Cabin Air Filter (Homemade)
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1
From: CA
I don't hardly notice a difference at all with it. I've never taken apart anything in a car, and the DIY guide made it very easy to do.
I was amazed that the TC didn't have a filter in already, so I bookmarked this post long before I got mine. I installed in the second day I had the car.
I can't wait to check up on how dirty it is when I go to change the filter in a couple months.
I was amazed that the TC didn't have a filter in already, so I bookmarked this post long before I got mine. I installed in the second day I had the car.
I can't wait to check up on how dirty it is when I go to change the filter in a couple months.
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,320
Well, I do have to say its been almost five months and I was pretty disappointed with the mod, probably because my expectations were too high.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love it, and would never remove it (I've already seen enough dirt and even some bugs in there), and know I'm breathing cleaner air.
The only thing is, the carbon layer on the filter doesn't seem to work all that well. I'm sure its filtering out a large portion of external odors, but if I get stuck behind an old bus or truck, or run by a sewage treatment place, or someone cutting their grass (although that one isn't that unpleasant), I can still smell it inside the car.
I bought a filter that someone else bought... it was carbon based, and they wrote a tutorial as well. I also remember it being close to $10, so I don't think I bought a crappy filter either!
Now, don't get me wrong, I love it, and would never remove it (I've already seen enough dirt and even some bugs in there), and know I'm breathing cleaner air.
The only thing is, the carbon layer on the filter doesn't seem to work all that well. I'm sure its filtering out a large portion of external odors, but if I get stuck behind an old bus or truck, or run by a sewage treatment place, or someone cutting their grass (although that one isn't that unpleasant), I can still smell it inside the car.
I bought a filter that someone else bought... it was carbon based, and they wrote a tutorial as well. I also remember it being close to $10, so I don't think I bought a crappy filter either!
Senior Member
Big Sky Scion
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,120
From: six-two-six
Um, it's there to filter particulate, not microscopic odors.
Your expectations are WAY out of wack.
You'd have to spend a fortune for a system to filter out smells as you mentioned.
Your expectations are WAY out of wack.
You'd have to spend a fortune for a system to filter out smells as you mentioned.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 26
From: Orange County, California
I believe earlier on in this thread it was stated that a filter with carbon should not be used because it's more restrictive for air flow and could put stres on the HVAC system.
As far as the carbon, I'm not an expert in it but I don't believe it will take away the odor completely especially heavy diesel soot.
The good news is that new diesel fuel that is much lower in sulfate is coming out in 2007!
As far as the carbon, I'm not an expert in it but I don't believe it will take away the odor completely especially heavy diesel soot.
The good news is that new diesel fuel that is much lower in sulfate is coming out in 2007!
Senior Member
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,320
Originally Posted by SciontCya
Um, it's there to filter particulate, not microscopic odors.
Your expectations are WAY out of wack.
You'd have to spend a fortune for a system to filter out smells as you mentioned.
Your expectations are WAY out of wack.
You'd have to spend a fortune for a system to filter out smells as you mentioned.
It should at least reduce them significantly. Don't get me wrong, there is a reduction, just not as much as I hoped for.
Admin Emeritus
SL Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14,570
From: University Place, WA
"Activated charcoal" particles bind with all sorts of 'organic odors' and essentially 'trap' them with 'carbon bonds.'
This of course is never 100%, and only affects those molecules susceptible to being locked up with a carbon bond. Also, of course, this only affects molecules that physically come in contact with carbon that has not yet 'bonded' with something else. This means "carbon filters" aren't 100% when brand new, and progressively get less and less effective, and slower to 'grab' odors. Eventually they just stop.
When following a diesel or passing a pile of manure it is best to flip the control to 'recirculate' instead of sucking in the bad air, then open it back up when it is "OK."
Tomas
This of course is never 100%, and only affects those molecules susceptible to being locked up with a carbon bond. Also, of course, this only affects molecules that physically come in contact with carbon that has not yet 'bonded' with something else. This means "carbon filters" aren't 100% when brand new, and progressively get less and less effective, and slower to 'grab' odors. Eventually they just stop.
When following a diesel or passing a pile of manure it is best to flip the control to 'recirculate' instead of sucking in the bad air, then open it back up when it is "OK."
Tomas
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SL Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 83
From: Olathe KS
In cabin air filter
I just took my xB in for the second oil change and mentioned that I found that the in cabin air filter was never installed. They stuck one in for free. That's the first and only thing I've gotten from them for free and I'm sure it'll be the last.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 26
From: Orange County, California
Originally Posted by ThePerchik
I forgot about mine and just took it out after 5 months. It is soooo dark and dirty, unbelievable....Thank God for this thread.
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SL Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,776
From: Corpus Christi, TX
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!
Member
SL Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 65
From: Daytona
Originally Posted by DieselTC
YES, I can confirm this... it flows from the top, down. I put the air on and held a piece of paper to make sure.
Here's a pic and link to the product.
Link: http://www.1z-usa.com/AC_Cleaner.html
Descript:
Klima-Cleaner 250 ml (8,5 fl oz)
- Removes bacteria and fungi from air conditioning units and ducting.
- Reduces allergens for clean, healthy, and fresher smelling air.
Don't mask odors with fragrances -- treat them. Klima-Cleaner is an effective means for removing odors from the air conditioning unit by eliminating odor-causing bacteria, fungi and other germs. Works by effectively cleaning the evaporator -- the source of the problem. Simply insert included spray hose into the center air vents in your vehicle's interior and spray. Allow to work for 30 minutes. Creates a healthy and fresh smelling environment that lasts for months.
Here's a pic and link to the product.
Link: http://www.1z-usa.com/AC_Cleaner.html
Descript:
Klima-Cleaner 250 ml (8,5 fl oz)
- Removes bacteria and fungi from air conditioning units and ducting.
- Reduces allergens for clean, healthy, and fresher smelling air.
Don't mask odors with fragrances -- treat them. Klima-Cleaner is an effective means for removing odors from the air conditioning unit by eliminating odor-causing bacteria, fungi and other germs. Works by effectively cleaning the evaporator -- the source of the problem. Simply insert included spray hose into the center air vents in your vehicle's interior and spray. Allow to work for 30 minutes. Creates a healthy and fresh smelling environment that lasts for months.
i went to the website to order the product and it says it cant find the a/c cleaner, has anyone else experienced this problem?
Senior Member
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Team ScioNRG
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,201
From: Norwalk, CT
Ya, get it elsewhere. For example:
http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/sh...inszt_pg19.htm
Thats just a quick google, first thing that came up
http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/sh...inszt_pg19.htm
Thats just a quick google, first thing that came up
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 26
From: Orange County, California
