Don't Neglect Your Cabin Air Filter

[thebwlife]

Been changing mine every 20K and its been pretty gross. Probably going to change to 15K mile schedule.

Here's what I've been using http://amzn.to/1wUB3qv. You can also get carbon in them for a little more. For $9 and 1 minute of time its worth it.

Here is the old vs new after 20K.

 

[Ol'Baditude]

20K miles!!! Yikes!
This is mine after just 20K Kilometers (~12,000 miles)


Granted it doesn't always get that bad, but I change it with the engine air filter every 10K Kilometers now.
And yeah, I can't believe they want $60 to do this during a service. $19 at the local autoparts store and ~30 seconds work. Definitely easy way to save yourself some money.

 

[JayceeP]

Wow, they are $32.95 at the dealership for the basic ones. Will be ordering online going forward. The original carbon filter that came with the 4Runner was like $50. No thanks.

Also, the manual/maintenance guide calls for 16,000km/12 month intervals (10,000mi).... well the Canadian one does.

 

[4RnR Grl]

I change mine every 10K or when it seems a little musty. They are also available at Wal-Mart, although I don't recall the price. Seems to me it was pretty cheap though.

 

[IAmTodd]

Wow, they are $32.95 at the dealership for the basic ones. Will be ordering online going forward. The original carbon filter that came with the 4Runner was like $50. No thanks.

Also, the manual/maintenance guide calls for 16,000km/12 month intervals (10,000mi).... well the Canadian one does.

The plain paper one is $20 at my dealer. The charcoal is $35. Next time I'll buy the charcoal elsewhere.

 

[jrandom]

Haven't had to replace mine yet but I do check the engine and cabin filters when I rotate the tires. Since the air hose is out hit the both with a quick blast on the backside to knock any loose dust/debris out.

 

[clin9383]

2010 - 2014 Toyota 4Runner - Cabin Air Filter
also have carbon ones

 

[<<<<]

It is easy to replace and cheap to buy. I change it yearly.

 

[jrandom]

Here's what I've been using Amazon.com: TYC 800012P Toyota Replacement Cabin Air Filter: Automotive.

2010 - 2014 Toyota 4Runner - Cabin Air Filter
also have carbon ones

Thanks for the links

 

[TheWraith]

I got my 2014 4Runner on the Oct. 24th from the dealer ... BRAND NEW !!! and she started stinking after along turn and burn to Vegas. So I replaced the air filter with a Frame Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter... bought it from amazon

Amazon.com: FRAM CF10285 Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter: Automotive

and the sticky smell went away ... did the same on my 2006 sienna van

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Something to note is that if you run your vehicle with Recirculation off, the filters get dirty fast.

I run a charcoal impregnated filter in my 4th gen and haven't had too many issues. I will note though I think our pricing is pretty damn expensive, even if they are supposed to be some sort of micro-fiber style cloth material.

 

[TheWraith]

Something to note is that if you run your vehicle with Recirculation off, the filters get dirty fast.

I run a charcoal impregnated filter in my 4th gen and haven't had too many issues. I will note though I think our pricing is pretty damn expensive, even if they are supposed to be some sort of micro-fiber style cloth material.

but arent you suppose to run it with out recirc off soo it wont mold up ???

 

[BlackWorksInc]

but arent you suppose to run it with out recirc off soo it wont mold up ???

Running it in recirculation mode won't build up mold as there's air flow over the cabin air filter. Leaving it in recirculation mode during more humid climates will cause mold to build up though.

 

[Jpm1609]

Jordan,

Thanks for posting this. I totally spaced it out and changed it today thinking of this post.

Jim

 

[Batang.Gapo]

I change mine every 16K (as per Maintenance Schedule). Got it from Toyota Dealership and I could not remember the price, CAD$ 28 or CAD$38 . I will buy online next time.

 

[Kraeken]

I always have to chime in when this subject comes up. I think the cabin air filters are expensive and probably garbage.

I like to make my own- I go to the hardware store and get the best 3M Filtrete filter they have, and I cut it into appropriately sized pieces for mine and my wife's cars. I line the edges with tape, and stick it in. Its a better quality filter for a fraction of the price.

 

[Vwright14]

I'll have to see if my 2012 has one and how to get to it so I can check it!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I change mine every 16K (as per Maintenance Schedule). Got it from Toyota Dealership and I could not remember the price, CAD$ 28 or CAD$38 . I will buy online next time.

16k? Weird, I remember seeing 15k somewhere (which would make more sense in my mind since it would be due every 3rd service.) As I pointed out though, that's not a set number though because based on your area and how much re-circulation you use will affect the life of the cabin air filter.

I always have to chime in when this subject comes up. I think the cabin air filters are expensive and probably garbage.

I like to make my own- I go to the hardware store and get the best 3M Filtrete filter they have, and I cut it into appropriately sized pieces for mine and my wife's cars. I line the edges with tape, and stick it in. Its a better quality filter for a fraction of the price.

The factory filters are made of a decent material from what I have seen, though I don't think its worth the price that the dealership demands. That being said, making your own filter isn't an entirely bad idea either.

 

[J-BlickPhoto]

I'm going to be honest...I've never changed mine and I'm almost at 100k. I can only imagine what it looks like considering Ive slept in that thing almost 200 nights on camping trips.

 

[LandCruiser]

Found a mummified frog in mine.