Cabin Air Filter

[dz63]

Just took possession of a 2008 Corolla. Removed the cabin air filter and at first I thought that it was very dirty. The whole thing looks grey. Upon closer examination, however, I discovered that the clean side was grey too. Then I read that some replacement filters have activated carbon embedded into them to remove odors. The majority of the replacements that I see on the web, are white.

Anybody know if a new OEM filter is grey or white? Just trying to figure out if I should toss this one and buy a cheap white replacement or keep the grey one for another year. I already blew out the leaves and other loose stuff with compressed air.

[igonuts2]

hold it up to the light. if you can see light through it, its good. good fer all dry air filters.

[mikered30]

New OEM filters are white. Does it say denso on it?

[Raddman]

I just bought my first aftermarket online that was gray, it's suppose to have activated carbon in it, I don't think using a aftermarket for $13 compared to $40 Toyota wants for a filter/install is much in difference on how it will perform, especially when it's a 10 minute install job! This is just my preference but for the price of a filter especially with summer AC driving coming up, instead of shaking it clean and reusing it, I would put a new one in if 6 months or more have passed, especially if your driving with kids or someone with allergies, good luck

[dz63]

I can see quite a bit of light through the filter.

The current filter does not say Denso. It has a real long part number + Made in USA on the side. I think it may be an aftermarket replacement because whoever pulled out the glovebox, presumably to change the cabin filter, broke one of the side tabs and damaged the plastic pivot snap which secures the base of the air cylinder. The air cylinder barely stays in place now.

The cheapest aftermarket filter locally is $23 (taxes included). I haven't priced out Toyota filter yet. I saw one aftermarket filter on EBay that looks quite reasonable for around $13 (shipping included). The one on EBay claims it has activated carbon.

I have read that the cabin filter is critical on AC systems that use an electrical actuator to switch from fresh air to recirc. as the Corolla does. The reason is that you don't want any dust to get into the pivot points or the actuator will sieze. I'm not sure how true this is, but it sounds plausible?

My car faintly smells like cigarette smoke from the previous owner. I am a non-smoker and would like to eliminate the smell. I have shampooed the entire interior including the ceiling liner and am now waiting for everything to dry out thoroughly to see if that eliminates the cigarette smell. Anybody know if the the blower air goes through the cabin filter when the AC system is in recirc mode? Or does the cabin filter only filter fresh air coming into the car?

[XR2003]

put about 5 or 6 fabric softener sheets (Bounce) when you put in the A/C filter for that nice, clean smell.

It does work.

[dz63]

Originally Posted by XR2003

put about 5 or 6 fabric softener sheets (Bounce) when you put in the A/C filter for that nice, clean smell.

It does work.

XR - Interesting. Where did you stick the Bounce sheets?

[Raddman]

Originally Posted by XR2003

put about 5 or 6 fabric softener sheets (Bounce) when you put in the A/C filter for that nice, clean smell.

It does work.

Wouldn't it be easier just spraying the filter with something like febreze or simalar and not having to worry about one of those sheets being sucked into the fan or blocking a air passage/vent?

[XR2003]

Originally Posted by dz63

XR - Interesting. Where did you stick the Bounce sheets?

stick after the filter to provide clean & clean smelling air.

Cost effective way of the A/C filter - go to Home Improvement store, buy a single filter piece similar to those home furnace/heater filters and cut those into the size of your A/C filter.

One large size is about $4-$5 which is equivalent to 1/3 the price of those from the dealership.