Clean or replace your own cabin filter, improve air flow & save a bundle

[djeaux]

Yesterday, I removed the cabin filter (14K miles) just to inspect since the nearest Honda dealer is 35 miles from here & let's just say I dumped a large pile of leaves & debris off the filter. Just tapped it. A new one is going in as soon as I get to town.

[Cochise111]

I was just wondering something today. I bought a new cabin air filter from Napa. There is a noticeable reduction in airflow with the filter installed (both with the OEM and the Napa filters). For years vehicles had no air filter for the evaporator/heater cores. I've had a 4Runner for over ten years and the a/c blows colder and harder than the Ridgeline's and it's never had a filter. I worked at Lexus for some time, and just about all Lexus vehicles have a cabin air filter. The filters were usually good for one thing: creating a musty smelling air conditioning system (also creating more service work). I'm just wondering if a cabin filter is really necessary unless you are highly allergic to outside air. Yes, I realize it does prevent some foreign objects from reaching the evaporator core, but in all my years of working on vehicles, I've never really seen a clogged core except once. Is the restriction on airflow and the strain on the fan really worth having filtered cabin air? I'm not certain whether I'll put my filter back in.

[djeaux]

Given all the detritus that I found in my cabin air filter (leaves, oak tree pollen "flowers", bugs, grunge, etc.), I don't think it would be a good idea to run the system without a filter.

I recently changed the cabin filter in my daughter's Accord & it had a lot of dust on it but no major debris, so some of what I observed may be a function of where I park my truck...

[c_duncan_pe]

I just replaced mine cabin air filter last weekend. Bought a new from O'Reilly Auto parts for ~$21. My RL has a little over 15k miles an is a little less that 2 years old. The filter fairly dirty, but not much debris in it, cause it is kept in the garage. Thanks to those who posted tips on how to replace the filter.
CD

[jayg287]

This is excellent information. I have 25k on my ridge and recently noticed that the A/C smells kind of musty. I am gonna try and pick up a filter at autozone on my way home from work. I would have never thought of this as a possible solution. Leave it to me to not think of the obvious.

[tlaudio]

Replaced my Cabin filter @ 10k.

WOW! Am I glad I did! It was filthy!

I think Honda's recommended replacement interval of 15k is a little too long.

Talk about an easy job - I think this is the easiest thing I have ever done to my RL - even easier than the rear mud flap installation!

I purchased the "MicronAire" filter at www.rockauto.com for $12.28 plus fair shipping. Very happy with it.

This is a GREAT reminder thread.

[Andy-Montreal]

I just replaced mine yesterday at $57.00 CDN and the difference in airflow is astounding! My black RL was having problems maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature last week but since yesterday, she's cool as a breeze!

[CUinaRidge]

Thanks Pam & BigGuy....
I think post #2 on pulling the filter out was a Push not Pull the tabs holding the filter tray in....

2006 HONDA RIDGELINE RTL 3.5L 3471cc V6 FI [J35A9]
WIX 24815 Cabin Air Filter $ 14.02 $ 0.00 1 $ 14.02
Shipping $ 6.92
Tax $ 1.05
Order Total $ 21.99

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

took 15 minutes....

[carlnunes]

$14 air filter a Kragen's Auto Parts, and thanks to this thread starter, installed in 5 minutes. 16K miles and it was brown with a few lil trees things in it. Not too bad but definitely time to replace. Great chance to rewire some ipod stuff and really clean the inside of the dash. Fun stuff!

[Mud_Puppy]

Hey Guys... I can't thank you enough for this post. I thought I was on my way into the shop! I came across this post and 15 min. later and I have cold air again. You folks just made it to the top of my Christmas List!!!