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Engine Air Filter vs Cabin Air Filter vs Oil Filter?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by macmaster05, Jan 19, 2011.

  1. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    I'm appraching 30k miles soon so I'm getting pumped to do some DIY-maintanance. The only problem is I have little clue as to what's going on. My manual recommends changing the Engine Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter. Are these two different things? (I think I've heard the names used interchangeably, thus the confusion). Also, every 5k miles I always go to a mechanic to get my oil changed. Are they already replacing the Engine Air Filter or am I getting that confused with the Oil Filter?

    Also, do you have a link that shows how to change the engine air filter? I've already found one for the Cabin Air Filter (if they are indeed different).

    Finally, is it better to buy the OEM filters or other brands? Thanks!
     
  2. Ryanpl

    Ryanpl Active Member

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    Hey Mac, when you get your oil changed they are changing/replacing your oil filter. The air filter is super easy to change. Mac, now before someone else busts your chops use search for instructions on changing engine air filter or check out the good doc's post here on changing the filter: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...hooting/34437-changing-engine-air-filter.html. If you get 20 Priuschatters in a thread you'll have 30 different opinions on OEM vs. brand. I ordered OEM filters on line for not that much difference in price. You can buy an OEM cabin carbon air filter, don't have the lnk at work. Ryan
     
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  3. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Thanks Ryan, and 4 the link too. That's so easy!!! LOL.

    BTW, if anyone doesn't know about this already, there's a deal for a $20 Amazon gift card for only $10. Almost 600,000 have been sold already. Just 30 minutes ago there were not even 500,000 sold. I know it's insane. You have all day but I wonder if they'll sell out?....:rolleyes:

    Here's the link:
    http://livingsocial.com/deals/21336?ref=addthis-share2-4390984&amp%3Brpi=4390984

    That's why I was asking all the Air Filter stuff. I think I'll pick it up from amazon.
     
  4. Walker1

    Walker1 Empire

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    Your air filter is on top of the gas eng. in a square-black enclosure. Just pop the metal cilps off of the top with a flat head screwdriver & the top comes off. The air filter is under the plastic black top piece. It just lifts off. 2) The cabin filter is different- it's behind the bottom glove box-you can see 2 clips that hold it in. Just pop the metal clips & the cab. fil. slides out towards you. The new one just slides back in the same way. 3) Yes, usually the Toyota parts are best in most cases. I buy mine online from www.metrotpn.com. This is a Toyota dlr. but online the filters are discounted nicely.

    I personaaly use full synthetic oil in my cars & I change it every 25,000 miles. I change the oil filter every 5,000 miles & rotate the tires. Hope this helps.:)
     
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I noticed some instances in our 2010 Owners Manual and Supplement, expressions like "check air filter", where no clarification is made if they mean cabin or engine air filter. So Toyota is part of the confusion, I think.

    Given that the filters are changed infrequently, I'd stick with Toyota filters.
     
  6. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    YES!! See? I'm not going crazy. thanks.
     
  7. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    In theory, the two air filters have the same schedule, so whenever you check one, check the other as well.

    My dealer, in an effort to save me money, did not change the engine air filter until 35,000 and the cabin air filter until 55,000. so I am out of sync, but I get both checked every 5,000 miles anyway, when they are changing the oil and oil filter.
     
  8. Michgal007

    Michgal007 Senior Member

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    I have never changed my engine filter (60k). I asked the dealer to check it for me yesterday, and he said a new one would cost $38. I changed the cabin filter around 35k, and dealer said it doesn't need to be changed now. If changing it is this easy, may be I will buy the engine filter and do it myself.
     
  9. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    That would be a good idea as the engine air filter is way past-due for replacement if in service for 60K miles. The dirty side of the filter is on the bottom.

    When you hold a used engine air filter up to the sun, if you can see light coming through the filter is still OK for use. If it is dark then there is definitely too much dirt trapped in the paper element.
     
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  10. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Get aftermarket air filters on Amazon. The TYC cabin air filter is only $5 -- incredible!
     
  11. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Cabin filters aren't so critical. For oil and engine air filters, get filters with a reputable brand name on them at the least.
     
  12. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    For the engine air and oil filters I stay with the Toyota. For the cabin air filter I have replaced with Fram.
     
  13. phoebeisis

    phoebeisis Member

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    I just bought engine and cabin filters- ebay-OEM Toyota filters 2006- for $36 delivered.
    It was from a Toyota dealer who always has those listings. It was $13.50 for engine+ $5 shipping
    $15.50+6 for cabin -$4 combined shipping
    Takes about 5 minutes to change both.
    Charlie