Thank you very much for you contribution, which is very much appreciated! As for the sticky, I'll leave that up to sweeney or funman1 to make the call.

 

? no biggie. People can always search.

 

Thanks for the post, its added to the DIY sticky.

Next time don't break the plunger :lol:

 

Good post, Thanks!

 

Thanks for the post, I searched You Tube and couldn't find anything other than Gen 2 Highlander. Pretty much the same but your detail is much greater! I'm sure it will help hundreds of others that want to save a few bucks

 

Thanks for the reminder. I just ordered a carbon replacement on Amazon. You had to disassemble half the dash to change the filter on my last car because Subaru forgot to make an access for it on the first model year. This appears to be slightly easier.

 

The "shock" is called a damper. :thumbsup:

 

DAMMIT, THATS the word I was looking for! :|:grin:

 

I've replaced mine a few times already. Real easy job. One time while I was at the dealer for my 20k oil change...they offered to change the filter for me at a cost of over $100. Most of that was labor. What a rip-off.

 

I decided to "head 'em off at the pass" on this. I changed the engine air filter and the cabin air filter just before taking it for its 10K mile service. It took ~15 minutes to do both filters.

Instructions for changing the cabin air filter are in the OM, pages 530-531.

Regards,
Jim / crewzer

 

Just changer ours last Thursday--took maybe 10 minutes from start to finish. Changing the engine air filter took maybe 3 minutes as it was even easier. No reason to not change these ourselves, as it's too easy.

 

Changing the engine air filter took maybe 3 minutes as it was even easier. No reason to not change these ourselves, as it's too easy.

The engine air filter is really easy on this vehicle....it's not so easy on my wifes 07 Lexus with the same engine. Have to remove about 20 button clips to remove the cover before you can even see the filter housing. But once you finally get the covers off it's easy. The easiest is on my 4.0l 4runner....If it takes more then a minute it's because I had to stop to take a p*ss.

 

I had one for another car, and just cut it down to size and works as it should. As long as the thickness is the same its a simple DIY...even if you happen to buy the wrong part

 

I had one for another car, and just cut it down to size and works as it should. As long as the thickness is the same its a simple DIY...even if you happen to buy the wrong part

I've heard of people using a furnace filter cut down to size, using masking tape to tape up the sharp, freshly cut edges. I think it's a clever idea!

 

Thanks for the pics.
I have both filters sitting in my garage I bought some time ago and waiting to
install @ 25,000 miles, easier to remember a filter change out @ even mileage.

 

I change my cabin filter at least once per year, usually right after the spring pollen season is over. It is amazing how much dirt, pollen, mold, and mildew gets in those things (depending on where you live). My engine air filter lasts longer.

 

mark888, that's a good idea about changing the cabin filter after pollen season. I replaced my 2017s filter with a WIX w/charcoal filter a few weeks ago and it needed it. Next year I'll wait till after our heavy pollen season.

 

Looking at the posted photo of the OEM filter with the word "UP" printed on it reminds me of a problem I ran into replacing the cabin filter on a Subaru.

Subaru's OEM cabin filter has the word "UP" on it to indicate correct position of the filter but the air flow through the filter is actually down. Not a problem if you replace with an OEM filter as the arrow indicates correct position but most after market filters have an arrow that indicate air flow direction so be sure this arrow is pointing down for correct placement.

I suspect Toyota is the same.

 

Looking at the posted photo of the OEM filter with the word "UP" printed on it reminds me of a problem I ran into replacing the cabin filter on a Subaru.

Subaru's OEM cabin filter has the word "UP" on it to indicate correct position of the filter but the air flow through the filter is actually down. Not a problem if you replace with an OEM filter but most after market filters have an arrow indicated air flow direction so be sure this arrow is pointing down for correct placement.

I suspect Toyota is the same.

I have seen official Hyundai Genesis cabin filters that have the air flow down like Camry. The filter itself only indicates the airflow direction, not the orientation. So not all OEM filters show orientation, especially since the word "UP" is an English word, and the filters are used worldwide. I think it is more of a problem for vehicles built outside the USA and imported. I am not sure how many Toyotas sold in the USA are made in Japan, but obviously a lot fewer than was once the case.

 

unless this filter change is required for warranty purposes (and also the engine air filter) I'd just take it out and bang it on the ground a few times. the put it back in. Seems like a big waste of money to me.

 

The cabin air filter gather more than dirt, it often has mold, mildew, pollen, etc, depending on where you live. I have found that the AC works better and the car smells better when changing the cabin air filter once per year. That stuff does not come out by banging it on the ground like an engine air filter.

 

you're probably right but I'm too cheap to spend the money.

 

Press INWARDS on the tabs on each side and pull out and that will expose the filter.
Note the orientation. Pretty much dummy-proof cuz the filter itself tells you which side is to face upwards. Replace the filter and re-assemble in reverse order.

Looking at the posted photo of the OEM filter with the word "UP" printed on it reminds me of a problem I ran into replacing the cabin filter on a Subaru.

Subaru's OEM cabin filter has the word "UP" on it to indicate correct position of the filter but the air flow through the filter is actually down. Not a problem if you replace with an OEM filter as the arrow indicates correct position but most after market filters have an arrow that indicate air flow direction so be sure this arrow is pointing down for correct placement.

Just thought I'd include a photo showing the difference between an OEM filter and after market filer with regards to correct orientation

 

Kinda hard to install WRONG you say? Hmmm I can manage that, I think. The after-market cabin filter I purchased isn't labeled "UP" but rather the direction of the air-flow. So which way DOES it flow? (UP or DOWN)

 

Aftermarket filters arrows point towards the clean side (in the direction of flow).

When you pull the old filter, just make note of what side has debris in it. That’s the dirty side.

 

This guide on How to Change the Cabin Air Filter should help you out on the orientation of the of the cabin filter; Toyota Highlander Cabin Air Filter Replacement Guide - 2014 To 2018 Model Years - Picture Illustrated Automotive Maintenance DIY Instructions

 

Hello, I arrived here because I just replaced my CAF and this is what my experience was like....

Research chows that the factory filter stated "UP"
The existing air filter (the vehicle was recently purchased used) stated "Air Flow (with an arrow pointing UP)".
Debris was on the TOP side of the filter indicating a downward air flow.
New filter stated "Air Flow (with an arrow pointing DOWN)"

So, I am left with the following conclusions:
1) The filter in the car was installed upside down by the last owner (or shop)
2) As EASY as replacing a like-for-like filter should be..... we have made it as difficult as possible.

I can't help but to laugh a little.... but I will be doing it with fresh air.