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What does a cabin air filter do?
A cabin air filter is like a filter on a home furnace or air conditioner. It removes dirt, dust and pollen from air that enters the passenger compartment through the vehicle's HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system. The filter also helps keep the A/C evaporator clean. This allows the A/C system to cool at peak efficiency and reduces the buildup of contaminants on the evaporator that contribute to the growth of microbes that can cause musty odors.
Some cabin air filters are also "combination" filters that also remove odors, diesel fumes and other pollutants. Combination filters typically have a layer of activated carbon that reacts with airborne chemicals and traps them before they can enter the cabin. The fibers in the filter media may also be electrostatically charged so they will attract and hold dirt and contaminants more efficiently.
Which vehicles have cabin air filters?
Cabin air filters were introduced back in the mid-1980s in Audis and other European luxury vehicles. The first domestic applications date back to 1994 (Ford Contour & Mercury Mystique). Today, cabin air filters are found in almost 80% of all new vehicles.
The best way to determine if a customer's vehicle has a cabin air filter is to check your filter supplier's catalog or database, or to look in the vehicle owner's manual. Check the index for Cabin Air Filter, or look in the section that lists scheduled maintenance items.
Where is the cabin air filter located?
Most cabin air filters are located in the HVAC plenum assembly behind the glove box, or at the HVAC inlet near the cowl area at the base of the windshield in the engine compartment. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for the exact location of the filter and replacement procedure. On some applications, two filters are used in a stacked arrangement. This allows for easier filter replacement in tight quarters.
Filter replacement typically takes 10 minutes or less on the easier applications. But on others, it takes longer depending on how much disassembly is required (the glove box or console may have to be removed to reach the filter). As a rule, no special tools are needed but care must be used to make sure the filter is positioned correctly and seals tightly against its enclosure.
How often should a cabin air filter be changed?
A simple dust only filter should last two to three years depending on operating conditions. More frequent filter changes may be required in dusty areas. Combination filters that also trap odors should be replaced yearly. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for specific service interval recommendations.
How To Change Your Cabin Air Filter
Watch Cabin Air Filter Video
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