Cabin Filter -- really necessary to replace as dealer says?

stevepea · Sep 21, 2022

I took my 2017 Prime into the dealer for a new Hybrid Water pump and though that was the only work I had them do, on the checklist, they checked "Critical" for the Cabin Air Filter (to replace).

Now, I've had the car 5.5 years, I park it indoors, and -- unlike 99.99% of everyone else, I almost NEVER use the A/C. I'm not exaggerating. I've used the A/C maybe only 5 times since buying the car. and the heat, maybe twice. Normally I just roll down the windows (I live not far from the ocean). I don't like A/C so I've only used it a handful of times EVER.

Yet the dealer had it checked not as "yellow" (replace in the future) but "red" (critical to replace now).

I'll be bringing my Prime into my non-dealer mechanic for a lube & such soon, and was wondering if I should spend the money to have it replaced.

(1) Can anyone think why it would be so critical when I virtually NEVER use the A/C or heat? Would rolling down the windows and getting outside air into the cabin cause it to go bad so soon?

(2) How long was it before you replaced your cabin air filter?
And what if I don't replace it, what are the consequences? As someone who almost NEVER uses the A/C or heat, is it going to matter?

PS: In doing a search on Ebay for the apparent part # (87139-58010) there are a lot of sellers that say they're selling geniune OEM Toyota parts that are "Interchangable" with the 87139-58010. For instance, the 87139-58010 is about $50 on ebay ($56 at Toyota) but there are a bunch of much cheaper (by half) "Genuine Toyota 87139-0E040, Made in the USA". Can someone confirm is the "87139-0E040" is interchangable with the "87139-58010" or no, or if something's missing? Thanks!

I'm just wondering if it's the dealer trying to get more $$ or if it somehow is actually bad (and if so, if it really matters if I replace it if I hardly ever use the AC or heat). I'm not at all mechanical so I can't tell myself.

Thanks!

Salamander_King · Sep 21, 2022

I had to replace mine on 2021 PP in less than a year. 9 months to be exact. Mice destroyed it. I had to pick it up at a local NAPA. It was an aftermarket filter, but cost more than OEM parts at $35. Anticipating further repeated damages, I purchased an additional aftermarket filter from Amazon for ~$5/each in a 3 pack. Soon after, I put a hardware cloth to block the mice from accessing the filter. I will probably do not need to buy another cabin filter.

Even if you use the OEM filter, changing it is one of the easiest maintenance items on the PP. Don't pay anyone to have this done, especially at what a dealer charges.

BTW, Toyota OEM part#87139-58010
8713958010 - Cabin Air Filter. AIR REFINER; CLEAN AIR - Genuine Toyota Part
is for an activated charcoal filter that has enhanced ability to remove order, but none of my PP came with it. All of my PP came with regular filter paper. The Toyota OEM part# 87139-0E040
871390E040 - Cabin Air Filter. DEODORANT - Genuine Toyota Part
does not show Prius as a fit. Not sure if they are interchangeable.

bisco · Sep 21, 2022

check/clean/replace every 15k. 30 dollar filter, 5 minute swap

fuzzy1 · Sep 21, 2022

stevepea said: ↑

... Now, I've had the car 5.5 years, I park it indoors, and -- unlike 99.99% of everyone else, I almost NEVER use the A/C. I'm not exaggerating. I've used the A/C maybe only 5 times since buying the car. and the heat, maybe twice. Normally I just roll down the windows (I live not far from the ocean). I don't like A/C so I've only used it a handful of times EVER. ...
Click to expand...

What does the filter look like? Clean, very dirty, or something in between?

It is easily enough for you to pull it out for inspection or replacement.

stevepea · Sep 22, 2022

Thanks, I looked online at YouTube videos on how to replace it, looks like something I might be able to do, so picked up the genuine OEM part and will try to swap it out myself.

Mendel Leisk · Sep 22, 2022

Owner's Manual info starts on page 620. Excerpt attached:

ColoradoBoo · Sep 22, 2022

We replace ours with carbon-activated ones that removes odors yearly but those OEMs are pricey ($54) so I get them on Amazon...two for like $21...seem to work great. (Fun Driving FD157 Cabin Air Filters.)

OptimusPriustus · Sep 24, 2022

I replace every year. I want to breathe as clean air as possible.

Stevewoods · Sep 27, 2022

Shoo, in my car that filter would still be considered good

I don't know what the whole thing about cabin filters is about. Seems we all drove around in cars for decades without them, but now they are considered critical. Of course, we drove around for decades without seat belts....

As said, replacing them is easy. I prefer buying them from Rock Auto, although their shipping can be a bit high, but if you use a commercial address -- ie -- work--- you can save a few cents.
Here is what they charge for a "2017 Prius" cabin filters, not sure if this is your car. I had a 2008 Pruis, For me, I don't buy the bottom of the heap, but something in the $5 to $15 range,,,,maybe,,,,If it were me, I would go for the TYC for $6.34 They make quality stuff,

Particulate (Filters Dust & Pollen)

FVP F4483 {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Particulate Info
Pollen Filter

$3.27

FVP F0322 {871390E040, 8713958010} Activated Carbon Info
$5.62

CHAMP / LUBER-FINER CAF1950P Info

$6.74

BECK/ARNLEY 0422229 {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Particulate Info
Particulate Filter

$11.44
Carbon or Charcoal (Filters Dust, Pollen, Fumes & Odor)

FVP F4483C {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Activated Carbon Info
Pollen Filter

$5.35

TYC 800208C {72880FL00A, 871390E040, 8713958010} Premium - Higher Pleat Count; Carbon Info
Location: Glove Box

$6.34

CHAMP / LUBER-FINER CAF1950C Info
Dust and odor filter.

$8.40

UAC FI1356C {871390E040, 8713958010} Carbon Info
Fits Prius Prime
orPrius Base Model; Four Model; Four Touring; Premium; Technology; Three Touring; Two Eco; Two Model

$9.79

BECK/ARNLEY 0422233 {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Charcoal Info
Dust, Pollen and Odor Filter

$14.76

HENGST E4959LC {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Carbon Info

$17.27

HASTINGS / BALDWIN AFC1744 {PA10097} Charcoal; Impregnated Info
Prius Base Model (Only 1 Remaining)

$17.55

FRAM CF12157 {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Fresh Breeze; Carbon; w/ Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Info

$18.78

MAHLE / CLEVITE LAK1369 {871390E040, 8713958010} Activated Carbon Info
Set (Only 1 Remaining)

$21.79
Electrostatic Particulate (Filters Dust, Pollen & Bacteria)

BOSCH 6092C HEPA; Electrostatic Info

$7.56

WIX WP10320 {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Electrostatic; w/ Microban Antimicrobial Coating Info
Original Equipment Part Number: 8713928020 (Only 1 Remaining)

$19.51

Doug McC · Sep 28, 2022

I might be wrong, but even when you just have the a/c off, and the vents are open for fresh air, the fresh air goes through the cabin filter. So it is something that should be checked periodically based air quality.

stevepea · Sep 28, 2022

Well I replaced the cabin filter today... looking at the old one... it wasn't too bad. The edges of the filter were light grey yes, and of course it had been used, but stretching it a little and looking at the insides it didn't look that bad (dealer had put it as "critical" or some such thing). Well, at least now I know how to do it for later on myself, but makes me question the "critical" they put for the engine filter as well (last replaced 9 months ago, and only driven the car less than 3k in those 9 months, mostly in EV mode). So I'll get that replaced in January when I take it in for a lube/oil change (at non-dealer mechanic) and not before.

Best thing about changing the air filter though, was that it made me take out the glove box and thus clean it out (being able to throw away old insurance papers, and finding what I thought was a lost gift card)...

William Redoubt · Sep 28, 2022

Any filter that will fit should be fine. OEM for this part is not necessary, in my opinion.

Finding a gift card in the glove box to buy the filter would be awesome. I remember reaching into my suit jacket one day and finding a $100 bill. Made the day a little brighter.

Cabin Filter -- really necessary to replace as dealer says?

stevepea Senior Member

Salamander_King Senior Member

bisco cookie crumbler

fuzzy1 Senior Member

stevepea Senior Member

Mendel Leisk Patron saint of newly poured sidewalks

Attached Files:

2017 Prius Prime Owner's Manual - Cabin Air Filter Replacement.pdf

ColoradoBoo Active Member

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Doug McC Active Member

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Cabin Filter -- really necessary to replace as dealer says?

stevepea Senior Member

Salamander_King Senior Member

bisco cookie crumbler

fuzzy1 Senior Member

stevepea Senior Member

Mendel Leisk Patron saint of newly poured sidewalks

Attached Files:

2017 Prius Prime Owner's Manual - Cabin Air Filter Replacement.pdf

ColoradoBoo Active Member

OptimusPriustus Member

Stevewoods Senior Member

Doug McC Active Member

stevepea Senior Member

William Redoubt Senior Member

Air flow in cabin filter

correct Napa cabin air filter for 2019 Prius?

Cabin air filter

Mouse nest in cabin air filter

Cabin Air Filter Data