Check your Cabin Air Filter Today!

[JimboK]

Originally Posted by snowbird

OK dumb question - I've downloaded the instruction for the cabin filter and I'll do that. Where is the engine filter - or will that be obvious and easy to change without special instuctions? (Its dark out so I won't just run out and look.)

It's very easy to find. As you open the hood, it's toward the left side of the engine compartment at the top of the engine. It has a rectangular black plastic cover, maybe 6" x 8" (+/-), secured with several quick-release clips.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by snowbird

... Where is the engine filter - or will that be obvious and easy to change without special instuctions?

After you've figured out how to access the engine air filter, note that the dirty side (for 2G) is on the bottom. Remove the filter and hold it up to the sun. If you can see light passing through, then you can continue using the filter. If the filter is dark, then it needs to be changed.

When reinstalling the 2G filter, make sure that the dirty side is on the bottom and that the rubber gasket is in place.

[snowbird]

Thanks you for the tip about the engine filter. Now - I find Autozone doesn't carry the Bosch cabin filter in stock. I found a better price online anyway - but for a 2001 or 2004 Prius. Would there be a difference in cabin filter size for those years? I have a 2006 Prius.

[JimboK]

Originally Posted by snowbird

Thanks you for the tip about the engine filter. Now - I find Autozone doesn't carry the Bosch cabin filter in stock. I found a better price online anyway - but for a 2001 or 2004 Prius. Would there be a difference in cabin filter size for those years? I have a 2006 Prius.

The filter for 2004 will fit your car; it's the same filter from 2004 to the current model.

FYI, I've gotten mine up 'til now from Metro for $12 plus shipping (ordering multiple engine, cabin, and oil filters [with drain plug washers included] at once to reduce per-item shipping.) Is your source's price any better?

[eprupis]

I'm a complete amateur when it comes to car maintenance and I let the dealer do everything for me. After reading these posts, I screwed up my courage, bought an engine and a cabin filter and followed the verbal and picture directions contained in this forum. It took me all of 5 minutes to do both! Needless to say that's a lot cheaper than the dealer's rediculous charges for the filters and their installation. Thank you posters!

[jeffepops]

It took me less than 3 minutes to change my filter (first time), including emptying out my glove compartment. I waited two years -- I will likely do it more frequently, as the filter was filthy.

I got mine on eBay -- just under $22.00 including CA sales tax and shipping. It's a genuine Toyota filter -- you can buy knock-offs for much cheaper.

Why anyone would pay a dealer $70.00 to perform this job is beyond me. Changing the cabin filter is quicker and easier than adding windshield wiper fluid or putting air in your tires.

[Winston]

I am a big fan of ordering car parts online. It saves the time and gas of driving around town to get the parts, plus the stores often dont have what I want in stock. I also do not think that the Toyota brand filters are the best quality, especially the cabin air filter is really cheap. I really liked the Fram cabin filter. I buy my parts from Rockauto.com. I usually buy a set or two of wiper blades along with the cabin and intake air filter.

Here is a link to my Fram vs OEM filter comparison page.

http://priuschat.com/forums/care-mai...ir-filter.html

The fram web site still seems to be screwed up with the cabin filter part numbers, but I installed the CF10132 and it fits perfectly.

[[H]ackerK]

Just wondering if it worth to buy K&N filter for prius. No, I don't believe is more HP, just the fact I can clean them and re-use them. Would it be cheaper for the long run?

I did have a K&N filter for my previous car and I still have the 'cleaning kit'

[debos]

i called toyota because my a/c was giving me a moldy smell. the service rep said they would replace the cabin air filter, believing it to be the cause. in anyones expereince, have you found that this is true? they wanted $69 (!??!) to do it. seems like an easy diy project.

[JimboK]

Originally Posted by debos

i called toyota because my a/c was giving me a moldy smell. the service rep said they would replace the cabin air filter, believing it to be the cause. in anyones expereince, have you found that this is true? they wanted $69 (!??!) to do it. seems like an easy diy project.

You are absolutely correct that it is an easy DIY task. Two minutes, no tools. There is no reason to pay the dealer anything beyond the cost of the part. And you probably can find that online for considerably less than most dealers charge -- Metro, for example.

As for whether it solves the smell, I can't speak to that. Others have reported a moldy smell, but I haven't paid close attention to those threads because I haven't experienced it. Do a good search with the terms AC (and its variants), mold, and smell.