Replacing Cabin Air Filter

[sctfung]

I have a Camry 2005. Took my car to a garage, and they said I have to replace the cabin air filter for $50.
Not knowing what it is, I deferred the work and thought I'd ask rfd experts first.

Some questions I have:
1. How often are cabin air filters replaced
2. how do you know when it needs replacement?
3. Are all cabin air filters the same size, how do I know if it fits my camry 2005?
4. Is there a difference in type of filters? At Canadian Tire I see one for $14.99 and another for $5.79
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

Thanks

[blackice168]

your first link is the cabin air filter and your second link is the ENGINE air filter.

I would check canadian tire to see if there's a little book with makes and models next to the filter section. typically it'll tell you which specific filter you need... if not you could pull out your existing one and find an identical one

[MrDisco]

I have a Camry 2005. Took my car to a garage, and they said I have to replace the cabin air filter for $50.

The cabin air filter is something everyone should do themselves. don't pay good money on such an easy job.

1. How often are cabin air filters replaced
I change it once a year and i use the activated charcoal variety to keep the air smelling (relatively) clean

2. how do you know when it needs replacement?
just do it once a year and you're good. or you can pop it open and see how much dirt and crap is in there. it's like your furnance filter.

3. Are all cabin air filters the same size, how do I know if it fits my camry 2005?
no you need a specific one for your car. each make/model is different (but there can be overlap. like a lexus ES is most likely the same as your camry)

4. Is there a difference in type of filters? At Canadian Tire I see one for $14.99 and another for $5.79
well as mentioned, make sure you're looking for *cabin* air filters. beyond that there's the regular plain white pleated version or the slightly more expensive activated charcoal type. get either.

search google/youtube on step by step instructions to replace it. its dead simple. in the camry it probably amounts to unhooking your glove box door to get to the access panel.

[Gee]

You haven't replaced your cabin filter for 7 years, possibly 8 years. You're long over due.

Definitely do it yourself. I also replace mine annually. For my car, the filter costs $30 and takes me 10 minutes to do it.

[001Stunna]

I have a Camry 2005. Took my car to a garage, and they said I have to replace the cabin air filter for $50.
Not knowing what it is, I deferred the work and thought I'd ask rfd experts first.

Some questions I have:
1. How often are cabin air filters replaced
2. how do you know when it needs replacement?
3. Are all cabin air filters the same size, how do I know if it fits my camry 2005?
4. Is there a difference in type of filters? At Canadian Tire I see one for $14.99 and another for $5.79
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

Thanks

Go to CT, Buy Fram Filter Product Number : 123-2430-2. It'll cost you $18.99+tax.

[Rehan]

Change it once a year by yourself. It's easy and inexpensive.

I tried the FRAM Fresh Breeze filter in my vehicle before, but decided to replace it with just a plain filter after that. I bought mine from eBay and had it shipped from China....there were no problems with it and it's just like anything you'd buy here. Here's one that would fit your Camry: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Cabin-Air-Fil...ht_2405wt_1159

[RETD]

I've often wondered if it makes any sense to replace cabin air filters. If your blower is on and bringing in adequate fresh air then the cabin filter obviously isn't plugged but then when you open the windows all that filtered air gets lost anyway. The only issue may be that if it's (too) plugged you may be straining your blower a bit.

I also find that the ones with activated charcoal don't do much whether it's with skunks, newly fertilized farmers' fields, diesel vehicles or other smelly areas. I just put on the recirc button if I can hit it in time.

[poedua]

I have a Camry 2005. Took my car to a garage, and they said I have to replace the cabin air filter for $50.
Not knowing what it is, I deferred the work and thought I'd ask rfd experts first.

Some questions I have:
1. How often are cabin air filters replaced

Usually every 25,00 km or so ...or about once a year.

2. how do you know when it needs replacement?

Check your owners manual and or when ( upon inspection ) it visibly dirty ( see below )

3. Are all cabin air filters the same size, how do I know if it fits my camry 2005?

No...you need to find one specifically spec'd for your car.

[flyz]

DIY. It's nothing too difficult.

[poedua]

I've often wondered if it makes any sense to replace cabin air filters. If your blower is on and bringing in adequate fresh air then the cabin filter obviously isn't plugged but then when you open the windows all that filtered air gets lost anyway. The only issue may be that if it's (too) plugged you may be straining your blower a bit.

+1

If it's really dirty and restricts air flow too severely, I'd heard that you may run the risk of the fan drawing too many amps - which in turn, may compromise certain circuits / temp control parts ( modules ).

[Rehan]

This was the cabin filter in my 2001 MPV when I purchased it in 2005. I don't think the previous owner had changed it in 4 years.

[packardbell]

depends where you drive and if you use your blower more but should be replaced 2 years max

[hdom]

For OP, this would be a better video, it doesn't get easier than this. On my old car I need to rip off half the dash to get to it.

[Xiaohaibao]

It is not required to replace the cabin air filter, there is no way your car will be damaged if you don't do it. It has nothing to do with the car's engine, all it does is filters the air that comes in to the car when you turn on the hear or ac. I changed mine (it was a bit dirty) and notice no improvement in air quality. I used to have a car that didn't even have a carbin air filter (lots of cars don't have them). There is no improvement in air when you car has it, you still smell every bad smell from outside just as much as in a car that doesn't have it. You people that replace it every year are nuts, just wasting money.

[raymondly]

Being RFD - I will take mine out, vacuum with my Dyson hand held, then put it back.
Replace after a couple years.