rowekmr

Even on high the air doesn't seem to be blowing hard from the ac/heat ducts so with 131K miles on the 00 RL I am wondering could the cabin air filter be clogged? How hard are they to be replaced and where are they located?

oldskoolflavor

That might not be your problem but it will still help to replace it. I replaced mine a week ago. right behind the glove box. You will have to remove it and be careful with the clip that holds the glove box door i broked it. Now i'll try to see if I can find a replacement or hit a junkyard.

Richard Fadder

On the 2009-2013 TL the cabin air filter is the back of the glove box. Don't pay the dealer...it is easy to replace. Here is a video from youtube. Buy the filter on line or at a Pep Boys. Good luck

Jscarth

Found a filter on amazon for like 12 bucks, easy install. Good vid! Like mentioned, I broke that stupid clip that holds the cable thingy too lol.

tvgaman

i changed that out quite a few times already over the last 13.5 years. here is the video on youtube.com.
have fun..

rowekmr

Thanks for the advice/videos. I had to get major things done to car first (timing/balance shaft & WP, rear main seal, valve cover gaskets, 3 O2 sensors, thermostat, etc) I bought the filter last night with a credit coupon from Pep Boys and will try this weekend. Did any of you have a lot of debris on yours like they did in the video? Did you notice the air blowing harder after the new filter?

rowekmr

I just changed mines and it was really really clogged and full of dirt, lint and leaves/seeds. The only problems I had were the plastic screws that hold the leather flap up and stripped them slightly trying to find the right length and size Phillips to loosen them. I thought they would fall out so I turned and turned until I tried to pry the flap down and finally realized that they were loose enough. The other part is the dampener clip, I broke it trying to unclip it (video said squeeze up when it is really sideways but after bolting it all up I see it only effects the speed that the glove box drops (that I rarely open anyway). You guys are great you save me some $$$ and now I am going to see how much better the airflow is on a test drive.

Pro-Pilot

Hmm, whether i replace the cabin air filter or not, it always seems dusty in my car....