shtewps

iTrader: (1)

This is more for the new owners here, as am I. I picked up my car off lease and I would say it's safe to bet that this cabin air filter hasn't been changed for 80k kms. So follow the tuts in the garage, and get some fresh air!



Picked up a new filter from this guy. Ended up being about $12 shipped and was an identical OEM replacement.

Only piece of advice to give would be when you are pulling off the panel behind the glove box, make sure you pull it off evenly (some tuts here said to pull from right to left) this will put uneven pressure on the clips and cause them to break.



Now.. off to install some cold cathodes above the license plate!

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Definitely change these out at least once a year.

dwb993

iTrader: (13)

Just replaced mine with a charcoal impregnated filter from RockAuto.com

piggydog

going to grab a charcoal one from autozone if they have it. BTW where is the DIY section?

Babnik

Is the filter supposed to block outside smells from coming in? Because I replaced mine with a new one from the dealership and it doesn't work, I still smell exhaust, manure, everything I drive by.

TimTim

iTrader: (4)

Wow OP, that is gross!

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Mine is probably worse and should be changed, 72k on my 06, but mainly drive in polluted Houston or Austin and highways.

shtewps

iTrader: (1)

I do believe that the charcoal filters are designed to absorb odors. However, I can only see them as being a damper if anything and not an eliminator. If you hit a skunk, you're gonna smell it :b

leedogg

Which model is the charcoal one?

dwb993

iTrader: (13)

ATP HA5 (HA-5) is what is on my invoice. They have several with both charcoal and baking soda.

LoveMyTL-S

The DIY section is in the 3G garage......

I hate cars

I agree with the once a year recommendation. These get dirty much quicker than the engine air filter.

01tl4tl

support (buy from) your local parts store or they wont be there when you need them!

Bosch makes a micro-allergen added filter, thats worked well for me
others use charcoal which is excellent at odor ~absorbtion~, as is baking soda

a stock filter like the OE will filter out big dirt clods of stuff but not any odors- need one with something added for the extra protecton of your lungs

Take the shop vac to the openings of the vents and blower while the filters are out

carlos9827

iTrader: (2)

Yup I changed it myself and broke these clips

mcmguti

iTrader: (2)

i bought mine used at 77k...now its at 79k, should i change it anyway? My car smells clean and i dont smell anything ever. Just asking for advice.

BigJack75

So what is the benefit of doing this. Does it block out smell or what. Seems like a lot of work for very little benefit.

shtewps

iTrader: (1)

Ditto

Did you see my filter? ... Look at that thing in the condition it's in and tell me how good of a job its going to do at filtering the air you breath... Now look at it again, and tell me how good of a job it did at filtering out the air you breath.

A lot of work?? Little benefit?? I would do 10x the amount of work (~20mins by the way) if I knew that my air filter looked like this... Your lungs, your choice

shtewps

iTrader: (1)

Seems that my picture disappeared from the post #1.. here it is again.

Izzy-Type-S

iTrader: (1)

Dealer talked me into changing mine during one of the service calls. I probably did it prematurely on an 08 but oh well, I hate smells in the car. I still get in & can smell the leather!

piggydog

where did you buy your charcoal ones. I've called autozone and pepboys by my place and they don't have it.

paz840

iTrader: (2)

Rockauto.com, Model# HA-5

Liquidflex81

just curious why most are going with the ATP HA-5 over the Fram CF10134?
The Fram one has the charcoal absorbtion to stop mold spores, bad air and baking soda to eliminate the oders.