5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I know the manual says to change the cabin filter at 15k if not sooner. Question is if you use the AC on recycle does that mean air is not going thru the cabin filter? If thats the case then the filter will last indefinitely.
It doesn't change the fact that debris gets through the cowl though.
It's really not that big of a deal or that big of any expense.
Just check it every 15,000 miles and replace it if needed. If it's hardly dirty, vacuum it off or bang the larger debris off of it and reinstall it.
I'm going to say this again, and some people get upset when I do. If the maintenance is such a big deal, and such a large expense to you it would be wise to get a cheaper car that you can afford the maintenance on. A Corolla or a Scion might be a wiser decision.
EDIT: It doesn't make sense to have a car that you can't afford the maintenance on. The car will deteriorate and you'll be upside down. Having a cheaper car that you can maintain will keep it's resale value up and allow for a step up in the future, when you have some equity.
It doesn't change the fact that debris gets through the cowl though.
It's really not that big of a deal or that big of any expense.
Just check it every 15,000 miles and replace it if needed. If it's hardly dirty, vacuum it off or bang the larger debris off of it and reinstall it.
I'm going to say this again, and some people get upset when I do. If the maintenance is such a big deal, and such a large expense to you it would be wise to get a cheaper car that you can afford the maintenance on. A Corolla or a Scion might be a wiser decision.
EDIT: It doesn't make sense to have a car that you can't afford the maintenance on. The car will deteriorate and you'll be upside down. Having a cheaper car that you can maintain will keep it's resale value up and allow for a step up in the future, when you have some equity.
You get a kick out of being a wise guy? It's not about being able to afford the maintenance. For your information I paid cash for my 2007 SE. The reason I was able to do so is because I don't waste money. The first part of your response was all I was looking for, not a sermon. So just stick it with your can't afford BS.
I haven't seen an 07, but it shouldn't be that hard to remove the filter to look at it.
And if you don't want to replace it, it's really not that big of a deal. A lot of cars don't even have air filters and those people are doing fine. If the air you're sucking in is getting really bad though change it.
I've seen cabin filters with anywhere from 15-30k on them. It really is case by case depending on driving environments. I think 15k interval for an engine air filter is sufficient (for my vehicles) and 20k interval for the in cabin air filter is sufficent as well.
FiftysLost - I took out the cabin filter and placed my hand inside while the fan was running. As I switched from inside (recirculating) air to outside air, I felt air flow on my hand on both settings. However, on inside air, I noticed the air flow on my hand was not as strong as with outside air, but the air vents were pumping out more flow. This suggests that not all the air goes through the cabin filter. In other words:
Outside air:
- stronger cabin filter air flow
- weaker air vent air flow
- suggests most if not all the incoming air is going through the cabin filter
Inside air (recirculating)
- weaker cabin filter air flow
- stronger air vent air flow
- suggests only a portion of the air is going through the cabin filter
Therefore, the cabin air filter will not last indefinately, but will stay cleaner longer on recirculating air.
FiftysLost - I took out the cabin filter and placed my hand inside while the fan was running. As I switched from inside (recirculating) air to outside air, I felt air flow on my hand on both settings. However, on inside air, I noticed the air flow on my hand was not as strong as with outside air, but the air vents were pumping out more flow. This suggests that not all the air goes through the cabin filter. In other words:
Outside air:
- stronger cabin filter air flow
- weaker air vent air flow
- suggests most if not all the incoming air is going through the cabin filter
Inside air (recirculating)
- weaker cabin filter air flow
- stronger air vent air flow
- suggests only a portion of the air is going through the cabin filter
Therefore, the cabin air filter will not last indefinately, but will stay cleaner longer on recirculating air.
* WW
woodman411
That confirms my suspicion. I do all the maintenance that I can. I was thinking of the people that do not do any work on their car. The person who uses the recycle function all the time then takes it to the dealer for service at 15k and they replace a good filter and charge you, what, $30? Thanks for the information.
I'm not a do-it-yourself kind of guy (even though I want to be :-) , but I can't think of a maintenance task that's any easier - 5 minutes tops, 1 philips screw driver, and $15 for the filter.
i reccomend checking and replacing every 15k miles as reccomended....maintenence is cheap on a camry and if you find things like these to be too expensive, then buy a yaris
CorCamrySE, I think the original poster's point is that it might not be necessary depending on your air settings, but like you said, it's a good to check at regular intervals. My point is this particular maintenance task is easy money for the dealer... maybe a little bit too easy. For the value and time, it's something I recommend yourself doing, including the engine air filter, regardless if you have a $11,000 Yaris or $55,000 Landcruiser. Assuming the dealer charges $30 to change the air filter (let's say $15 for the filter), you are paying them $15 for labor. I can't imagine anyone paying the dealer $15 to check the air pressure in the tires, which is about the same time it takes to change the air filter and just as easy.
* WW
Last edited by woodman411; 09-04-2007 at 07:47 PM.
CorCamrySE, I think the original poster's point is that it might not be necessary depending on your air settings, but like you said, it's a good to check at regular intervals. My point is this particular maintenance task is easy money for the dealer... maybe a little bit too easy. For the value and time, it's something I recommend yourself doing, including the engine air filter, regardless if you have a $11,000 Yaris or $55,000 Landcruiser. Assuming the dealer charges $30 to change the air filter (let's say $15 for the filter), you are paying them $15 for labor. I can't imagine anyone paying the dealer $15 to check the air pressure in the tires, which is about the same time it takes to change the air filter and just as easy.
* WW
haha i fully agree woodman....i was implying that the average camry owner can simply buy the parts and do thw ork themselves....id be more than haplpy to post a diy with photos for basic maintenence procedures such as this so people can do it themselves and save money on labor
the filter is a real simple change
I think that's the worst I've ever seen. As I said before get it done at the same time you change your engine air filter. For that interval, be it 15k or 20k your engine and your a/c system are breathing the same air.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
