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A/C air filters

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Frank Hudon, Feb 27, 2005.

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  1. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    nice sunny day here on the west coast so decided to check the cabin filters on the two Prius we own. Pull the one on the 2k3 and couldn't believe the amount of junk and the colour of the filter. Being a sunday and the dealer is closed just vacuumed the filter thinking it would come clean, ha not a chance the black colour is, I assume, diesel soot as it has an oily look and feel to it. Put it back in and took out the one on the 2k4 and low and behold it's black and even dirtier than the 2k3 with lots of small sand or small gravel bits in it along with lots of leaves. Vacuumed it out an tomorrow will order one for each. Now your going to ask what kind of road do you drive on, we live in a large metropolitan area with all paved roads and smoggy air like most large cities. Her 2k4 has about 6K miles and mine has about 9k miles on it all paved. I can only assume that the lower nose on the 2k4 is the reason for the gravel. So I recommend that you pull your filter and look at it. Easy job, even the women in this group can do it.
     
    #1 Frank Hudon, Feb 27, 2005
  2. vincent1449p

    vincent1449p Active Member

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    Hi Frank,

    While you are at it, the engine air filter is another DIY maintenance that you can also look at. It is as easy as the cabin filter.

    I usually vacuum it during my routine clean up since the replacement interval is 24 mths or 30k miles.

    Vincent
     
    #2 vincent1449p, Feb 28, 2005
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    I think that's the one he's talking about vincent.
     
    #3 efusco, Feb 28, 2005
  4. Dave

    Dave New Member

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    Actually, I think he was talking about the cabin air filter, as opposed to the engine air filter. Frank, I appreciate the information, but I have to say I think your comment: "Easy job, even the women in this group can do it.", although well-meaning, is not well taken.
     
    #4 Dave, Feb 28, 2005
  5. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Frank:

    Yikes, careful or you'll be sleeping on the couch for the next month!

    :lol:

    Seriously, I've noticed *way* more crap in engine air filters and HVAC air filters from use in an Urban environment. All those dusty paved roads, industrial and automotive emissions, particulates in the air, it all adds up.

    Case in point: when I used to have my home - before I sold and moved into my highrise condo - I had an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) with HEPA filters. I never got more than 6 months out of the HEPA intake filter before it plugged solid.

    I have the same setup with the HVAC at my hobby farm. Same brand of HRV, same setting (Constant low speed operation, switch in baths and kitchen to ramp to hi speed when needed), same capacity HRV.

    The HEPA filter at my hobby farm is almost 1.5 years old and only has a few specs on it. It shouldn't matter how much I'm there as the HEPA is on the intake air side, and I've got it programmed to run whether I'm there or not.

    I had better check mine this afternoon after work.
     
    #5 jayman, Feb 28, 2005
  6. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    all I ment by the comment was because most women say that's a man's job but as car owners and there is a mix here, there is no reason why women shouldn't do this maintance job. Just like men should do it too. I changed both today. both cars less that 5 minutes.
     
    #6 Frank Hudon, Feb 28, 2005
  7. kkister1492

    kkister1492 New Member

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    Hmmm, much as I want to jump on Frank and beat him up, I'm gonna let it slide this time. I might break a nail. Besides I'm sure he meant it in the nicest way possible.
     
    #7 kkister1492, Feb 28, 2005
  8. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    thank you but did you check your filter? my main concern is people not checking it and then find it's plugged and not letting the heater or A/C do a proper job. I was stunned at how filthy they were in so short a time and milege span. Thanks again for letting the beating slide;)
     
    #8 Frank Hudon, Feb 28, 2005
  9. kkister1492

    kkister1492 New Member

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    I'll put on some gloves and check mine this weekend.
     
    #9 kkister1492, Feb 28, 2005
  10. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    Nice back peddling there Frank! I am going to check mine tomorrow. Does the engine filter get checked with the routine check ups? I just had my 10k done.
     
    #10 hdrygas, Feb 28, 2005
  11. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    I do believe that the air filter is a normal check item. It should be a check item. I check mine every oil change.
     
    #11 Frank Hudon, Feb 28, 2005
  12. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    you don't really need gloves, the filter is behind the lower glove box on the RH side of the dash. The glove box is supported by a small cylinder with spring and you just slide it off the little "pin" sticking out of the bottom and pull in the sides of the box to allow the stops to pass and lower the box down. If you want to keep things from falling out of the box just lift it off the two pivots on the bottom. the filter is in the white cover just behind the box just pull it straight out by the two tabs one on each side, inside you'll find the filter. The new filter is just the pleated filter substrate not the whole carrier. Put the lid back on the pivots and hook up the little cylinder and push the door closed. your done.
     
    #12 Frank Hudon, Feb 28, 2005
  13. dbarry

    dbarry Member

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    Here in Texas, when it's springtime the car air filters last about 3 months before they get plugged up.. can we say POLLEN??

    I check mine every oil change.
     
    #13 dbarry, Feb 28, 2005
  14. Widdletink

    Widdletink Member

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    Hello,

    Well, I for one shall be donning my mask, gown and gloves for this operation... and then (to protect his fragile male ego) asking my hubby to do it for me. LOL

    Seriously though, thank you for the post. I plan on making this a part of my oil change ritual as well.

    Oh, and just for the record, I have changed numerous tires, replaced my first set of brakes (at age 12) rebuilt the master cylinder for the hydraulic clutch on an English Ford Cortina (at age 11), pulled and replaced the head and head gasket on a Mazda 626, replaced a starter in a parking lot with only a flat head screwdriver and a pair of plier's to work with, replaced brakes and rotors (while the garage mechanic was replacing the clutch) in a '72 VW Ghia, replaced several starter solenoids in various autos (mine and other folks) and other various and sundry repairs large and small, to numerous to list.

    So...for a former Miss America contender and sometime "girly girl" that ain't too bad :)

    BTW, no offense was taken as I know none was meant!

    Have a great day!

    Tisza
     
    #14 Widdletink, Mar 1, 2005
  15. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Replaced a starter with only a screwdriver and pliers? Must have been one good set of pliers to be able to turn bolts!
     
    #15 DanMan32, Mar 1, 2005
  16. Tadashi

    Tadashi Member

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    They showed some filters at the dealer here in El Paso. I guess the city air and lots of dust/pollen from being in the desert clogs it up. From the display I will probably be changing my every oil change. I usually drive with the air off but with the fresh air vents open so when I get on the freeway the speed pushes fresh air into the cabin. I hope this is being filtered.
     
    #16 Tadashi, Mar 1, 2005
  17. rick57

    rick57 Member

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    Wow a female that works on cars! I don't know any around here. I'm impressed. You go girl :D Wish my wife was into cars. She won't even go to races with me :(
     
    #17 rick57, Mar 1, 2005
  18. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    To all the intrepid mechanics replacing their "cabin air refining filters", I suggest a cheaper and probably better alternative. The washable electrostatic filters sold for whole house HVAC are about $20 in the 20x30 inch size. Cut them unto 8 (or is it 8 1/4?) inch squares. Lifetime reusable filters for you and your Prius pals.
     
    #18 tochatihu, Mar 1, 2005
  19. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    Rick we have a woman forklift mechanic where I work. I've seen her pull diffy's and masts and motor and engines. She's as good as any man in the shop. Toyota forklifts for sure! She works mainly on the electric side of the business. And she's really smart on the Inverter trucks.
     
    #19 Frank Hudon, Mar 1, 2005
  20. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    Thanks DAS for the tip on filters. I'll look in to it.
     
    #20 Frank Hudon, Mar 1, 2005
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