ACURAFANANTIC

it really depends on what the source of the smell is coming from. if its not from the filter then its just a matter of time when the smell comes right back.

revolt

Thank for the super diy, have any one here have use the FRAM Fresh Breeze cabin air filter ?

Kei's

I just changed my filter.

Here are pics. Thanks for the DIY. Don't be fooled by the first pic at how white it is. The flash made it seem much cleaner than it was.

I took a second pic to show everyone how much shit can collect. 60 000km on that filter.

thomodachi

That's amazing how much gunk can get into the air filter. How did those white pebbles get there?

Thanks for the great DIY whoever started this thread. I just replaced mines today and was thinking about cutting an opening in the back panel for easier access to the air filter for the next time I have to replace it, but since everything was so easy to remove in my 04 TL, I decided to not modify anything. The change was a piece of cake, I can't believe they charge hundreds of dollars for this!

Kei's

Those white things actually are Styrofoam pebbles. I have no idea where they came from.

My vents blow much stronger air now. I was actually wondered why my vents blew so weak before but now I know.

Inaccurate

The filter collects gunk from the outside air. I just check mine, and after 2-1/2 years, it is clean as new (it has never been replaced). The reason is because I never run without the Ricirculation turned on. So, I never pull in outside air (and gunk floating in the outside air) to foul the filter. Not meaning that is the reason I always have recirculation turned on.... that is because I don't want the humid Houston air pulled into my car.

HEK

Great thread, I read it about 10k miles ago and had been meaning to do it, today I decided that at 36K was long enough and did it in about 15 minutes. One thing I will mention is that Autozone wanted $35 and Advance Auto had it for $13... ..why such a difference in price..??....maybe the Autozone filter came with the rubber case...not sure...but almost 3X the cost...go figure...

doggydog

Wow, filthy is the word of the day. Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. You guys just saved me $120.00. You guys are the BBEEEESSSSSTTTTT ARRRRROOOUUUNNNDD. It only took about 10 minutes. Time to get some beer.

ABP_04TL

iTrader: (2)

good info... im doin this 2 mines soon, i have 53k on my 04 and i doubt it that it has ever been changed

ABP_04TL

iTrader: (2)

prolly get the FRAM CF10134 Cabin Air Filter Fresh Breeze Scent like "Revolt" said

rksokol

Changed this bad boy out at around 22k miles...

eluzion

So is there any special technique for removing the glove box assembly on the '04 TL? I really don't feel like cutting it and I don't want to break the clips. Pretty lame design if you ask me but at least they went with the push-pins in '05 I guess...

melvin2816

iTrader: (4)

Thank you for the info
great DIY

A SiQ TL

Ummmmm....... its in the very first post

eluzion

Ah I totally read that wrong. I thought the '05 TL's had the push clips and the '04 TL's did not. Nevermind. So the '04 TL's should be fairly easy to remove the glove box assembly.

SouthernBoy

Late model '04s have the two push pins at the top of the housing.

And yes, it certain is a pretty lame design.

SouthernBoy

The '05 is easier mostly because of the retaining devices on the inside of the box. I have a late model '04 (built in July) and an '05 (built in March).

ebs312

i just did this on saturday and it was a pain in the a$$, but not as bad as changing the engine air filter.

It's a bit un-nerving just pulling off the plastic portion and putting it back on was just a pain. i think i lost one of the plastic pins inside. oh well, it got done and the filters were dirty, so i saved a couple of bucks.

NocturnalTypeS

nice writeup

SouthernBoy

I find the engine air filter to be pretty much a piece of cake to change. Just make sure you remove the plastic conduit from the rear of the upper housing before trying to raise the housing to get to the filter.

xo1rider

I read this thread a couple of days ago and noticed most of the cars were '04 or '05. I figured it would be about the same on my '06 and picked up a filter while I was at the dealer getting the Power Steering recall taken care of.

I was actually pretty surprised at how easy it was, on the '06 the air filter is directly behind the glove box. Taking out the glove box was a snap and I was able to remove a couple of vinyl trim pieces pretty easily once I figured out how hard to pull.

My car has 32,000 miles and I know it was overdue but I was shocked at how filthy the old filter was, I'll defiantly be changing it again in fewer miles this time.

xen-cuts

I just changed mine (3 years old) and was shocked by the amount of crap that was in the filter! Leaves, etc. Pretty much just like what others found.

Total turnaround was like 15 minutes for me. Thanks to whoever posted the pics of the '05--it helped out a lot!

lusid

I just did mine, with a custom dremel hole cut

Took me 1.5hrs to get the install done, clean air ftw!

This was after 27k miles, i'd say it was 70% dirty, and the outter edges were still white.

ltcjmb

2006 TL: Did first mod last year with the dremel. Took about 1.5 hours.

Changed it again this past weekend : < 5 minutes. Beauty!!

BEAR-AvHistory

Just did the change in about 8 minutes on an 06 (26,000mi/first change) which is a little different then the original pictures.

I did not remove the glove box, just lowered it onto my legs to support it. I also pulled the under tray before trying to pull out the main glove box housing. This tray has 3 of the clips in it pointing straight up so by removing it you have an easier time getting the housing out.

On reassembly the only thing I found you need to watch is the clip on the far right panel near the door hinge. Make sure it engages before you seat the other clips.

The change has cut down the fan noise & improved air flow.

LaCostaRacer

I have 19,000 miles over 2 years and my filter was VERY dirty- similar to the pictures from xo1rider above. Thanks to all the help on this thread- it certainly made the job easier!

A few of the clips are mangled and some were never installed from the factory. I cut the hole in the inner housing so the next replacement will be a snap. I also took this opportunity to replace the glove box light with an LED bulb but oops got the wrong bulb from superbrightleds so that mod will be deferred. Since I cut the hole and am missing clips, I'll wait until Monday to reinstall the glove box so I can buy some clips and do the job right. The downside is the trunk open button in the cabin doesn't work without the switch connection, but otherwise all is well.

I also wound up replacing the engine air filter (thinking it would be equally dirty) and that job is MUCH easier- it's just like my Pilot with the hardest part being unclipping the power line plastic clips.

SilverUA5

I broke 2 clips while doing this, but it doesn't rattle so I just left it the way it is.

Carlito Benito

My first post!

Everyone, thank you for the instructions! It took me all of 10 minutes to change. I used the ATP filter. Mine was clogged but airflow was not bad.

KJSmitty

You need the BG Frigi "Clean". And you must get it right into the evaporator area so it can foam up and kill all of the mold spores. That is the only way. I'm hoping to figure out where to access the evaporator box thus have a way of performing this annually. I figure worse case I would spray it right up the drip tub that is under the car on the passenger side.

I'm not sure why some cars get stinky and others don't. The TL is definitely one that does.

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

awesome. im gonna change mine tomorrow. very useful

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

Just replaced mine with the Bosch filter, and it needed to be replaced! It took literally about 10 minutes. Very easy. Thanks for the writeup and the very easy to follow pics scrb09!

Silent_TL

Im thinking of replacing cabin filter w/ the ATP. Is that thing washable/ reusable or is it disposable? Had to ask. Thanks!

Tecciztecatl

Do you know the part # for the Bosch (P3875) and was it a one piece? thanks

rhlane

this post is very helpful, but I am nervous. I have the two push pins out but the housing does not want to move. Do I just pull for all I am worth? Thanks for your help.

rksokol

NO!! Do not pull the push pins! (pssst.. that's what I did, and broke one.)

get something skinny like a toothpick and push/poke the little circle in the middle using one hand, while in the other gently use a flathead screwdriver to wedge the whole thing out.

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

I don't exactly remember the part # but that 3875 rings a bell and yea it is one piece. Got it at Autozone.

carlos9827

iTrader: (2)

Just did this today! Went to Kragen Auto Parts and bought the Bosch cabin air filter, which cost me $19.99 + tax. AutoZone wanted $29.99 Anyway this task was a pain in the a-hole! I actually broke the clips cause I think I pulled a little too hard. Oh well I hope the rattles won't be too bad. Anyone know how much it is to replace the panel behind the glove box. This is the one I broke.

eddyg2

So this is a great DIY. Just did my 07' TL and have a few things to add that I didn't see so far.

This first picture is of what the clip looks like. It helps me pull it off when I know what I'm pulling against.


Next picture is of where all the clips are at. There is one on the bottom right as well just couldn't get it in the picture. The clips on the side are towards the center of the car. I started on the side closest to the door and worked over.


This is a picture of the harness for both the switch and light. Push down on the top and pull off. They will come right off.


Last set is of the 2 clips for removing the panel. This is what the clip looks like when you push in the middle and bring it out.


Push in the 2 legs to where the center is pushing out the front. Then once you put the clip in, just push on the center until it's flush. When it's flush the clip is secure.



Hope this helps and sorry for the big pictures, it's what they got sized to.

carlos9827

iTrader: (2)

I you only would have posted this a couple days ago

Guys be careful. As I said in a previous post, I broke these clips and just to let you all know the rattle I have now coming from the glove box area is really bad. Good thing I listen to music all the time or I would go crazy. I will fix it next chance I get.

Esco5710

I went on the site and see a few filters available for an 2005 TL?? Just wanted to confirm "ATP Part # HA5 {Vent Filter}" is what I want? This is the charcoal activated one? Planning to work on my within the week and want to order ASAP. Thanks.