Oh one more thing why isn't this a sticky?

 

Rayman, thanks for digging this out.. I had missed it

 

No problem. I read this before I owned my xB. Had to give thanks.

 

Check in the air filter section at Walmart, etc. I got some thin sheets of carbon filter and added them to the other filter. No its not chunks, just a black weaved filter looking thing.

 

the filter will keep dust, dirt, leaves, ect., off the heating and cooling coils. with no filter, the coils will sooner or later begin to fill with dirt and nthen you're ____ed. easier to change a cheepo filter once in a whiloe.

 

Excuse my question if it's dumb. I was confused by Randode's comment. Does the car have a filter currently? I assume yes. So this thread is for changing future filters, correct?

 

No, doesn't come with a filter, just the bay for one.

After taking the cowling off from below the windshield, I was amazed at what a straight shot it is down into the fresh air intake. The only thing filtering is that small mesh screen in the cowling... The filter is a MUST.

 

heh yeah u said it

 

Thanks for the directions! I just installed the filter- cakewalk.

Funny man at Home Depot thought I was using the filter for the engine. He was trying to talk me out of it.

Thanks again.

 

The original post was February 16th. Just curious if you have pulled the filter recently and if so what did it look like? I may do this, but not sure if it's necessary :?

 

Funny you should ask. i just pulled mine the other night and it was filthy with dust. Made a new one a stuck it back in. Also, when i was checking my dad's new Corolla to see if they had a filter, it did, but it was crusted with leaves and stuff from where they park. If it hadn't had one, all that crap would've fallen thru into the HVAC ducting and probably come out the vents, etc...

I also notice a difference from the charcoal filters i add to mine. I can smell the difference between the Box and our Grand Caravan. i need to check the filter in the van and boost it up...

 

Ok, just read the entire insturctions and not going to pass this one up. I'm going to get the filter tonight and enjoy some clean / fresh air :D

 

Rbloedow, thanks so much for providing this DIY. I followed your instructions and they worked perfectly for my tC (took less than 10 minutes to do). I was able to cut 8 filters out of the large $10 Filtrete sheet... very glad I did this instead of buying the filters from the dealer! Thanks, Jayme

 

I am adding a carbon filter to mine but I need to know if the air flows top to bottom or bottom to top :?:

 

I was going to ask the same thing. I went outside and turned the air on in the Box. Air flows from down to up through the vents. Just as the arrow shows on the outside of the tray for direction of insert, the airflow in the xB is the same.

QUESTION: Did any of you place an air freshner on top (side facing roof of Box) of the filter? I was going to do this, but don't have any on hand right now. I don't like hanging them from the mirror and this would be the ultimate disbursement

BTW >> My filter was I believe $3.88 (I know it was under $4) from Wal-Mart. It's made by Arm & Hammer and will be good for 4 filters or one years use. I have pics of everything if needed

 

What are the measurements on the finished filter? I want to figure out what size filter is the best to buy with the least waste left over.

 

They are 8x8" I bought a 16x16" 3m filtrete filter... 4 pieces

 

I want to do this DIY myself though I have a couple questions fo rthose that have done it already...Please correct me if I am wrong, and thanks to all who can respond with advice

Part Needed- 3m Filtrete or a charcoal/carbon based filter from any home repair type of store???

Once I have this filter and cut it to fit the tray, is there any particular way the filter should sit??? ie; is there a top and bottom to the filter or does it matter which side is facing up in the tray???

And again for those that have done this and had it in place for a few months, how is the smell of the inside of the cabin, and how is your a/c - defrost - heater air flow now that it's in there??? Has it really been a noticable improvement since it's been added to your rides??? How often should I change the filter???

Thanks again everyone!!! :D

DAN

 

I got a question. Is the filter spot the same as in the Echos? If so, I cant recall the exact model but I think the RAV4 is a drop in for the Echos. I cant recall if it was the RAV4 but I do know one of the toyota filters droped in. Might want to do some searching around www.echodrivers.com & see what they use. That is if that spot is the same as the echos.

 

The cabin air filter system is the same as the Echo/Rav4. But the echo cost about $15-18.

7red7,
You will need punture resistant gloves. Winter/thick garden gloves should do. The metal pieces can cut you :D

Using only the 3M Filtrate, it doesnt matter how you place it. But with a charcoal+3Mcombo filter not sure. Probably place the charcoal portion at the bottom of the tray, closer to the white fan.