction arrows molded into the front of it. Airflow direction is down. Then note the two arrow shaped tabs on the filter frame (yellow circles). The arrow tabs point inward:
Press inward on these tabs and slide the filter frame out of it's slot.
Lift the filter out of the frame and note that it too has airflow direction arrows pointing down:
Put in the new filter with the airflow arrows pointing down to match the arrows on the frame and then slide it back into it's slot until the tabs click.
Flex the glove box sides in again and slip the retainer pins past the frame. Gently snap the connecter arm hook to the door. Shut the glove box.
Engage the K23 engine, depress throttle, breathe freely.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,670
Likes: 377
From: Orion Spur, Milky Way
As eilros pointed out, WalMart now carries the Fram Freshbreeze filter for the RDX. It is part number CF10134. It controls odors with baking soda and active carbon (charcoal).
I'm not very keen on Fram oil filters, but I do use Fram air filters and this Fresh Breeze line seems to be good quality at a reasonable price. I have two in use now and they are doing well so far.
I'm not very keen on Fram oil filters, but I do use Fram air filters and this Fresh Breeze line seems to be good quality at a reasonable price. I have two in use now and they are doing well so far.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
just changed out my cabin filter at 10k (and it was already filthy). Thanks for the pictures and DIY. It was so easy.
Honda/Acura did a great job with this one. On my Pilot, the glove compartment and frame was harder to remove because of nuts and bolts.
Honda/Acura did a great job with this one. On my Pilot, the glove compartment and frame was harder to remove because of nuts and bolts.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: NE TN
WOW! That has to be the easiest thing I have ever done. Thanks for the detailed installation info and pics. My filter had all kinds of bugs in it. The bad smell went away shortly after I replaced with the Fram Freshbreeze Filter and blasted the A/C for a couple of minutes. I was getting worried that I would have to get one of the mint air system cleaners at pepboys.
I was getting worried that I would have to get one of the mint air system cleaners at pepboys.
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
From: York Pa
Thanks!
The Cabin Air Filter should be changed every 20k miles; or sooner if you detect an odor when driving, in particular shortly after starting out.
The Cabin Air Filter is located behind the glove box. Open the glove box and note the connecter arm (yellow circle) and retainer pin (red circle). There is a retainer pin on both sides.
Start with the connecter arm, gently unsnap the arm's hook from the glovebox door (yellow circle) by pushing it towards the front of the car. Then press inward on both sides of the glovebox close to the retainer pins until the pins clear the frame (the sides are flexible) and you can lower the glove box door down:
Now look inside at the filter frame and note the airflow direction arrows molded into the front of it. Airflow direction is down. Then note the two arrow shaped tabs on the filter frame (yellow circles). The arrow tabs point inward:
Press inward on these tabs and slide the filter frame out of it's slot.
Lift the filter out of the frame and note that it too has airflow direction arrows pointing down:
Put in the new filter with the airflow arrows pointing down to match the arrows on the frame and then slide it back into it's slot until the tabs click.
Flex the glove box sides in again and slip the retainer pins past the frame. Gently snap the connecter arm hook to the door. Shut the glove box.
Engage the K23 engine, depress throttle, breathe freely.
The Cabin Air Filter is located behind the glove box. Open the glove box and note the connecter arm (yellow circle) and retainer pin (red circle). There is a retainer pin on both sides.
Start with the connecter arm, gently unsnap the arm's hook from the glovebox door (yellow circle) by pushing it towards the front of the car. Then press inward on both sides of the glovebox close to the retainer pins until the pins clear the frame (the sides are flexible) and you can lower the glove box door down:
Now look inside at the filter frame and note the airflow direction arrows molded into the front of it. Airflow direction is down. Then note the two arrow shaped tabs on the filter frame (yellow circles). The arrow tabs point inward:
Press inward on these tabs and slide the filter frame out of it's slot.
Lift the filter out of the frame and note that it too has airflow direction arrows pointing down:
Put in the new filter with the airflow arrows pointing down to match the arrows on the frame and then slide it back into it's slot until the tabs click.
Flex the glove box sides in again and slip the retainer pins past the frame. Gently snap the connecter arm hook to the door. Shut the glove box.
Engage the K23 engine, depress throttle, breathe freely.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
I can't believe how easy this was. I just did engine/cabin filter on an '04 MDX...needed 8mm socket, flat head screwdriver and philips head screwdriver...oh and about 20 minutes. RDX = 2 minutes...no tools...in the dark.
Thanks, XLR8R!!!
Thanks, XLR8R!!!
Cajun Gumbo Man
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,378
Likes: 55
From: California
It is SAD that no one here shared to condition your AC system with Wurth Air Conditioning & Heating system Treatment (commerical product btw) while you are at the core of the AC system for deployment of this great stuff that KILLS BATERICA/MOLD that is in your system thus that funky smell at first start of AC on.....Its like if you are changing your timing belt CHANGE THE WATER PUMP while there!!!! Same thing.....
So order your Wurth today by going to www.wurthusa.com Btw Tim turned me on to this product years ago....AVOID THE JUNK FROM your Local parts store (Waste of money)....You have to order 6 can's minimum so be prepared to fork out $65+ tax and shipping....wurth it!
Fab
So order your Wurth today by going to www.wurthusa.com Btw Tim turned me on to this product years ago....AVOID THE JUNK FROM your Local parts store (Waste of money)....You have to order 6 can's minimum so be prepared to fork out $65+ tax and shipping....wurth it! Fab
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 290
Likes: 13
From: Northern VA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 980
Likes: 217
PROPER FILTER PLACEMENT
I was not paying attention when I removed the OLD filter from the vehicle-container. So I did not notice immediately, that to properly seal the ends of the filter, the pleat on each end of the filter must be inserted between the end of the container and the tab on each end of the contain, as in this picture below from the FSM (factory service manual).
Also, I find it much easier to install the container ‘over’ the filter. Flip the filter upside down, note the directional air-flow arrows on the filter and the container, and place the container down over the filter. Then I can easily see that the end tabs on the container are placed correctly.
PICTURE: cabin filter installation
PICTURE: cabin filter DETAIL
As the driver of this RDX is very sensitive to pollen and air pollution, I also wanted a good seal on the sides and corners of the filter, into the filter container.
Apply a thin bead of Silicone Seal along each side of the container, and a small ‘blob’ in the corners, before installing the filter. DO NOT use regular silicone sealer, as it will stick to the plastic container so well that it will be almost impossible to remove.
Instead, use Permatex brand Ultra-Grey Sensor Safe Gasket Maker. It dries to a much firmer consistency than regular silicone sealer, and does not stick as well to plastic. To remove the filter, just push firmly against the filter, and the Ultra-Grey will ‘pop’ loose from the container, leaving a clean surface on the container.
Another brand or type of sealer may also work, but I am only certain of the Permatex brand stuff, as described above.
PICTURE: cabin filter SEALER
-------eof
I was not paying attention when I removed the OLD filter from the vehicle-container. So I did not notice immediately, that to properly seal the ends of the filter, the pleat on each end of the filter must be inserted between the end of the container and the tab on each end of the contain, as in this picture below from the FSM (factory service manual).
Also, I find it much easier to install the container ‘over’ the filter. Flip the filter upside down, note the directional air-flow arrows on the filter and the container, and place the container down over the filter. Then I can easily see that the end tabs on the container are placed correctly.
PICTURE: cabin filter installation
PICTURE: cabin filter DETAIL
As the driver of this RDX is very sensitive to pollen and air pollution, I also wanted a good seal on the sides and corners of the filter, into the filter container.
Apply a thin bead of Silicone Seal along each side of the container, and a small ‘blob’ in the corners, before installing the filter. DO NOT use regular silicone sealer, as it will stick to the plastic container so well that it will be almost impossible to remove.
Instead, use Permatex brand Ultra-Grey Sensor Safe Gasket Maker. It dries to a much firmer consistency than regular silicone sealer, and does not stick as well to plastic. To remove the filter, just push firmly against the filter, and the Ultra-Grey will ‘pop’ loose from the container, leaving a clean surface on the container.
Another brand or type of sealer may also work, but I am only certain of the Permatex brand stuff, as described above.
PICTURE: cabin filter SEALER
-------eof
Last edited by dcmodels; Aug 5, 2012 at 06:29 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 580
Likes: 56
From: Las Vegas
Good tip about the proper filter placement too, that way there's no gap.
10th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
Check this out!Thinking this might be the way to go because you never have to buy a new one.
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/blitz-per...mdx-18732.html
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/blitz-per...mdx-18732.html
