Echo Cabin Air Filter

[EchoKat]

Just wanted to provide some specific info on how to change a cabin air filter for my 2000 Echo. Audrey12 had a previous post that helped some but I needed specifics on installation. My Echo, like many I've seen on this forum did not come with a factory installed cabin air filter. The filter cartridge was there, but empty. In preparation for my 90K mile service, I asked the dealer for the list of services provided for $$$$ - which included changing the regular air filter, as well as changing the cabin air filter (which filters air to the passenger compartment of the car). I'm a fan of doing the easy stuff myself. I was able to get an cabin air filter at AutoZone (STP Part number CAF1751) for about $14. The OEM filter was $35 at the dealer. I followed the directions to install it. Unfortunately, the instructions said, install the replacement filter in the SAME DIRECTION as the old filter. I had no old filter. Turns out, the correct direction of the filter install is with the bumps/folds pointing up. It snapped right in.

I'm a happy camper - hope this helps someone else!

[n00b]

If you're interested in saving a little bit of money, you can use a furnace filter as the cabin air filter. The expensive Filtrete furnace filter is about $38 CAD at Home Depot and you can cut out about 4 cabin filters for the Echo. You'll want to use wire snips because the metal reinforcement on the furnace filters can damage regular scissors.

Cabin air filters cost an arm and a leg where live.

[EchoKat]

N00b, not sure you saw my reply on Mattster's thread, but wanted to say thank you so much for your post. That is the reason I was able to fix this myself.

Thanks also for the Filtrete filter hint. As I was driving away from the Toyota dealer, I was thinking, an air filter for my house costs 1/10th of the price of the OEM filter...wonder if I could use that. Thanks for the tip - I think I'll try that next time.

[CJCride]

Thanks, will try that.