My very dirty cabin air filter

I have read the previous posts from others about dirty cabin air filters. I never gave it much thought thinking I don't regularly drive in dusty areas. But after or during rain storms I would get a musty smell in the cabin and figured I'd get a filter and change it on a whim.

All I can say is WOW!. In addition to lots of dirt and dust (the picture actually makes it look cleaner than it really is) some sort or animal (bird, rodent) seemed to be building a nest on top of the filter. To the right of the picture you will see sample little bits of foam insulation that I can't figure out where it came from. There is lots more of it, all BB size, embedded in the filter. Also a clump of fiberglass insulation that doesn't seem indigenous to the Prius. No smell or visual of mouse droppings or urine at all.

It's seems to be the same gray foam type of insulation used throughout the HVAC system but close inspection of the fresh/recirc "flapper" valve both front and back with a mirror reveals no damage. Nor does the foam seal area forward of the filter that is visible too.

I have read of other posts of others having extensive damage from rodents making their way into the car and severely damaging wire harnesses. And now it seems something has tried to make its home on top of my cabin air filter. You would think by now car engineers would be able to design a automobile to be relatively protected from intrusion from rodents and other wayward animals seeking to make their homes inside the depths of your automobile, especially the HVAC system!


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Rick
#4 2006

 

I have read the previous posts from others about dirty cabin air filters. I never gave it much thought thinking I don't regularly drive in dusty areas. But after or during rain storms I would get a musty smell in the cabin and figured I'd get a filter and change it on a whim.

All I can say is WOW!. In addition to lots of dirt and dust (the picture actually makes it look cleaner than it really is) some sort or animal (bird, rodent) seemed to be building a nest on top of the filter. To the right of the picture you will see sample little bits of foam insulation that I can't figure out where it came from. There is lots more of it, all BB size, embedded in the filter. Also a clump of fiberglass insulation that doesn't seem indigenous to the Prius. No smell or visual of mouse droppings or urine at all.

It's seems to be the same gray foam type of insulation used throughout the HVAC system but close inspection of the fresh/recirc "flapper" valve both front and back with a mirror reveals no damage. Nor does the foam seal area forward of the filter that is visible too.

I have read of other posts of others having extensive damage from rodents making their way into the car and severely damaging wire harnesses. And now it seems something has tried to make its home on top of my cabin air filter. You would think by now car engineers would be able to design a automobile to be relatively protected from intrusion from rodents and other wayward animals seeking to make their homes inside the depths of your automobile, especially the HVAC system!


[attachmentid=11384]

Rick
#4 2006