Yeah, for anyone that's not sure if it's needed.....
I put one in about a year ago and forgot about it, decided to change it today.....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r143/rhino74s/cabinairfilter001.jpg

Needless to say, I will be checking it more often now! lol...

good lawd! Good to know that all COULD of gone through your car and your lungs. This is one mod i will not be without!

Mine looks like that after only 3-months in LA.
That's why I do the DIY!

looks like potpuri in the a/c filter, lol yeah that crap happens a lot. At work when we change a/c filters there are snail shells and at times dead mice too, very nasty!

:edit: hey guys, i tried to do cabin filter changed on my 3 yr old tC...
and now i put a DIY filter in there and feel a relief ... ill post some pixs what kind of filter that i used later....

http://i31.tinypic.com/5k55l4.jpg

i used some clear tape to connect them together

http://i27.tinypic.com/zl6hqd.jpg

Um, where have you been for three years?
you're an embarrassment to the FM cult! :rofl:

:tap: my bad! ive not been online for a long time thats why... jeez!

To anyone that is not doing this, you are breathing in a bunch of crap...

I have seen cleaners that don't go in through vents... You set it to suck air from the outside and spray it into the intake by the windsheild wipers.... But, then again... Who knows, maybe it works going back through the air system backwards without any help.... like say a fan sucking it through.

Yeah, for anyone that's not sure if it's needed.....
I put one in about a year ago and forgot about it, decided to change it today.....

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r143/rhino74s/cabinairfilter001.jpg

Needless to say, I will be checking it more often now! lol...

Mine looked like that after around six months, minus the leaves. :P I normally change them sooner, but I was lazy.

hello, i am having problems removing the glove box to replace the filter. i dont want to force it and break it .. any help?

There's two tabs on the inside sides.
Push them in, and pull down.

This mod has to be one of my favorites. Keeps the inside alot cleaner and it kept me breathing clean air during the recent fires in socal.

For anyone that want a nice smell, go to The Body Shop and grab a couple of the Home Fragrance Oils (on the scent you like) and add about 8 drops to the air filter. It should last about 3 weeks... depending on your driving and area. What made me try it. I have the oils and the burner. Now when I went to clean my electric burner out I took a paper towel and wiped it out thoroughly and sat it near my tv in the next room (forgot about it) an the smell was still nice an strong in that room, I was wondering why then I remembered the paper towel....so I tried a few drops on my last filter an it smells damn nice. Here is what I am speaking on:

http://www.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/browse/sub_category.jsp?categoryId=cat30068

Just thought I add a lil sumin since you guys have been a blessing with all the information.

Koop

Thanks for the guide, just did it this afternoon, works great!, also target sells some scents for air filters 3 bucks for a huge bottle of the stuff, I'll let you all know how long it lasts :)

just checked mine .... pulled out the tray:

NO FILTER!!!

alright so I guess ther e is not supposed to be one, but still. They cheaped out on the air filter. :(

i got a filter off ebay brand new for 5 bucks, looks pretty thick.. havent put it on yet but i went through my glove box the other day and all sorts of sh!t in it ie. bugs,dust,dirt,airborn grass particles... gawd it was awful i need to install asap.. i also bought kilma spray to clean my vents too! gonna do it tomorrow yay.

Well popped open my tray AND HAD A FILTER IN...
I did get a 30k tune up at the dealer so i think they put it in.. nonetheless it was very dirty,replaced and used my kilma spray..
nice and fresh.

I'm gonna have to put one in my 08...I'll do it when I have to remove the glovebox. I hate taking things apart when I don't really need to.

its pretty simple man,you undo a hitch on the right,then push in the tabs on each side.. seriously took like 10 seconds.. and the same amount of time to put it back.

as simple as simple gets. I bought the filter that was on the first page at walmart.. $10. I'll get 4 out of it too. Then I got a airfreshioner refill that I could squeeze the oil out of.

Best airfreshioner you could ever get .... just be careful not to put too many drops. I only put a few and holy ____ ... next time I'll count out like 4 drops and if that isn't enough I'll add one at a time from there.

its pretty simple man,you undo a hitch on the right,then push in the tabs on each side.. seriously took like 10 seconds.. and the same amount of time to put it back.

I know, I've done it a bunch of times on my 05, but i might as well wait til I have to put the AEM F/IC back there.

I just read this today and I just got back from walmart. Costs $5.00 for a 12x24x1 3M Filtrete (1300)

I only saw the 3m filtrete with rating of 1200 at walmart, is that ok/ the same?

poop i just checked my car today and there is no air filter!!! i cant remember the last time toyota worked on that but they took it.. :tap: no wonder my car smells fuel easily when i boost..

^ Maybe that's because you need to go to the tuner :P

instead of a filter put a small stack of dryer softener sheets :) works a charm and keeps your car smelling nice

instead of a filter but a small stack of dryer softener sheets :) works a charm and keeps your car smelling nice

now that's thinking outside the box there Steven

I just ran my amp wire today and i thought that I would check out the air filter and guess what, IT CAME WITH AN AIR FILTER!!! Honestly. I have an 09' SW tC. I was so suprised when i saw this. Anyway just thought that I'd share that my 09' came with an air filter.

haha damn i feel like a dumbass.. for about a year i smelled something whenever i initially turned on my vents and always thought it was something in my car... cleaned my car and detailed it hella times so i ignored it. ____ing air filter... will be doing this right now. haha I'm going to use lysol because if it's just bacteria than that will do the trick.

Will the cabin air filter filter out the Fresh Air OR Recirculated Air, or Both?

K&N filter ftw =p

K&N filter ftw =p
i think your talking about the wrong type of filter.

lol..

the air you breathe not the engine

i know....
its called being sarcastic.

has anyone put car fresheners in the cabin filter?

..

damn i still need to do this

I've put dryer sheets on top of the cabin filter, no problems, but I get kind of tired of "artificial" scents after a while. The smell of just regular clean car usually works better for me! :)

great idea. how long do they last?

Used another type of filter but worked great....

I've put dryer sheets on top of the cabin filter, no problems, but I get kind of tired of "artificial" scents after a while. The smell of just regular clean car usually works better for me! :)

great idea. how long do they last?

It's been my experience with other vehicles (back in the day, you used to stuff them in the vents) that you can get a couple months out of a sheet before the smell fades. Don't use one that's scented too strongly though. Matter of fact, you may just want to start with half a sheet.

Sorry for asking the same question twice if someone had already asked this question but couldn't you go to the dealer and just get the Toyota Camary filter since there the same size?

6 Months of Winter will do this.

http://coldcoloradan.com/CIMG4166.jpg

The 20 or so percent reduction in airflow to prevent this crap from going in to the car, WORTH IT.

oh man - i really have to do this after seeing that ..... 6months it not a long time. Does the air flow get real low? I dont think its much on high to begin with

The air flow isnt really affected at all at least from what I can tell

oh man - i really have to do this after seeing that ..... 6months it not a long time. Does the air flow get real low? I dont think its much on high to begin with

no, just a little bit.

So, just to clarify, my 09 tc came stock with a filter in place, right?

So, just to clarify, my 09 tc came stock with a filter in place, right?
how would we know, its your car. go check but i dont think it does?

So, just to clarify, my 09 tc came stock with a filter in place, right?
how would we know, its your car. go check but i dont think it does?

You act like every single car is different. It stands to reason certain that equipment like this varies with the year and not the car itself. And whats this "we" ____? You speak for everybody on the forum now?

damb...

lol

:rofl:

Just wanted to say...

I just did this mod this weekend, and it seriously took 5 minutes. The hardest part was cutting the air filter (got scratched a few times). The glove box comes out with EASE. I put in some smelly stuff and got tired of it in about 20 minutes, took it out, and now my car has that smell still (after 4 days). I have a feeling it will dissappear in the next week or so (lol). Anyway, just wanted to say that the DIY instructions were percise and I had no problems following along.

Note: I bought the largest version of the air filter they had, it was the exact same price ($16). I plan on getting at least 6 filters out of it. I'll update you guys when I change it out.

fyi, there is a new TSB out:

S-SB-0037-08 August 5, 2008
Blower Assembly Improvement

Basically it replaces the blower for a quieter and better one and also adds an air filter! Applicable for 05-08.

PDF Link: http://www.MegaShare.com/475586

^ can you provide a link?

fyi, there is a new TSB out:

S-SB-0037-08 August 5, 2008
Blower Assembly Improvement

Basically it replaces the blower for a quieter and better one and also adds an air filter! Applicable for 05-08.

PDF Link: http://www.MegaShare.com/475586

Is anyone else having a problem with this? I can't use the link or find any info????

I see no info about a new blower, must be a bad link.

This TSB along with another for front seat squeak noise just came out in August.

FYI, here are some more TSBs that I will have done to my 07 tc:
S-AU005-07 - Puts a filter into the aux port to eliminate ground loop noise
S-SB-0043-08 - Front Seat Squeak fix
S-NV009-07 - Sunroof Rattle

Don't know what happened with the link, but here is the description:

Applicability
YEAR(S) MODEL(S) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2005 – 2008 tC
Introduction
Some customers may complain of a noise or inconsistent blower motor speed when operating the
blower motor. The blower assembly has been improved to reduce noise and maintain consistent
blower speed. The improved blower assembly has also been equipped with an air conditioning filter
to reduce dust from entering the vehicle. Please follow the procedures listed below to remove and
replace the blower assembly and install an air conditioning filter information label.
Production Change Information
This TSB applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.
MODEL PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
Scion tC JTKDE1#7*90275360

Parts Information
PREVIOUS PART NUMBER CURRENT PART NUMBER PART NAME QTY
87130-21021 87130-21022 Blower Assembly 1
N/A 87529-50010 A/C Filter Information Label 1
Warranty Information
OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2
870151 R & R Blower Assembly 2.0 87130-21021 72 54
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
• This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for
36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.
• Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s specific
complaint.

^ So are you saying it is a "recall" type part? Just go to the dealer and they will take care of it?

^ So are you saying it is a "recall" type part? Just go to the dealer and they will take care of it?

well if you are within the 3yr/36k miles warranty, they should fix it for free

^ Well the way you posted it looks like you get the part and install it yourself. I guess I just go to the dealer and say "I want this part" and they will give it to me then I can install it? If so, could you post the link so I can follow the instructions? Thanks.

my 09 came with it
i now have an extra cabin filter. fail for not looking first

bump for good write up thx ;)

Okay so i have a 08 tc and i checked today and i don't have an in cabin air filter. I tried to read through this thread to get my answer but theres so many mixed opinions and i honestly only made it through 3 pages of reading :P Sorry im feeling lazy
So is it okay to put a filter in my car?

Okay so i have a 08 tc and i checked today and i don't have an in cabin air filter. I tried to read through this thread to get my answer but theres so many mixed opinions and i honestly only made it through 3 pages of reading :P Sorry im feeling lazy
So is it okay to put a filter in my car?

go to walmart and get a big air filter for a couple bucks and cut it to fit. I then went to bath and body to get "sented oils." They cost a couple dollars but worth it cause it last a long time and it is a clean smell. I got linen and vanilla and I put about 3 drops each.... be very careful. The first time I just put a bunch of drops and I had to take the filter out becuase it was just way too much.

I change the filter about every 3 months. When you see how nasty it gets you'll be amazed. Car smells better, cleaner air and probably the best thing


it cuts down on the dust that settles on you dash.

A great, cheep and life enhancing mod!

^ ya. 2x

Okay so i have a 08 tc and i checked today and i don't have an in cabin air filter. I tried to read through this thread to get my answer but theres so many mixed opinions and i honestly only made it through 3 pages of reading :P Sorry im feeling lazy
So is it okay to put a filter in my car?

go to walmart and get a big air filter for a couple bucks and cut it to fit. I then went to bath and body to get "sented oils." They cost a couple dollars but worth it cause it last a long time and it is a clean smell. I got linen and vanilla and I put about 3 drops each.... be very careful. The first time I just put a bunch of drops and I had to take the filter out becuase it was just way too much.

I change the filter about every 3 months. When you see how nasty it gets you'll be amazed. Car smells better, cleaner air and probably the best thing


it cuts down on the dust that settles on you dash.

A great, cheep and life enhancing mod!

Yeah for some reason the dust is major on the dash in my car. So is the moldy smell sometimes. But i opened the glove box up and it didn't smell moldy? It is colder out though.

so toyota is basically allowing tc owners that haven't had their car for 3 years and are under 36,000 miles to bring their car in to replace the blower and add a filter?

omg no wonder my car is soo damn dusty thanks ima buy a filter later today and install it.

so toyota is basically allowing tc owners that haven't had their car for 3 years and are under 36,000 miles to bring their car in to replace the blower and add a filter?.

Deffinetly watching this question

so toyota is basically allowing tc owners that haven't had their car for 3 years and are under 36,000 miles to bring their car in to replace the blower and add a filter?.

Deffinetly watching this question

x2

here a place where u can buy the filter havnt bought it yet.
http://www.thepartsbin.com/repsite/scion~acc_cabin_filter~reparts.html

$13.95.........lol

^^whats so funny

so toyota is basically allowing tc owners that haven't had their car for 3 years and are under 36,000 miles to bring their car in to replace the blower and add a filter?

where did that question come from?

definitely doing this. thanks for the great write up

$13.95.........lol

for a few dollars you can go to walmart buy a hipa Filtrite air filter and then but it up and make 3 or 4 filters for the car,

so toyota is basically allowing tc owners that haven't had their car for 3 years and are under 36,000 miles to bring their car in to replace the blower and add a filter?

where did that question come from?

I call my dealership to see if this is true & what my dealership told me was this.

if you have hand any problems with air flow from the blower or any noise coming from the blower then this is a free recall for people that have less then 36k miles & own there car for less then 3 years. Also the in cab air filter they did not know what i was talking about

so tomorrow i have a appoint with my dealership to see if they will hook me up on this freebie aka service repair

$13.95.........lol

for a few dollars you can go to walmart buy a hipa Filtrite air filter and then but it up and make 3 or 4 filters for the car,

this summer I will be buying them and making my own - i see what one guys looked like after 6months ..... after I make it the first time Ill be sure to change it a few times a year .... you have no clue how much crap goes through the vents

$13.95.........lol

for a few dollars you can go to walmart buy a hipa Filtrite air filter and then but it up and make 3 or 4 filters for the car,

i actually went to walmart and picked up the big filter this morning, i think i can get 6 out of it, it was also $13.95. lol

Toyota is going to replace my Air Blower & also do the in cab filter for me for free ;) w00t

all under the 36k mile / 3 year warranty

dude.. i need to go check then. -_-

definitely something i should go check out as well...LA/OC wildfires leaving ash all over the car and getting into the vents >_>

bump for A/C cleaner info

i just bought some air filtrate from home depot 16x12 i could make atleast 4 pieces for only 3.95 and works like a dream thanks agen for the write up. hopeuflly my car wont be so darn dirty anymore hehe.

Just did mine yesterday. think like 5 bucks at walmart and i can make like 6 sheets out of it. Comes with baking soda in it too to kill some of the odor. Still waiting to notice results though.

You would notice results if it was summer and you had your AC on

Is the in cabin air filter not standard and included when I bought my car? I just took my car to the dealer for warranty work and the tech suggested that I pay to have the in cabin filter replaced. I didn't think I had one and after reading this thread, I am unsure if I do. I guess I will just have to go pull my car apart and see if I have one. If I don't have one, I am going to be slightly more ____ed at the "Stealership" .

Curiosity got the best of me and I just went and looked. NO FILTER. Wow, amazing. The dealer wouldn't try to screw it's customers would it?? Pffftt. Effing bastards. I should take it back down there and ask where my filter is. Since they said it needs replacing there must have been one to begin with.

^nope - they do not come with them - my 05 didnt

why did you post the filter change behind the glovebox? I have an odor problem in my TC that is why I am asking.

Just checked my 09 tC and they now come with a filter installed.

Just checked my 09 tC and they now come with a filter installed.

I went to do the mod and noticed it had a filter in there as well...
guess they start putting them in after a few complaints.
but it was about the time to change it though, factory filter doesnt do much imo...

It's about time. Just made one for my 08.

yeah that's interesting ... I found that filter slot by accident back when I got my first tC .... but in 06 they didnt actually have a filter for it...which was weird.

did this the other day, and the bonus was finding a spot behind the glove compartment to stow away the line driver for my stereo. i got the filtrete filter and the only pain was cutting it. i actually used wire cutters to snip away the thin waffle wire on either side of the filter and then used scissors to cut through the fabric. best $20 i've spent. well, besides that one time in mexico...

okay so the 09's come with the cabin air filter from the factory....

Did they change the blower motor too for the 09's? Anyone know?

^^daxII

LOL

^^huh?

... you need to read the guy's response...

they didn't change the blower afaik..

then why the tsb of a new blower assembly?

just did this about 10 mins ago and only took me less than 5 mins to do it. I wont know the difference once i use my a/c but the install was cake. I used the 3M Filtrete 20x25 i believe for only $9 at walmart so i can probally make 5-6 filters. I also bought a couple of tree air freshener and threw one on top of the filter when i put it back in. turned on the a/c just to check it smells ok and it smells good! thanks for this DIY!

Ditto - got mine done this past weekend using the same filter (same size as well). I ended up getting 6 sections cut out of the 20x25 filter. Cost about $16 @ Target. I tried applying some filter freshener spray on the first one, but after a few minutes I surmised my spray trigger finger got too happy and the scent was unbearable. So I opted for the next section to be scent-free. So far so good - hopefully talk of the presence of a "filter" exacerbating an A/C problem (mine's an '05 tC) won't apply to my setup, or cause any issues.

Cheers to the OP and this quick and unbelievably-simple DIY! :clap:

P.S. - FYI: The filter cutout size (in the '05 tC at least) measures about 19.5m x 21.5m.

Curiosity got the best of me and I just went and looked. NO FILTER. Wow, amazing. The dealer wouldn't try to screw it's customers would it?? Pffftt. Effing bastards. I should take it back down there and ask where my filter is. Since they said it needs replacing there must have been one to begin with.

Hey they tried to charge me to replace my in-cabin air filter too!! Went in for an alignment, and they "recommended" a 60K service for $399!!!!

I asked "What does it entail?"

Dealer said (and i have it in writing too) "Oil, oil filter, fluid check, rear brake 'adjustment', new wipers (which i replaced 2 weeks earlier already), and IN-CABIN AIR FILTER 'REPLACEMENT'."

Needless to say, I passed on that "offer".
$399!!?? WTF!?

I did mine today on my 09 tc. The car is about 9-10 months old.

Started with a wash.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/wr200/photo2-5.jpg

Here's the OEM after 9 months:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/wr200/photo3-3.jpg


The top of the line filter from Home Depot in kinda the wrong size. I should've gotten larger. It was $20.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/wr200/photo4-3.jpg
Installed:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/wr200/photo5-3.jpg

Easy and quick mod, just did this today to my '06. Thanks to the OP for the diy!

i noticed it blow less air when installed.. even installed on the right side.. how does the oem filter look like? maybe it allows more air flow

^^ the older tC's have a different blower motor, than the 08-09's, that's why they didn't include the filter from the factory.
I am wondering if you added the blower motor from an 08-09 to the earlier tC's
would you also have to change the relay or just the motor to have stronger air flow?

i didnt know that, i prolly would change mine if it gives better airflow

^^When did they actually start putting them in the08s? I got mine in august 2007 and it didn't come with one.

^^ i don't know when but from what i found is if the car came with a cabin air filter from the factory then it has the new blower motor.

This TSB along with another for front seat squeak noise just came out in August.

FYI, here are some more TSBs that I will have done to my 07 tc:
S-AU005-07 - Puts a filter into the aux port to eliminate ground loop noise
S-SB-0043-08 - Front Seat Squeak fix
S-NV009-07 - Sunroof Rattle

Don't know what happened with the link, but here is the description:

Applicability
YEAR(S) MODEL(S) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2005 – 2008 tC
Introduction
Some customers may complain of a noise or inconsistent blower motor speed when operating the
blower motor. The blower assembly has been improved to reduce noise and maintain consistent
blower speed. The improved blower assembly has also been equipped with an air conditioning filter
to reduce dust from entering the vehicle. Please follow the procedures listed below to remove and
replace the blower assembly and install an air conditioning filter information label.
Production Change Information
This TSB applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.
MODEL PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
Scion tC JTKDE1#7*90275360

Parts Information
PREVIOUS PART NUMBER CURRENT PART NUMBER PART NAME QTY
87130-21021 87130-21022 Blower Assembly 1
N/A 87529-50010 A/C Filter Information Label 1
Warranty Information
OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2
870151 R & R Blower Assembly 2.0 87130-21021 72 54
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
• This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for
36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.
• Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s specific
complaint.

this is where i read it.. TWO pages back in this thread! there ya go

check the vin # to see where yours is. then you'll know if you have it or not.

Thanks, guess mine doesn't have the newer blower motor.

Ok guys, I had my 2008 xD RS1 in to the dealer today because my tire pressure light was on and they did their little inspection and said that my engine and cabin air filters were dirty. They wanted $124 to replace them. Obviously I told them no. After finding this thread I went to look at my cabin air filter which let me remind you that I was told it was dirty. Oh look there isn't even one there! Sneaky dealership. Not only is there not one there but there is no tray for one. Does anyone know why this is and how i might go about getting one?

^ what do you mean about a tray?

Go back to dealership and talk to managent. Tell them about no tray and no filter and that this is bad business practice and that u demand the tray back that they didn't put out back. Then go to walmart and spend 15 on a big filter u can cut into 4

nice.. might actually do it.. my car's a/c blows stinky air.. yuck!

i was just told to change mine at the 30000 mile mark, ordered one, and went to throw it in, but no old filter

wish i would have found this thread earlier, i would have attempted to make my own

Hi,

There are two issues that I would like to address here.

I believe that the filtrete filters are too dense and restrictive to the air flow for a system like this. Especially in a car that has features that are so open air and outside air-friendly. Glass sunroof is one of the huge draws to our tc's.

Here in Texas, and in many places in the country, for sure, the free flow of air and air conditioning is vital to our driving enjoyment. Any filter that would impede the flow of air as much as a HEPA filter is simply not advisable. IMHO.

I think that a HEPA type system would be a perfect fit in an upscale Lexus or a Mercedes, or other upscale vehicles for older or more comfort oriented owners, normally air conditioned drivers. I don't think that the tc appeals to owners who fit that demographic as often.

I have a proposal for those who live in hot climates, and want to have filtration without the restriction on the flow.

I've done a lot of filter installations in the home, and my favorite filter is the washable hog hair electrostatic air filter.

http://bestbuyheatingandairconditioning.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Category_Code=af-wf&Product_Code=FIL30301&Screen=PROD

These are easy to cut and they require no metal mesh or reinforcement to hold their form.

They're washable, and sold in pads large enough to cut out two or more from these.

Simply keep one in system in the car, and the alternate filter in a bag in the garage, probably with a silica dessicant package in it to discourage fungus, mildew, etc. When you take out the one being used, just put the alternate in. You can clean the dirty one out later, instead of having to wash, clean and air dry the dirty one with your car's glove box unassembled.

I'm sure that you can still add your body oils and fragrances to these before installing. Why not, right?

I'm going to do this and report back. I want to figure out a quicker, easier way to get to the filter and see what I can do about making it a bit more accessible and less stress on the glove box's plastic parts.

I like the blue hog hair washable filters that are sold as "cut to fit" at the hardware stores. I see them less and less as the years go by, but I always try to have one or two on hand.

There is the "U-Trim" black washable filter that is similar, and might be a similar product.

http://bestbuyheatingandairconditioning.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FIL152414&Category_Code=af-wf

I would try that possibly if I couldn't find the blue hog hair cut to fit product at a reasonable price. I wouldn't pay the price in the link that I provided, that was just for seeing the product.

I hope that this helps someone.

Jimmy

Wow. That is quite the write up. Thanks for the info.


For the past 2 yrs. I have replaced my filters every 3 month or so. I have just bought thin big filters for a few bucks. Thin is the key. It is always black an nasty with lots of particles all on it.

I think that the main advantage is that it dramatically cuts down on the dust build up on the dash and throughout th car. At this point that u the I only reason I do it.

Okay, here it is...

The filter was about $6 at Home Depot. See pictures for packaging and texture.

Cut it a little bit large so that you can have a tight fit inside the tray, so that there isn't an obvious bypass around the filter.

You can use the back side grid on the filter to cut it perfectly square.

I turned the fan on, recirc and fresh... there is a negligible difference, not much at all...

I'll report back after driving around a bit...

Jimmy

^^ i do agree that a hepa type filter is way too restrictive. Even on my furnace at home, those higher filtering filters were too restrictive for my system. Switched to a "lower" merv rated filter and change it more often, the furnace worked a lot better. Talked to the heating/cooling people and they agreed that using the hepa type would eventually burn out the blower motor of the furnace because of the increase in restriction. They agreed that a better filter than the cheap $1 see-through ones is needed but not the crazy top of the line.

So yes, look at the lower merv ratings like a merv 9 for the tC. Don't go all crazy and think more filtering = better. Not good for the blower motor over time to fight that resistance.

good write up... i just ran out of the 3M stuff so it's a perfect time to switch it up...

Hi, trickstar!

Some excellent info there, and I agree absolutely that many of the filters and such that people want to use in their Scion's filter drawer are waaaay overboard and restrictive (a dense foam filter plus a dryer sheet or two???).

I did use 3M Filtrete ftlter media, cut to size, but I only used the fairly open and free flowing bottom end filters. (I eventually ran across an outfit selling the genuine Denso OEM filters at a ridiculous low price and grabbed a dozen before they came to their senses.)

In the tC, Scion (Toyota) DOES NOT list an approved filter in their parts list, partly from the restriction even the most free-flow of filters cause.

the airbox in the xA, xB Classic and tC are the same unit, but in the tC it is very close to it's limits in being able to move an adequate amount of air.

Add in the glass sun roof that people so often run open, a filter in the drawer is probably a poor idea in the summer.

In the winter when the vehicle is run closed up and only heat is needed, a filter may make sense in a tC.

Something similar to the firm, open-flow hair filters you suggest would be a better choice for the tC, but even they have to be watched carefully so they don't load up and begin blocking airflow.

Thanks for posting up!

Trickstar,

Thanks for the info. I'm using a 3M Filtrate home made filter and agree with you that it is a bit restrictive. It does, however, do a fine job of filtering.

Have you experimented with or tested the filtering capacity of the hog hair filter? When rinsed out, how gunked up is the water?

Any info you may have and can share would be appreciated.

Thanks...

Hi,

Sorry, I don't have anything to report yet, just put it in this morning.

However, I know that it's catching more than the thing was catching without anything there at all, since mine's a 2005.

I'm having fun with this, let me know what you come up with.

Jimmy

Just to let everyone know the newer 09+ tC's come with a cabin filter.

^^ yup all the 08+ came with filters because Toyota upgraded the blower motor to handle the load of a filter in the system. I wonder if that motor is something the earlier models could use? like bolt in and use in an older system.. hmmm

Not all of the 08s came with one, it was a mid year switch

Okay, here it is...
The filter was about $6 at Home Depot. See pictures for packaging and texture.

That's the exact same type of filter used in my home's central heating system.

I agree that this type doesn't seem to restrict airflow much, mainly due to the large separation of fibers, but still seems to filter fairly well because it's so thick. You may have a great idea, could be the best filter found for the older tCs so far.

I'll check my local HD and give it a try too, hoping it'll cut down on the dash dust, without burning out the blower motor.

Not all of the 08s came with one, it was a mid year switch
okay thanks for clearing that up. I knew it was the 08 model year, i was close :icon_mrgreen:

If you don't have dash dust, you're just not enjoying your sunroof and auto power windows enough...

I keep non-alcohol aloe vera baby wipes for that!

Jimmy

okay thanks for clearing that up. I knew it was the 08 model year, i was close :icon_mrgreen:


yeah... i was gonna say - mine's an '08, but bought it in december of '07 and it didn't come with a filter.

The only thing stopping me from doing this mod is that people can hear/feel a change in the air flow. To the air pump that would mean extra stress on the unit itself (and should fail earlier then normal). Is this logic correct or incorrect?

for what it's worth.... i've been getting filtrete (sic) brand filters and using them for the last two years in my tc and my wife's xb. we haven't noticed a difference in air flow, but have definitely noticed all the garbage the filter blocks. our home hvac system uses 20x25 filters, so i get them in a three pack: two for the home system, then the last one i cut into six for the cars.

just put in another filer, i replace it every 2 month.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a156/gammatnt/car%205/airfilter2.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a156/gammatnt/car%205/airfilter4.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a156/gammatnt/car%205/airfilter9.jpg

So I was doing some maintenance to my car this morning (wash, wax, engine degrease, etc) and decided to pop off the glovebox and put an air filter in since I have some extra ones laying around for the central air. Low and behold, there was already a filter installed. It is a 2006 that I just bought about two months ago and I highly doubt that the girl that I bought it from put it in. It was a little dirty so I shook it out but wasn't bad enough to justify me changing it.

The dealer may have sold her one if she didn't know any better.

I went to the Toyota yesterday, and they say 07+ Scion TC doesn't have cabin air filter in there. I have my 08 TC. They say it is not necessary to have one. Is that bull____ ??? I don't understand why they say that to me, becasue I know it should work on the car air-fresh.

^ its not bs - same reason why they dont all come with them - its an optional thing.

I can pay for it, but the reason why I don't understand is they say TC doesn't have Cabin Air Filter. That is weird, isn't it ? This is a helpful information, and I went to the Home Depot get one of this today. May I ask a question, plz ? What is the difference between Outperforms Non-Electrostatic Filter and Outperforms All other 1". I didn't get one of Non-electrostatic filters, but it's still the same Ultimate Allergen. Hopefully, I get it correct.

^^ as we've posted before it didn't have the new air box, with new fan strong enough to put up with the drag created by a filter in there. That didn't happen until sometime in 09 just go back a page someone responded to me about that.

This is why you need to do this DIY...the filter Toyota claims "you don't need":eyebrow:

After 5 months

http://i35.tinypic.com/e6odi9.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/qn2tt4.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2jcdftk.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/dbjp74.jpg

ive been buying filters made for a tc as an added option from a guy on ebay for 8$ with free shipping since 08 when i bought it and honestly you dont really need one but im not gonna lie it is worth having and makes a big diff in the smells you would normally pick up goin down the highway plus ur no breathing in all the crap in the air so it is a plus for anybody that installs one.

"just sharing"
Just installed new air cabin filter with my 09 tc... and yeah it comes with stock filter...
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w203/swabe_11/0227101110-00.jpg


Its not that dirty though.... but I still change it with this one
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w203/swabe_11/0227101109-02.jpg

and it fits perfect... cost me $12 :)

^^^ yeah tyc makes a lot of stuff, i think they make the rear taillamps or maybe that was the upgraded led tail lights :) good stuff. and yeah $12 is a good price!

For about the 12th time... :P

Toyota Echo (00-04), RAV4 (01-06), Scion (03-06)
Cabin Air Filter 88568-52010
Style: Air Filter Panel
Service: Cabin Air
Media: Batt/Fiber
Length: 8.504
Width: 7.716
Height: 0.709

http://tijil.org/Scion_air_filter.jpg

xA/xB CABIN AIR FILTER: Toyota 88568-52010, WIX 24900, DENSO 4531014, Puro C38188, MicronAir TY00166P, Bosch #P3750, Valvoline C38188,

http://tijil.org/Denso_cabin_filter.jpg
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=2233992#2233992



Tomas- What's your thoughts on the TYC brand of filter?

"just sharing"
Just installed new air cabin filter with my 09 tc... and yeah it comes with stock filter...
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w203/swabe_11/0227101110-00.jpg


Its not that dirty though.... but I still change it with this one
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w203/swabe_11/0227101109-02.jpg

and it fits perfect... cost me $12 :)

So how did the TYC brand filter work out for you?

The TYC filters should be just fine. :)

I had no idea that was even there thanks for the writeup

mine is an 06, and i just checked it and the was a piece of clothe/napkin type deal in there? anyone know if this is a filter or somehow just a napkin got in there?

Got a great deal on a filter today.

16X25X1 $8.97 I can probably get 4-5 uses out of the big filter.

It had been a year.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/wr200/photo-15.jpg

I'm looking into making my own cabin filter from a normal furnace filter, before i get started I want to know if there is a specific brand of a furnace filter that works best? Also, does anyone think this works effectively



Furnace Filter (http://www.iaqsource.com/furnace_filters.php)

i'v been doing this for a few years now. i buy a nice big filter and get at least 6 pieces out of it. i do not buy the super filter but a middle of the road one. i just don't want it to be too restrictive. a tip: store the filter in a large plastic bag ( trash or other ) to keep clean!

All of these filters that you guys are coming back with are WAAAAY too restrictive for the system being filtered. The 05's system is NOT built for HEPA or heavy filtration. If you're not using the type of filter shown in the links that I offered in my evaluation, you're either pulling huge air through gaps in the ducts, or putting a huge amount of stress on the fan.

Maybe the later years, 08' and on, were built for HEPA filtration, but I'm just not convinced that they can effectively utilize such a dense filter as these disposable ones in the pictures.

Just think about it, do the math.

Jimmy

great...now my tc wont smell like stale arse anymore....

Yes, the smell of fresh arse is so much more gratifying...

My 09 tC came with the cabin airfilter in it, stock. Weird that a lot of you are saying it didn't come with your tC's...

My 09 tC came with the cabin airfilter in it, stock. Weird that a lot of you are saying it didn't come with your tC's...
because they didn't come with it from the factory, not weird, just the truth. Toyota didn't add the cabin air filter until the hvac blower unit was upgraded in 08 or 09, one of those years, so from 05-08 or so, no they didn't have any.

I've driven my car for 60k and glad that I found this DIY, head on and do it right after work yesterday, took just 5-10min, didn't cost me a thing, since my aunt stack a bunch of 24x30 filter in her Salon so I just grab one :D, I also added the dryer sheet, not really like the smell, makes my car smell like a laundry room, will go for a freshener bag attached under the filter.

Thanks for the great DIY!!!

because they didn't come with it from the factory, not weird, just the truth. Toyota didn't add the cabin air filter until the hvac blower unit was upgraded in 08 or 09, one of those years, so from 05-08 or so, no they didn't have any.

can anyone confirm that the 2010 TC comes with the filter built in? Mine's been smelling weird lately if the AC is off and the recirculate is off. less than 6 months on the car.

look behind the glove box and slide out the tray

Been reading up on this for a minute.

My 09' xD releases this wet-undies smell when I run the fan on without the A/C on.

I've been meaning to try to make my own, probably will today. However, I opened up the compartment today and noticed that mine doesn't have a tray? It only has the tab where I click and push in to close. Where is it? ;(

That's really cool.

haha some master lube tried charging me $50 dollars for the cabin filter. I just laughed and said i would figure it out on my own.