So, cabin air filters...

[Big Ray]

..actually are kind of a big deal, huh??

Changed mine today on my 99 Z-71 Sierra, I think the stock ones were still in there... Lord, they were nasty!!

this is what they looked like, and what came out of the area they were in...now my a/c is spitting ice cubes again!!

 

[muddysub]

Hmm. My 06 VW, 99 chevy and 89 suburban probably all have the original cabin filters in them still.

 

[Big Ray]

Idk if the 89 had them...here's a how to on the 99. BTW, mine is the new body style 99.

 

[muddysub]

Mine is an old body 99. It was a work truck.

 

[Big Ray]

I think some of the last old body style (89-99) trucks had them...someone else may know for sure...

 

[rob h]

Perfect, Ill be changing the resistor today. Its right next to it so ill have to call around and see if the filters are in stock...

Thanks for posting that, i watched the one on changing the resistor yesterday...lol

 

[diesel4me]

I bet the cabin filter in my 95 Ford Contour has never been changed ---if it didn't involve taking the windsheild wipers and cowling all apart to replace it,I might have done it.......plus I dont have 20+ bucks for a filter either!...O bet its nasty though--yours looks clean compared to the one a friend removed the other day on a car,it had a rats nest and dead mice clinging to it,and a ton of moldy crap too...

Wonder why we got away without them for nearly a century,now every vehicle has one...more $$$$ for dealers is my guess...another un-nessasary part thats costky to replace and not always easy too either...

 

[tRustyK5]

Wonder why we got away without them for nearly a century,now every vehicle has one...more $$$$ for dealers is my guess...another un-nessasary part thats costky to replace and not always easy too either...

This ^^

Every time you open the window you're defeating the "cabin air filter"...

Rene

 

[AJMBLAZER]

I can see it's value in terms of not sucking in crap and also eliminating crap from the air supply in the cabs.

Ever get in a vehicle during winter that hasn't had it's windows down in forever? Stale, nasty, stagnant air. The filter takes some of that out.

People always ask me why I park my trucks with the windows open inside my garage. FRESH AIR!
Can't tell you how many times when I worked for Enterprise we fixed "funny smelling" cars by just leaving them with the windows open over night.

Did this on my Tracker recently. Remarkable improvement in AC function along with better interior smell.
...of course the PO or someone else had REMOVED the filters and not even put the door that covers them back on.

 

[Z71paramedic]

when I worked at the shop people used to scream at us and call us liars for suggesting the cabin air filters (which are pretty pricey relatively speaking) until we showed them the BLACK filter with bugs and sticks and a pound of dog hair stuck in it... It makes a huge difference when you change them.

As far as I know the 88-98 trucks did not have a cabin filter but I could be wrong. I've never done one though. On the contour though all the clips pop off pretty easy with a pocket screwdriver. Kind of a dumb design though...FURD. The hondas are super easy to get at, just right behind the glove box

 

[thelynx]

I changed the cabin filter on a 93 BMW I own a few years ago... That thing was one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever had the privilege of touching! Made a HUGE difference in air quality and smell in the car.

 

[Big Ray]

Update:

well, I went for a ride this evening...froze my cojones off!!!

Turned the fan down to 1, and had to dial in a little heat...


Mission accomplished!

 

[DR]

Hmm. My 06 VW, 99 chevy and 89 suburban probably all have the original cabin filters in them still.

I change the one in my 06 vw every 30,000 or so. Its amazing how much crap is in it every time. It usually feels like my AC finds a higher gear. Its easy to replace too. Only takes a few minutes, and the only tool you need is a quarter.