Cabin Filter Replacement Mod... 3G Garage #F-130
04-28-2009, 07:11 AM
#81
Senior Moderator
Dremel with a cutting disk works like a charm. It will kinda melt the edge but you can just snap that off. Very clean cut. I completely removed the bracket to do the cutting. I didn't want a mess in the car.
10-13-2009, 11:06 AM
#83
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can i do this in my 99TL
this "mod" sounds like a really good idea... I have a 99 TL and i wonder is it the same set up ... can I do this to my TL?
(my ac blower stopped working yesterday... im having it checked out today...thats what lead me here)
(my ac blower stopped working yesterday... im having it checked out today...thats what lead me here)
04-01-2010, 12:02 AM
#84
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cabin air filter mod
Only thing I can add to what has been said is that I used a Dremel Multitool with a drywall (semi circular) blade. Left a nice clean edge. Cut a small hole first to get an idea where I needed to cut, then just went at it. Wasn't able to save a connecting piece of plastic on the far right side as I wouldn't have been able to remove the filter assembly. That didn't seem to make a difference though as there were no rattles after reassembly. Going to make the filter replacement a whole lot easier in the future. Thanks to those who started this thread and provided all the pictures - gave me the confidence to take this mod on.
04-01-2010, 06:26 AM
#85
Wow...haven't seen this one in a while! Glad to see people are still using it. I have to say it wasn't that hard to get the panel out altogether. The more familiar I become with the car and taking things apart on it the more I wonder why I tried to find simpler workarounds. But hey...if it works for you!
04-01-2010, 11:02 AM
#86
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It works...
renewed interest in the mod.. I guess will put my experience in.
I did this mod in the fall of last year.. It's pretty much as described by all the previous posts. gotta pull pretty hard on the glove box insert to get it out once you take the screws and retaining pins out. I think I scratched my hand a little getting it out, so be careful with that.
I cut the access hole with a dremel using the regular cutting disk. The drywall cutting tool is probably a better idea as I had some jagged edges to clean up afterward. I wouldn't go buy one specifically for this though. The cutting disk really melts the plastic more than cutting it. You can pretty much break off the jagged edges by hand.
That being said it's really about function over form when it comes to cutting the hole. You won't be able to see it once the glove box is reinstalled. I can't see any reason not to have an access hole in the panel.
I did this mod in the fall of last year.. It's pretty much as described by all the previous posts. gotta pull pretty hard on the glove box insert to get it out once you take the screws and retaining pins out. I think I scratched my hand a little getting it out, so be careful with that.
I cut the access hole with a dremel using the regular cutting disk. The drywall cutting tool is probably a better idea as I had some jagged edges to clean up afterward. I wouldn't go buy one specifically for this though. The cutting disk really melts the plastic more than cutting it. You can pretty much break off the jagged edges by hand.
That being said it's really about function over form when it comes to cutting the hole. You won't be able to see it once the glove box is reinstalled. I can't see any reason not to have an access hole in the panel.
04-18-2010, 04:22 PM
#88
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Thanks for the pics KJ. Dremeled mine out as well. Took a half hour. Now I can change the F filter in 30 seconds. Now if someone can let me know if they solved the right front noise when they wheel is about to stop and when it first starts to roll I'LL be 100% fixed up.
10-19-2010, 11:38 AM
#92
Safety Car
from another thread
IF you don't have the clips on the inside of your glove box, you simply push in on the sides until the tab clears.
To remove this hook, just push on it where the grooved notch is.
Something I didn't see mentioned is to remove these 2 screws ( if you have them) to get the back panel off.
Here are the clips that are holding the back panel on. Someone said to remove these horizontally, I thought that meant start on the far right of the back piece and work horizontally across. I think it makes more sense to say they come straight out towards you.
Here is what they pop into
This is everything put back together after cutting the access hole. Here the filter is hanging out.
Here it is pushed in and easily removable
And the finished product
IF you don't have the clips on the inside of your glove box, you simply push in on the sides until the tab clears.
To remove this hook, just push on it where the grooved notch is.
Something I didn't see mentioned is to remove these 2 screws ( if you have them) to get the back panel off.
Here are the clips that are holding the back panel on. Someone said to remove these horizontally, I thought that meant start on the far right of the back piece and work horizontally across. I think it makes more sense to say they come straight out towards you.
Here is what they pop into
This is everything put back together after cutting the access hole. Here the filter is hanging out.
Here it is pushed in and easily removable
And the finished product
10-20-2010, 02:33 PM
#93
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I actually went into the stealership for service the other day. The customer rep brought my filter and bracket into the waiting area to show me that it needed to be changed. Wanted to charge me $90 to do it. He also wanted to let me know that my glove box assembly was broken (referring to the hole that I cut). I told him that I cut that hole so that he wouldn't charge me $90 for a new filter.
At least they looked at the filter. One of the dealerships I took the car to told me that I needed a new cabin filter. It was impossible that they looked at it. I had changed it the weekend before.
At least they looked at the filter. One of the dealerships I took the car to told me that I needed a new cabin filter. It was impossible that they looked at it. I had changed it the weekend before.
10-20-2010, 09:47 PM
#94
Advanced
For all you guys that cut that hole I searched on youtube for about 30 minutes but im sure it was well worth my time and i changed my cabin filter without cutting the whole. and probably took me 5-10 minutes quicker theny ou guys cutting the whole, here are the 2 videos part 1 and part 2 of the dissassembly, hope this helps out alot of you.
Basically take the 2 side clips out so glove box hangs, then 2 phillips screws to unscrew the glove box on the sides, remove it completely and the rest of the panels are just on clips, watch the videos and you'll understand.
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDY4Q...os=BSIi5jms-9E
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNIv6...os=BTd-P4bBOgE
Basically take the 2 side clips out so glove box hangs, then 2 phillips screws to unscrew the glove box on the sides, remove it completely and the rest of the panels are just on clips, watch the videos and you'll understand.
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDY4Q...os=BSIi5jms-9E
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNIv6...os=BTd-P4bBOgE
Last edited by LoveMyTL-S; 08-08-2011 at 02:04 PM. Reason: Fixed
11-16-2010, 10:00 AM
#100
Just a thought for those out there that have done this mod. You can go to Home Depot and buy some tubing (I'm not sure this is the best way to describe it) that you can fit around the edges of the hole. This will help clean up the look, and maybe even make it look more factory. You might not care how it looks, but when I considered doing this mod I didn't like the idea of hacking into my car for when I wanted to sell in the future. But if I could clean it up enough I would consider it.
11-18-2010, 12:10 PM
#101
Advanced
Just a thought for those out there that have done this mod. You can go to Home Depot and buy some tubing (I'm not sure this is the best way to describe it) that you can fit around the edges of the hole. This will help clean up the look, and maybe even make it look more factory. You might not care how it looks, but when I considered doing this mod I didn't like the idea of hacking into my car for when I wanted to sell in the future. But if I could clean it up enough I would consider it.
I get what your saying but who honestly removes the glovebox to see what is behind it when buying a car? I actually just did the mod today took all of 5 minutes. The dealer wanted to charge me $170 to change my engine filter and cabin filter 
.... When both can be done myslef now in under 10 minutes and saving over $140!!!!
01-12-2011, 10:50 PM
#103
Drifting
This is a great mod and I did it the first time I changed the filter (since you have to take the panel out anyway). It took an extra 20 minutes cutting the hole and insuring it is correct and then a little trimming the next time I changed my filter.
Now life is great and I can check the filter and see just how dirty it gets. In my area, I'll vacuum one time after 6 months (it was pretty dirty but not black) and then replace the next 6 months. I would never do that without the mod. The only way to see the 'hole' is after you unlatch the glovebox, so it's no eyesore.
Now life is great and I can check the filter and see just how dirty it gets. In my area, I'll vacuum one time after 6 months (it was pretty dirty but not black) and then replace the next 6 months. I would never do that without the mod. The only way to see the 'hole' is after you unlatch the glovebox, so it's no eyesore.
01-13-2011, 06:36 AM
#104
Registered Member
This is a PITA job. It was the first time I did and it still is. Perhaps the worse designed component on the 3G TL... you have to wonder what the engineers were thinking with this one. It just makes zero sense.
I have put off and put off doing the cut in the rear of the housing to expose the filter drawer, but I swear one day I'm just going to do it in both of my 3G TL's and to hell with screwing around removing the crap you have to remove for something as basic as a cabin filter change (the engine air filter is not walk in the park either).
Curiously enough, when I did my first change about a year after I bought my '04, I was talking to a tech at the dealership and he told me that when they got a TL in for this work for the first time, they cut the rear of the housing out themselves so that the next time, the replacement was simple and took almost no time and no labor. I wondered if they still charged for the allotted book time for this job after they had done this.
I have put off and put off doing the cut in the rear of the housing to expose the filter drawer, but I swear one day I'm just going to do it in both of my 3G TL's and to hell with screwing around removing the crap you have to remove for something as basic as a cabin filter change (the engine air filter is not walk in the park either).
Curiously enough, when I did my first change about a year after I bought my '04, I was talking to a tech at the dealership and he told me that when they got a TL in for this work for the first time, they cut the rear of the housing out themselves so that the next time, the replacement was simple and took almost no time and no labor. I wondered if they still charged for the allotted book time for this job after they had done this.
01-13-2011, 07:04 AM
#105
This is a PITA job. It was the first time I did and it still is. Perhaps the worse designed component on the 3G TL... you have to wonder what the engineers were thinking with this one. It just makes zero sense.
I have put off and put off doing the cut in the rear of the housing to expose the filter drawer, but I swear one day I'm just going to do it in both of my 3G TL's and to hell with screwing around removing the crap you have to remove for something as basic as a cabin filter change (the engine air filter is not walk in the park either).
Curiously enough, when I did my first change about a year after I bought my '04, I was talking to a tech at the dealership and he told me that when they got a TL in for this work for the first time, they cut the rear of the housing out themselves so that the next time, the replacement was simple and took almost no time and no labor. I wondered if they still charged for the allotted book time for this job after they had done this.
I have put off and put off doing the cut in the rear of the housing to expose the filter drawer, but I swear one day I'm just going to do it in both of my 3G TL's and to hell with screwing around removing the crap you have to remove for something as basic as a cabin filter change (the engine air filter is not walk in the park either).
Curiously enough, when I did my first change about a year after I bought my '04, I was talking to a tech at the dealership and he told me that when they got a TL in for this work for the first time, they cut the rear of the housing out themselves so that the next time, the replacement was simple and took almost no time and no labor. I wondered if they still charged for the allotted book time for this job after they had done this.
I would do this mod the next time I open her up but I don't own a dremel and I don't know of another way to do it. I'm a perfectionist so I don't like to halfass things and I want it done right. But it's very tempting to do. I need to replace my engine air filter soon too. When I get my next oil change I'll be doing the 3rd and 4th gear sensors, tranny fluid, break pads and rotors, and now the engine filter as well probably. My list keeps growing.
I would like to do them all myself but I don't have a good place to do the work. Hopefully the price will be decent. Luckily I trust my mechanic but I would still prefer to do it myself.So they actually did this mod to a TL? Interesting. I would wonder what they charged as well! It wouldn't surprise me.
Last edited by jsonkimz; 01-13-2011 at 07:06 AM.
01-13-2011, 07:09 AM
#106
I get what your saying but who honestly removes the glovebox to see what is behind it when buying a car? I actually just did the mod today took all of 5 minutes. The dealer wanted to charge me $170 to change my engine filter and cabin filter .... When both can be done myslef now in under 10 minutes and saving over $140!!!!
Yeah, it's unbelievable to me that the dealer willingly wants to rape you on charges like that when the job is so easily and quickly done even WITHOUT the mod. It's ridiculous.
01-13-2011, 02:16 PM
#107
Registered Member
I didn't find the job terribly hard, but it was infinitely harder than it needed to be. I agree that it was a HUGE oversight be the engineers. Unless it is truly a ploy to suck extra money out of customers. In which case it's just stupid and dishonest. More than the time that it takes to do, I worry about the wear and tear on parts from having to take everything apart every time I change the filter. I'm afraid that either something is going to break and come loose and then I'm going to have even more rattles (which I'm not sure is even possible).
I would do this mod the next time I open her up but I don't own a dremel and I don't know of another way to do it. I'm a perfectionist so I don't like to halfass things and I want it done right. But it's very tempting to do. I need to replace my engine air filter soon too. When I get my next oil change I'll be doing the 3rd and 4th gear sensors, tranny fluid, break pads and rotors, and now the engine filter as well probably. My list keeps growing. I would like to do them all myself but I don't have a good place to do the work. Hopefully the price will be decent. Luckily I trust my mechanic but I would still prefer to do it myself.
So they actually did this mod to a TL? Interesting. I would wonder what they charged as well! It wouldn't surprise me.
I would do this mod the next time I open her up but I don't own a dremel and I don't know of another way to do it. I'm a perfectionist so I don't like to halfass things and I want it done right. But it's very tempting to do. I need to replace my engine air filter soon too. When I get my next oil change I'll be doing the 3rd and 4th gear sensors, tranny fluid, break pads and rotors, and now the engine filter as well probably. My list keeps growing.
I would like to do them all myself but I don't have a good place to do the work. Hopefully the price will be decent. Luckily I trust my mechanic but I would still prefer to do it myself.So they actually did this mod to a TL? Interesting. I would wonder what they charged as well! It wouldn't surprise me.
My wife has a Dremel. Maybe I should root around and find the best pieces to use for it to do this the next time around.
01-13-2011, 10:17 PM
#108
Drifting
A dremel works pretty well. I found a sharp razor knife will also get the job done- I used that to do some additional trimming the first time I took advantage of the mod. I had a clearance issue on the right side since that edge is a little thin on material and I wanted to preserve as much as possible.
01-14-2011, 05:47 AM
#109
Yeah, it's not that it's such a hard of difficult job, it's just a really PITA and what makes it even worse for me is that here we have the nice piece of machinery with a really horrible cabin filter design for replacement. And like you, I'm sure that the periodic replacing of this filter can't be easy on the components since it feels like you're ripping part of the dash apart... which basically, you are.
My wife has a Dremel. Maybe I should root around and find the best pieces to use for it to do this the next time around.
My wife has a Dremel. Maybe I should root around and find the best pieces to use for it to do this the next time around.
A dremel works pretty well. I found a sharp razor knife will also get the job done- I used that to do some additional trimming the first time I took advantage of the mod. I had a clearance issue on the right side since that edge is a little thin on material and I wanted to preserve as much as possible.
04-26-2011, 06:11 PM
#110
5th Gear
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FRAM Fresh Breeze
I purchased the FRAM CF10134 Fresh Breeze for $18.94. I did have a problem following the various threads with instructions/pictures because I didn't have the two push-pins at the top (2004). Rather, once I removed the glovebox I started pulling the liner out slowly on the corners and the spring clips released.
04-26-2011, 07:16 PM
#112
Wow, such negativity (repetitious in some cases) out of a few above... :-)
As with any vehicle mod, it comes down to personal preference. You either want to do it or you don't - as simple as that. Their are numerous mods mentioned that I wouldn't think of doing to a vehicle, but I see no reason to post in those threads due to my "confused or frustrated" thoughts.. Too funny.
Making an access hole is "completely" logical and something Acura should have done to begin with. So why all the fuss...
As mentioned when this thread began - and it still stands today:
"-- So if your thinking about changing your cabin filter but figured it was too much work,,, this mod may sound a little unorthodox but not only can it not be seen when complete, structurally its sound and it makes changing the filter a snap."
I've changed my CF 4 times now (soon to be 5), and other than the first 30 min mod, it takes me less than 30 seconds. The time isn't really the issue, it's the "not" having to remove "anything" that makes it nice, and smart. But like I mentioned, that's just my opinion of a mod that I have actually performed due to "personally" knowing it was a good idea.... I'm just glad TBone2004 thought of it and brought it to this forums attention.
True story:
About 4 months ago I was sitting in the guest area of my Acura dealership waiting for them to complete the wiper and PS hose TSB on my 04TL. Their was a gentleman sitting next to me who had his now 1yr old TL in for an oil change and other warranty concerns. His service advisor came out and proceeded to talk him into changing his CF at the tune of $160+. The advisor also stated it was a 1hr job.....
I literally "had" to speak up... Stated it was a $10-20 filter depending where purchased and a 20 min job..... The advisor was pissed, the gentleman replied: "Actually, no thanks". I felt I had done my deed for that day. :-)
We then had a conversation the next 20 min until my car was complete. I'm sure that gentleman is now driving around with this mod complete.
Cheers
As with any vehicle mod, it comes down to personal preference. You either want to do it or you don't - as simple as that. Their are numerous mods mentioned that I wouldn't think of doing to a vehicle, but I see no reason to post in those threads due to my "confused or frustrated" thoughts.. Too funny.
Making an access hole is "completely" logical and something Acura should have done to begin with. So why all the fuss...
As mentioned when this thread began - and it still stands today:
"-- So if your thinking about changing your cabin filter but figured it was too much work,,, this mod may sound a little unorthodox but not only can it not be seen when complete, structurally its sound and it makes changing the filter a snap."
I've changed my CF 4 times now (soon to be 5), and other than the first 30 min mod, it takes me less than 30 seconds. The time isn't really the issue, it's the "not" having to remove "anything" that makes it nice, and smart. But like I mentioned, that's just my opinion of a mod that I have actually performed due to "personally" knowing it was a good idea.... I'm just glad TBone2004 thought of it and brought it to this forums attention.
True story:
About 4 months ago I was sitting in the guest area of my Acura dealership waiting for them to complete the wiper and PS hose TSB on my 04TL. Their was a gentleman sitting next to me who had his now 1yr old TL in for an oil change and other warranty concerns. His service advisor came out and proceeded to talk him into changing his CF at the tune of $160+. The advisor also stated it was a 1hr job.....
I literally "had" to speak up... Stated it was a $10-20 filter depending where purchased and a 20 min job..... The advisor was pissed, the gentleman replied: "Actually, no thanks". I felt I had done my deed for that day. :-)
We then had a conversation the next 20 min until my car was complete. I'm sure that gentleman is now driving around with this mod complete.
Cheers
04-27-2011, 09:32 AM
#113
Instructor
You are correct, the recirculate air "intake is directly above the filter housing. I can't imagine cutting the access hole would have any effect or difference for that matter on the recirculating air. Behind the panel that is cut it is not a sealed off area etc.. Having the glove box shut would also limit the amount of air flow through the access hole.
**Good thinking though.
That idea did not cross my mind - but due to the "openness" within the dash area where the recirculate intake is, I can't imagine it would cause any differences in heater/AC operation/effectiveness. If it does prove to be an issue, I will fabricate the appropriate cover.
Now, if you decided to store a dead rodent or dirty diaper in your glove box,,,, you may have an issue. :-)
Cheers
**Good thinking though.
That idea did not cross my mind - but due to the "openness" within the dash area where the recirculate intake is, I can't imagine it would cause any differences in heater/AC operation/effectiveness. If it does prove to be an issue, I will fabricate the appropriate cover.
Now, if you decided to store a dead rodent or dirty diaper in your glove box,,,, you may have an issue. :-)
Cheers
08-08-2011, 01:12 PM
#114
Proud Acura Owner
the 4G TL is a joke to replace the filter! wow.. they finally learned. why do our 3G TL's have to be so complicated!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_hH6...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_hH6...eature=related
08-08-2011, 01:20 PM
#115
Race Director
iTrader: (1)
^ROFL!
Honda probably saw this thread and said "damn those shiwwly americans!"
Honda probably saw this thread and said "damn those shiwwly americans!"
08-08-2011, 02:08 PM
#116
Senior Moderator
08-08-2011, 02:09 PM
#117
Senior Moderator
the 4G TL is a joke to replace the filter! wow.. they finally learned. why do our 3G TL's have to be so complicated!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_hH6...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_hH6...eature=related
11-06-2011, 03:41 PM
#120
Cruisin'
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I did this mod with an oscillating multi-tool. It was very easy. With the plunge cutter that I used, I didn't have to cut all the way to the right as shown in the first set of photos above -- I just cut out a notch where the filter is a little wider on the right. Thus, I have no gap in the plastic at the top right.
I'm about 45k, and I hadn't changed my air filter before because the dealer was going to charge $300+ for it. This mod is quick and makes the filter change a 3 minute activity with no tools.
I'm about 45k, and I hadn't changed my air filter before because the dealer was going to charge $300+ for it. This mod is quick and makes the filter change a 3 minute activity with no tools.
