changing cabin filter -- I SWEAR, I checked several places already??

[cyberprius]

I've looked at John's Web site and have downloaded his great documents on how to change this air conditioning/cabin filter.

But either:

1) Toyota changed something for 2008.

2) I am too weak.

3) I am afraid to push too hard.

So, can somebody reassure, or reinstruct me.

I am following John's instructions here: John's Stuff - Toyota Prius Maintenance - Air-Conditioner Filter

But, when I squeeze together the sides of the box at the very beginning, nothing comes free. Do I need to press REALLY hard?

[M. Oiseau]

Not too hard. Shine a light in on the sides and upper edge to get an idea of how far you're pushing to get past the "catch" or "detent" or "pokey outey thingy" and watch as you push in on each side. (The right side mounted damper is off its post already and the entire lower glove compartment just kind of hangs straight down, right?)

I doubt you're too weak, likely you're afraid of breaking something, just like the rest of us.

Edit: It doesn't hang straight down until after you squeeze the sides past the catch. Sorry, stupid me.

[ksstathead]

There is video of the glove box removal steps if you look for EV button installs.

Edit: here's the link
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-mo...all-video.html

[hill]

I push hard, though maybe not all are as tough as mine. I aint no weenie. In my day I could bench press over 425lbs. Ah to be 20ish and stupid again. It's the same push strength as out Lexus cab filter box too. It does take a bit of inward oomph.

[Bear68]

Sometimes you just need to be slightly fearless and willing to use a little force... Persuade it!

[darelldd]

Man, how dirty can your filter be already in a 2008?? Where you driving, lady?

[V8Cobrakid]

feel free to wiggle it. i've pulled mine out several times so i'm familiar with it. mine was one to stick on the first several times.

once you have it out, be careful. don't tap the white tray.. you can break the clips off rather easily. (bad experiance with an rx400h)

[cyberprius]

Originally Posted by darelldd

Man, how dirty can your filter be already in a 2008?? Where you driving, lady?

OK, thanks to all I got it off, I also managed to break off the "lifter arm thing." Maybe I can get that back on?

Mee-ceess,,,,or Mice's or Mice or Mouses. However you spell it, they totally blocked the filter and they left behind a good amount of stuff that fell underneath the "fan thingy."

In other words, there is a hinge-type foam covered "trap door sort of thing" down below the fan and there is a bunch of mice nest stuff there too, no mice that I can see. It's late, cold and dark, and I gave up for the night.

I will tackle it in the daylight....Don't know how I will get that stuff out though.

[dogfriend]

Reason: Too much wine, means writing wasn't too fine

Maybe you want to try this sober, in the daylight next time.

[cyberprius]

Originally Posted by dogfriend

Maybe you want to try this sober, in the daylight next time.

I had to drink the wine to get up the nerve to chase the mice....YUCK