DIY Cabin Air Filter

[BailOut]

This method will create 8 cabin air filters of the appropriate size (8.5x7.25x1") which should cover your filtration needs for 2 years. Assuming you have the the tools on hand the only additional cost is a filter that sells at any home improvement store for between $4 and $15 depending on your desired level of filtration. I prefer an allergen rated one that goes for $15 but even a cheap one is better than none at all.

Supplies needed: 20x30x1" central air style filter for a home, tin snips, duct tape, marking implement, measuring implement

Time: 30 minutes

Directions:

1) Lay the filter on a flat, clean surface and mark two lines along the length of it 8.5" from either side. This will leave an "alley" of 3" in the middle which is excess.

2) Starting at one edge of the filter follow the line you just created and mark it at 7.25" and 14.5". Now come in from the opposite edge and do the same. You should be able to make 4 of these 8.5x7.25" rectangles on each side for a total of 8, with 1" of excess remaining in the middle.

3) Use tin snips or an equivalent to cut out the 8 rectangles, ensuring you cut through all metal and all paper layers. If a little paper flakes off don't worry about it. Draw arrows to mark the air flow direction on the paperboard edge of each rectangle.

4) Use duct tape to enclose the side edges of each rectangle that are free, ensuring that you cover the top, side and bottom edges as you go. Try to not compress the filter material too much when you do this.

5) Store all but one of your new filters in a paper or plastic bag to keep them clean for later usage.

6) Remove the passenger side's lower glove box by pressing in on the right side and popping it out, then repeating the same for the left side.

7) Remove the filter tray's cover by pinching the 2 small parts on the right and pulling backward on the piece (this requires almost no strength so if it's fighting you you're doing it wrong), then pulling it away from the left side.

8) The filter fits in lengthwise. Match the airflow direction of the system, keeping in mind that air flows downwards as it is inducted by the fan right below the filter area. If you forgot to mark the air flow direction it's not the end of the world as most modern filters work in both directions. Insert the filter's rear-left corner first, then push back and sweep it to the left until both sides of the filter are in. It will be a tight fit and will likely cause a bit of flexing/compression on the filter. This is normal but try to keep it to a minimum.

9) Push the filter away from you until it is flush against the rear of the tray area. It will look like it's sticking out a bit but remember there is some clearance behind the cover you removed.

10) Replace the tray cover, left side first, ensuring that the right side snaps into place properly. Give the cover a light tug once it's reinstalled just to be sure it's not loose.

11) Replace the glove box.


You're done!

[YamilR]

very good DIY

[YarisTom73]

Nice DIY, you get half a dozen filters for the same $15 I paid for one Autozone Bosch. And, I think it filters even better than mine! Only one concern: are the airflow characteristics of our little fans anywhere near what you'd find in an average home furnace setup? In other words, would this filter stifle our car's ability to flow A/C or heat?

[kimona]

Nice post!

[BailOut]

Only one concern: are the airflow characteristics of our little fans anywhere near what you'd find in an average home furnace setup? In other words, would this filter stifle our car's ability to flow A/C or heat?

I don't have specific numbers for our car's ventilation blower but the drop in air flow once I installed one of my filters was quite low. This means while there is some load on the system it's not much at all.

Any filtration is going to impede the flow a bit.

[YarisTom73]

Agreed..I think perhaps your idea may actually flow better than the Bosch one! Next change, I'm trying your way. :thumbup:

[KSIbucky]

hey you know what also really works (if you have a warranty) go in and say that your a/c doesnt work

i did (i got a new compressor) but they also got me a new filter

[OgDogg]

If only I'd seen this before paying $25 for one at the dealership...

[kimona]

If only I'd seen this before paying $25 for one at the dealership...

That's why it pays to do a search of the forum.

This information, plus reference to the Purolator and Bosch A/C cabin filters (about $10 each), can be found in numerous threads!

[Super_BQ]

Just to let others know that i've done this same DIY filter job for NZ/Aus/UK Yaris models. It appears the same spot behind the glove box however, the whole fan system is slightly positioned to the right side of the glove box making it not as easy to fit the filter in. I often wonder how even a hard factory fitted filter would even fit into the opening as the opening of the glove box isn't wide enough? Or do the factory cabin filters are the flexible kind?

BQ

[edisonfire]

which way should the air flow circulation go?

[SilverBack]

Nice DIY! One more reason to tell the dealer to shove it...

which way should the air flow circulation go?

Air flows upward through the filter before reaching the vent openings

[edisonfire]

thanks dude

[blacksandiegovitz]

Cool post / good DIY . I was just about to do something about the cabin air filter , as I'm sick of that smell of "funk" lol

[mikenacarato]

i have a fram fresh breeze in there :)

[blacksandiegovitz]

i have a fram fresh breeze in there :)

was that just a basic size cabin filter or is it made/listed to fit the yaris ???

[mikenacarato]

i took my oem filter into walmart and found one that was close. i had to trim it down length wise by a half inch and it fit like a glove.

[lablancjc]

Awesome diy my wife had some high pitched buzzing noise the dealer said it was a piece of paper in teh blower motor and they were going to charge her 115 bucks to take it out. I said hell no read this post it took less than 5 minutes to disassemble take napkin out and reassemble. 115 dollars what a rip off. Thank for the diy you just saved me 115 bucks!!!!!

[1stToyota]

which way should the air flow circulation go?

Actually, flow is downwards. Just changed out my OEM filter and it was dirty on the top. Blower motor sits underneath filter and draws the airflow downwards to distribute air thru the system. Only thing above the filter is the fresh air intake.

So, if you get the OEM filter the arrow goes up because it says "UP", not flow. On my Beck/Arnley filter, arrow points down because it's talking about actual air "flow".

[Lafiro]

I own the 2007 sedan, and I don't think the cabon air filter comes with the car.

If I follow this DIY will the location of the air filter be in the same place?
Thanks.

[BLH]

My 2007 users manual said if it was installed. A sticker would be attached to the inside of the Glove Compartment Door.

Mine had no sticker.

I believe the compartment is there to accept it. It was just not installed at the factory. Will know tomorrow when I try to install the one I have on order.
Local parts store was out of it.

[YarisSedan]

I think this mod would hinder the air flow slightly. If you ever look at a oem cabin air filter it has arrows that has to be installed a certain way. The way its designed to allow maximum air flow. If you take a filter thats not designed to be a cabin air filter it wont have the same type of flow rate.

[BailOut]

I think this mod would hinder the air flow slightly. If you ever look at a oem cabin air filter it has arrows that has to be installed a certain way. The way its designed to allow maximum air flow. If you take a filter thats not designed to be a cabin air filter it wont have the same type of flow rate.
Any filtration hinders flow to a certain degree, but your assumptions rely wholly on the assumption that a home blower filter restricts more than a car blower filter designed by some 3rd party to absolutely no one's specifications but their own. Your assumptions also assume that the direction of flow really matters, which it often does not (arrows are often put on there just to keep folks from asking questions, and the one that I used in the photographs is identical top and bottom).

The experience of myself and others that have done this DIY shows that it works just fine. I've been using my own filters for a year and a half now.

[1stToyota]

Any filtration hinders flow to a certain degree, but your assumptions rely wholly on the assumption that a home blower filter restricts more than a car blower filter designed by some 3rd party to absolutely no one's specifications but their own. Your assumptions also assume that the direction of flow really matters, which it often does not (arrows are often put on there just to keep folks from asking questions, and the one that I used in the photographs is identical top and bottom).

The experience of myself and others that have done this DIY shows that it works just fine. I've been using my own filters for a year and a half now.

Maybe the assumption is based upon store bought cabin filters being 100% filter (surface area) and DIY filters are bordered with cardboard and tape that migrates upon the filter surface area? Air won't flow through cardboard and tape.

[BailOut]

^ ^ Good point. However, as has been said, there have been no complaints in 18 months. It just works. :smile:

[talnlnky]

I think this mod would hinder the air flow slightly. If you ever look at a oem cabin air filter it has arrows that has to be installed a certain way. The way its designed to allow maximum air flow. If you take a filter thats not designed to be a cabin air filter it wont have the same type of flow rate.

yeah.... who cares.... humans can't tell the difference... i've got one year of experience with this type of DIY filter.

Also... this would ONLY be a problem if you drive around with your air on MAX all the time and still felt you needed a stronger fan in your car.


All who drive around town with the fan on max all the time please raise your hand.
...


thought so.

[ozmdd]

Home air filters are also labeled for direction of flow. The AF rate should not be hindered to any meaningful degree. Probably less resistance than an OEM filter.

[1stToyota]

I don't know this system, but flow problems with cabin air filters can sure ruin a blower motor resistor that isn't able to cool itself properly.

[YarisSedan]

The filter that you are using are designed for a very high powered fan that cools your entire house. Not a ity bitty fan that sucks just a little air. If you look at the blow motor it is really a tiny fan. I am all about DIY but i belive there is a noticible difference. I think no one really has noticed because the people doing this DIY dont have a filter to begin with so there is nothing really to compare to. Plus as stated before there is less surface area for the air to go through. You are putting a restriction against the blower motor when you are doing this. I dont honestly think there is a world of a difference and it wont cause catastofic failure of your blower motor circuit. But just stating there is a difference.

The cabin air filter is designed for maximum filtration without sacrificing air flow. If you get a really good quality cabin air filter they can last about 25k miles. I mean really is it worth all the time and hassle to go to the store buy the filters cut them up and then duct tape them together and have to replace them more frequently to save over the course of a 100k miles and if you dont drive that much its maybe 10 years the most a hundred dollars.

Because of the different type of filter they are going to become more restrictive when they are dirty than the cabin air filter will get when they are dirty.

[talnlnky]

i'd rather have cleaner air than more air.... the DIY way means you have the chance for better quality filter media. 3M Filtrete right here.

[jpadua]

Hey guys, I also made a DIY filter from simple materials, might be cheaper. You can also replace the filter element. The one I made is a bit crude but it works hehehe :thumbup:, but I'm planning to build another one but this time instead of cardboard I'll use plexiglass, but this will do for now.

Materials:
Aircon filter and nylon screen which you can purchase at any home/hardware store
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf1.jpg
Small cardboard giftbox which is roughly about 7" x 9" x 1"

How I built the aircon filter holder:

1. Cut out 1" from the long side of the box.
2. Re-enforce the box flaps with elmers glue
3. Cut out a hole about 1" from the sides in the middle of the box and the lid
4. Cut enough nylon screen to cover the hole on both the box and the lid
5. Staple the nylon screen to the box and lid, then reinforce with some Masking tape
6. Reinforce the box with more masking tape
7. Cut a piece from the aircon filter just enough so that it can fit inside the box

You will have something like this:
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf2.jpg
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf3.jpg

8. Place the aircon filter on the box
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf4.jpg

9. Place the lid upside down so that you will have a screen-filter-screen sandwich.
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf5.jpg
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf6.jpg

Installation:

10. Remove the glove box.
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf7.jpg
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf8.jpg

11. Remove the aircon filter cover.
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf9.jpg
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf10.jpg

12. Insert the DIY filter lengthwise.
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf11.jpg
http://www.jaypadua.com/vios/diy_acf/diy_acf12.jpg

You will have enough filter material, for several replacements.

[1stToyota]

i'd rather have cleaner air than more air.... the DIY way means you have the chance for better quality filter media. 3M Filtrete right here.

You won't get much better than OEM or WIX for quality filtering, and if you do then you can almost assure yourself that airflow, blower motor and resistor will suffer as the result.

[BailOut]

You won't get much better than OEM or WIX for quality filtering, and if you do then you can almost assure yourself that airflow, blower motor and resistor will suffer as the result.
Those are fairly broad statements without anything to support them. I do not recall ever seeing an OEM or Wix filter that was allergen rated but the 3M home filter I used in this DIY is. 18 months of usage without an issue shows that it doesn't hurt any part of the ventilation system.

Before the hack there were over 30 posts in this thread from folks that had done this DIY and were happy with it. I understand that some people prefer a custom made filter but that is no reason to malign a proven DIY version of it with fabrications and alarmism.

[1stToyota]

Those are fairly broad statements without anything to support them. I do not recall ever seeing an OEM or Wix filter that was allergen rated but the 3M home filter I used in this DIY is. 18 months of usage without an issue shows that it doesn't hurt any part of the ventilation system.

Before the hack there were over 30 posts in this thread from folks that had done this DIY and were happy with it. I understand that some people prefer a custom made filter but that is no reason to malign a proven DIY version of it with fabrications and alarmism.

They call them pollen filters, and the WIX, Fram, OEM, and maybe another one or two have some sort of charcoal...mildew fighter...along those lines...and you know what you're getting. You don't know what you're getting if someone overdoes it with an expensive, dense home filter. I wouldn't want to be around if a vehicle was taken into the dealership with a ventilation issue and the tech finds a DIY project. I've seen enough resistors burned out to know that proper airflow is critical to their operation. They had cabin air filters that had never been replaced. Like I said before I don't know about the Yaris, but the Fords and Nissans that come to mind needed maximum flow, using a more restrictive approach wouldn't be better once the filter started getting dirty. Maybe that's why a lot replace them every 3 to 5K instead of the normal 15K reccomendation. It's not alarmism, it's just concern about people thinking they have the better than OEM answer for cabin air filters, but wouldn't dream of ever trying to show OEM how it's done when it comes to their other filters, like oil filter and engine air filter. You've just got two kinds of owners: ones that follow the rules and go by Toyota's standards for OEM parts, proper oil viscosity, tire pressure, etc...and those that will do it their way and not follow those rules whenever able.

NAPA Cabin Air Filters Are Treated w/ Enviro-Shield ! A Patented Chemical Treatment That Inhibits The Growth Of Mold, Mildew, Algae + Bacteria. The Media Traps These Harmful Microbes To Keep Your Vehicle 100% Odor + Allergan Free - EPA Approved

[eTiMaGo]

as with any DIY project, it should be done at your own risk. Use a filter too dense that it fries your blower motor, too bad.. Though I'd think you might notice that the vents are barely blowing any air...

[Lafiro]

Does anyone know if the major service include a cabin air filter, or for that matter any of the major services that are done at the dealership?

I just did this DIY and found that there was NO cabin air filter.
And this made me really mad, and now I see the reason why when I slapped the seats the other day driving, the biggest clouds of dust kept coming off them like I have never seen.

I have since then installed an cabin air filter, and vacuumed my seats clean.

If the services were to include the cabin air filter, then I will be going there soon and demanding refunds or free cabin air filters.... because that was not right.

[1stToyota]

Does anyone know if the major service include a cabin air filter, or for that matter any of the major services that are done at the dealership?

I just did this DIY and found that there was NO cabin air filter.
And this made me really mad, and now I see the reason why when I slapped the seats the other day driving, the biggest clouds of dust kept coming off them like I have never seen.

I have since then installed an cabin air filter, and vacuumed my seats clean.

If the services were to include the cabin air filter, then I will be going there soon and demanding refunds or free cabin air filters.... because that was not right.

We don't get one from the factory, but I think checking/replacing the cabin filter is scheduled every 15K miles under normal conditions.

edit: I lied. That's for the engine air filter, not the a/c filter. No mention of the cabin air filter in the maintenance book that I could see. Only mention of the cabin/air conditioner filter is in the owner's manual; just says a/c filter should be replaced often to maintain proper a/c efficiency.

[voodoo22]

We don't get one from the factory, but I think checking/replacing the cabin filter is scheduled every 15K miles under normal conditions.

edit: I lied. That's for the engine air filter, not the a/c filter. No mention of the cabin air filter in the maintenance book that I could see. Only mention of the cabin/air conditioner filter is in the owner's manual; just says a/c filter should be replaced often to maintain proper a/c efficiency.

The Canadian dealership try to turn the cabin air filter into a cash cow by charging over 50$ every 16000 kms, which is about 10k miles. The dealer I take it to still can't figure out why I insist on changing it myself at a cost of a couple bucks.:iono:

[nemelek]

My dealer is real proud of their price.

[talnlnky]

the toyota people won't even look at the air filter location unless there is a sticker in that lil glovebox/compartment area on the passenger side (by the knees under the dash). I believe the stick denotes when it was installed and when it should be replaced.

If the service person doesn't see the stick... it means there was never a filter installed by the service dept.

[Lafiro]

What is this A/C filter you are talking about?

I know where the air intake filter is in the engine bay.

I also know where the cabin air filter is behind the glove box.

But where is this A/C filter??

Also it still smells wierd at times when the A/C is used/just turning off, its wierd and people don't like it one bit.

Thanks for the help.

[YarisSedan]

What is this A/C filter you are talking about?

I know where the air intake filter is in the engine bay.

I also know where the cabin air filter is behind the glove box.

But where is this A/C filter??

Also it still smells wierd at times when the A/C is used/just turning off, its wierd and people don't like it one bit.

Thanks for the help.

Maybe theres mold growing on your cabin air filter. How many miles you have on the car chances you never changed it

[jpadua]

What is this A/C filter you are talking about?

I know where the air intake filter is in the engine bay.

I also know where the cabin air filter is behind the glove box.

But where is this A/C filter??

Also it still smells wierd at times when the A/C is used/just turning off, its wierd and people don't like it one bit.

Thanks for the help.


I think that the cabin filter and A/C filter are the same, thats the only place I know you where you can replace the filter.

[1stToyota]

What is this A/C filter you are talking about?

I know where the air intake filter is in the engine bay.

I also know where the cabin air filter is behind the glove box.

But where is this A/C filter??

Also it still smells wierd at times when the A/C is used/just turning off, its wierd and people don't like it one bit.

Thanks for the help.

Same thing. In the owner's manual Toyota calls it the A/C filter, probably to make it seem more vital. If Fram makes one for our car you might try one of theirs. They're protected with baking soda. Or a WIX/Napa filter...they're treated to help against mold and meldew.

"NAPA Cabin Air Filters Are Treated w/ Enviro-Shield ! A Patented Chemical Treatment That Inhibits The Growth Of Mold, Mildew, Algae + Bacteria. The Media Traps These Harmful Microbes To Keep Your Vehicle 100% Odor + Allergan Free - EPA Approved"

[voodoo22]

My dealer is real proud of their price.

That's like $130 Canadian, I guess you're paying extra for the French mechanic:wink:

[Lafiro]

Oh, my car NEVER had a cabin air filter until I made and installed one two days ago.

Still smells though. Im thinking of taking it out, and turning on the fan to max, and throwing bits of baking soda powder to the fan......
probably a bad idea...
Or someone suggest what I do please.

[YarisSedan]

ive posted this a few times already but purchase febreeze antimicrobial and spray it into the air ducts as it goes through your a/c system it will kill all the bacteria and also give your ac system a fresh clean scent for a few days.

[Lafiro]

ok, will do, thank you.

My friend also has an ozone machine for the car to kill off stuff/give it that fresh car smell or something. It is really strong, makes my Sharper Image Ionic Breeze smell like nothing compared to it lol.

I will do both.

[Astroman]

What a great reminder I need to cut up that new filter I bought for the cars. I just took out the last one I had installed :barf:

[Lafiro]

Alright, so I did this my way first.

Sprayed the antimicrobial in the car, vents, intake while a/c and heat were on, and then seats/floors.

Then left the ionic breeze on high in the car, and sprayed it again everywhere before closing the windows as much as possible and leaving it in the car.

So I left that since 9pm last night, and wont touch the car until 5pm or so tonight.

If it aint perfect after that, I will do the ionic breeze again tonight, and then when I can drive the 26miles to my friends shop, I will use that Ozone machine.

[Lafiro]

Wow, I should not have done that second spray of antimicrobial, BUT the car smells brand new.

My friends Mercedes S600 smells the way mine does now, and I don't know how thats possible, but I love it now LOL.

[RedRide]

I have been making the same type of cabin filters for my Celica for years.

Now, I know how to do it (the exact dementions needed,etc) for my Yaris. :smile:

[1stToyota]

i have a fram fresh breeze in there :)

I couldn't stand the musty wet dog smell coming out of my vents every morning any more, got real desperate :wink: and installed a FRAM FreshBreeze...smells like a little powdered baby in there now :w00t:

The filter that I removed was a new Beck/Arnley...I'll save it for this winter.

[The Spectacle]

My dealer is real proud of their price.

holy fucking shit.

[marcus]

i spent $16.00 cnd and it seems like im gettng 8 squares on them..not bad at all.

[nemelek]

I changed mine at 10,000 miles and it seemed real dirty.

[RomGrr]

yeah.... who cares.... humans can't tell the difference... i've got one year of experience with this type of DIY filter.

Also... this would ONLY be a problem if you drive around with your air on MAX all the time and still felt you needed a stronger fan in your car.


All who drive around town with the fan on max all the time please raise your hand.
...


thought so.

:::raises hand:::

We've had 105-110 heat index here the past few weeks. If the car had a moonroof I'd probably attempt to ring a home window unit up to it :biggrin:

I'm a little confused...this filters the air being sucked into the air conditioner, or the air being blown into the cabin? And how would changing the A/C settings affect this (i.e. setting to recirculating)? The filter seems vital to a long lasting and efficient A/C system. How can this not be included with the car?

[Astroman]

I had mine out for a while (made new ones), and had a musty smell when using the AC. Now that I have a new filter in, the smell is gone. :biggrin:

[PatrickJohnson]

the filter is post-ac, it only filters the air coming out of the blower of the ac unit. as such, the unit's operation is unaffected by leaving it out, it just means that whatever allergens/dust your external ac air intake suck in will end up in some amount inside your cabin. with the filter in place, the dust that makes it to your cabin is greatly reduced, and with an allergen rated filter you can cut down on pollen and the like. helps allergies while driving.

[LilBlue]

Hey, found this site today. It's amazing what all you guys do - providing so much information. I was looking for a new cabin filter at a local parts store, couldn't find the part number in the book. A quick goog brought me here, and after just a few minutes I had discovered that the cheap skates never even put one in from the get go, made 4 filters myself, installed one, and took most of the dash trim out just to look around with a flashlight and see what I could see.

Awesome.

Oh, and I only got 4 filters 'cuz my house A/C filters are 20x20 so that's what I happened to have laying around. Could -almost- get 6 out of it, but so what. I get the nice allergen filters in bulk so the final cost for 4 was under $1 each anyway.

Again, awesome. Thank you so much for this.

One tip that might help somebody else - the 3/4" thick house A/C filter can be squished down if you have extra like I did. As long as you cut your duct tape to the right length and hold the pleats when you are "assembling", then you'll get more surface area in there and you still end up with the target size. As far as getting it into the fan box, it's not a perfect fit and I expect some air will find it's way around. Maybe a high-performance version of this idea would be to make a nice well-fitting/sealing "tray" that replaceable filters could be shoved in there with. For now I am quite happy with my cut up filter and tape. It is vastly better than _nothing_...

[BailOut]

Hi LilBlue,

Welcome to YarisWorld. :smile: I'm glad you found this DIY useful, and there are lots more here to keep you entertained for days on end.

[b_hickman11]

the filter is post-ac, it only filters the air coming out of the blower of the ac unit. as such, the unit's operation is unaffected by leaving it out, it just means that whatever allergens/dust your external ac air intake suck in will end up in some amount inside your cabin. with the filter in place, the dust that makes it to your cabin is greatly reduced, and with an allergen rated filter you can cut down on pollen and the like. helps allergies while driving.

Actually the filter is between the air inlet and the blower. The air comes in, goes through the filter, through the blower fan, and then through the rest of the AC and finally the vents.

[PatrickJohnson]

that is not accurate. The air is blowing upward from the blower, into the filter, and out the vents. I promise. I tested. Open your filter housing and turn on your AC. a quick hand over the blower motor while running (CAREFUL!) will confirm that the air hits the filter after the blower, and mere visual inspection will easily show the path of the air once it passes the filter.

[b_hickman11]

that is not accurate. The air is blowing upward from the blower, into the filter, and out the vents. I promise. I tested. Open your filter housing and turn on your AC. a quick hand over the blower motor while running (CAREFUL!) will confirm that the air hits the filter after the blower, and mere visual inspection will easily show the path of the air once it passes the filter.

I tried that the very first time and I also thought the air was blowing up. But after looking at all of the parts a little closer, it actually blows the other way.

You might want to check that again. Look under the dash while turning the knobs that selects re-circulate or fresh air. You will notice that this will move the plastic door that is right above the filter. When the door moves to the back, it closes off the outside air inlet and opens the re-circulate inlet. When the door moves to the front, this closes off the re-circulate inlet and opens up the fresh air inlet. If air was blowing up into the filter, the air would always blow into the car from underneath the dash or would blow cold air outside the car, and would never go out the 4 vents on top. You will notice that the vents are not connected to the system here. They are connected on the bottom side of the blower, not the top.

[RomGrr]

I tried that the very first time and I also thought the air was blowing up. But after looking at all of the parts a little closer, it actually blows the other way.

You might want to check that again. Look under the dash while turning the knobs that selects re-circulate or fresh air. You will notice that this will move the plastic door that is right above the filter. When the door moves to the back, it closes off the outside air inlet and opens the re-circulate inlet. When the door moves to the front, this closes off the re-circulate inlet and opens up the fresh air inlet. If air was blowing up into the filter, the air would always blow into the car from underneath the dash or would blow cold air outside the car, and would never go out the 4 vents on top. You will notice that the vents are not connected to the system here. They are connected on the bottom side of the blower, not the top.

You are correct. I finally had a chance to try this today. Yanked off the glove box and tested things. Turn the car on and go sit in the passenger seat with the A/C blowing full blast on recirculating (so you have access). Go get a tissue or toilet paper. Hold it close and see which way it wants to go. It's definitely sucking, which I'm guessing means the car is sucking unfiltered air into the compressor. Regardless, the A/C unit has to be filtered somehow. Show me in the factory manual where this filter is, otherwise it has to be this cabin filter. Take the filters off your home air conditioner unit and see how long it lasts. I'll definitely be adding a filter from now on. I'm pretty damn pissed that the car shipped without one. For such a cheap price, this little paper filter could easily add years to the life of the compressor.

[Yaris Hilton]

The compressor doesn't compress air. It compresses refrigerant. That air only goes through the fan, AC evaporator and/or heater core.

[yarisBMD]

Thanks, this is great! I just picked up my new 3dr 09 LB and checked at the dealer before I left the lot. They claimed they don't have any on hand (?) but that they would be in contact. I'm making my own as we, uh, text! Thanks!

[RUFFSTUFF]

All you have to do is look at the fan blades and note the direction of rotation. I'll be making some filters when I get off work. Yum!

[Boost Addicted]

Interesting... I'm not trying to insult anyone here, but the directions for this are actually in the Yaris manual.

However, they call it an A/C filter? Which is why I was stumped and just didn't put anything in there.

No auto place sells these filters? You have to buy one from a hardware store?

[BailOut]

No auto place sells these filters? You have to buy one from a hardware store?
Yes. It is actually a home furnace/central air filter.

[Yaris Hilton]

From post #69 in the "cabin filter missing" thread:

If you need to replace the cabin filter, there is a good thread about making your own, or you can go to a parts store - I used Advance Auto Parts, and picked up the Purolator C35667. It costs around $15. You can also get them at Pepboys and sometimes Checker. I have also used the Wix version, but it wasn't as good.

[1stToyota]

Interesting... I'm not trying to insult anyone here, but the directions for this are actually in the Yaris manual.

However, they call it an A/C filter? Which is why I was stumped and just didn't put anything in there.

No auto place sells these filters? You have to buy one from a hardware store?

Depends on what you're wanting. DYI, or install one already made by Bosch, WIX, Fram, Beck/Arnley, etc...

[Boost Addicted]

From post #69 in the "cabin filter missing" thread:

lol thanks man. I'm not gonna lie to ya and say I read through this whole thread, and should've saw that post before I posted lol.

[fratzica]

Got a question.

I want to install my carpc into the glove box compartment. Please tell me, is the air heater placed before or after the cabin air filter? I wouldn`t want to fry my computer during winter time..

Thank you!

[b_hickman11]

Got a question.

I want to install my carpc into the glove box compartment. Please tell me, is the air heater placed before or after the cabin air filter? I wouldn`t want to fry my computer during winter time..

Thank you!

Air flow goes down so it is heated after it goes through the filter and after the fan.

[fratzica]

oh, good news then, I will use the airflow to cool the processor :)

Thank you!

[eddy]

:wink:great work and idea. But i work for a local parts store and the filter only costs me $10.74

[rotcav]

Thanks so much for this DIY, I get free filters here at the apartment complex where I live, so I am going to craft me a filter cartridge now! You guys rock!

[Wildcat]

I'm glad I found this forum. Sure enough, my 07 HB did not have a cabin filter installed. I just bought the allergen rated NAPA version, part #: FIL 4483. I figure $16 a year isn't going to kill me. Especially compared to what the dealer would charge for a 2 minute installation.

[YarisLover09]

Just picked up the NAPA 4483 at my local shop. I was wondering why the dashboard and inside of the car was so dusty.
How strange that a $16 part was not included. I'm sure this will make a big difference, I have to wait until my girlfriend brings my car back to install it.
Hopefully it will be a snug fit.


edit:

I installed this last night and it fits perfectly. I was going to do the DIY filter but we live in a hot environment and I had concerns about the duct tape melting. With having to replace the filter only every 10,000 miles it should be easy to go to NAPA whenever i need one.

[dmjohnson212]

Excellent post! Thanks for the info. Wife's '09 Yaris cabin fan was humming. Checked the air filter/fan...No filter & a piece of paper in the fan. Your post saved me an $85 air system diagonostic charge & since the car is still under warranty I will be insistiting on a warranty Toyota cabin filter. Many thanks! DJ

[AngelMoo]

I've had a look around, read this whole thread and it seemed like the best place to ask (if not, correct direction pointing would be welcome!)

I've got a slightly smelly aircon and before I try installing a filter I wanted to spray some antibacterial stuff into the system (Toyota AU wanted $50 for this). It was an effort but I finally found the spray... now I don't know where to spray it. Can someone tell me exactly where the aircon intake is?

Edit: just tried to put some product (turns out it's a foam, not aerosol) in the fan part under the side passenger glove box... well you can't spray a foam upwards so I didn't get any in the aircon. So now we're all out of ideas.

[Crackerballer]

Just wanted to reply that I just did this and it's an excellent write-up. I have a hard time believing this filter would put more strain on the system than a factory one, especially a clogged factory one.

Thanks for the great idea.

[xorrbit]

Just did this, seems to be working wonderfully. Saved me some money in my pocket :) Thanks!

[hoperrs]

Going to try this out.

Ron. :thumbup:

[matthewai]

hi i recently put in my CAF it seems to fit a little to snug is this a bad thing?

i know i got the correct size air filter i dont get it, like i kinda had to force the cover back on once i installed it

[why?]

hi i recently put in my CAF it seems to fit a little to snug is this a bad thing?

i know i got the correct size air filter i dont get it, like i kinda had to force the cover back on once i installed it

I am pretty sure they fit in only one way, maybe you put it in one of the 3 non correct ways?

[matthewai]

I am pretty sure they fit in only one way, maybe you put it in one of the 3 non correct ways?

hmm i guess its possible but i think only one side had writing on it and that side is facing out. ill check again later

[BLH]

Mine came with a small piece of paper with some diagrams.
Showing where it is in the car and how to install it.
Was easier than searching the owners manual or the service manuals that I downloaded.

[subdood]

Here is a vinyl frame I made for my cabin filter.

This frame does away with the one inch cardboard / duct tape border on the Filtrete filters that the OP has on his filter. I used the same Filtrete filter as the OP did. I cut my filter material from inside the borders so I could get as much filter material as possible inside the frame. This frame flexes also to make it easier to get into the cabin filter air box.

I used an 8' piece of vinyl corner bead that I got from Menards. You can get it in the drywall section of the store.

The product is gripSTIK 8' Vinyl Cornerbead. Cost is $1.31. You can make 2 frames with an 8' length.

http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/drywall/accessories/gripstik-8-vinyl-cornerbead/p-1727171-c-5655.htm

1. Cut the 8' length down to 31-1/4"

2. The bead comes with 1-1/4" legs. Use tin snips to trim one leg down to 7/8" (this will be the sides of the frame).

3. Use tin snips to trim the other leg down to 5/8" (this will be the bottom of the frame).

4. Layout the cuts for the frame. From one end mark the 5/8" leg at 8-1/4", 15-5/8", 23-3/4". (I know these dimensions seem odd, but they take into acount the thickness of the bead so that you end up with a nice rectangular frame).

5. Cut and notch for the frame corners. At each mark you just laid out, cut the 5/8" leg with a straight cut followed by an approx. 45 degree angle cut as shown. Cut a 45 degree angle cut at one end of the bead as well.

6. Fold the bead into a 90 degree angle at each of the cuts.

7. I used electrical tape to tape the open corners together to form a nice rectangular frame. You may need to play around with the notch on the end to be able to get the final corner you tape together to fit nice.

8. The final frame should be 7-5/8" x 8-3/8".

9. Cut a piece of Filtrete filter material to fit nicely into your frame and install into your Yaris. (By the way, My 2010 Toyota Prius takes the same size filter, so it fits that car as well).

10. To seal the frame up a bit better, I also wrapped a layer of electrical tape around the the sides and bottom to seal all of the holes in the corner bead material. Sorry, I didn't get a picture of this. I think this might prevent air from getting around the filter as easy.

[nookandcrannycar]

Just picked up the NAPA 4483 at my local shop. I was wondering why the dashboard and inside of the car was so dusty.
How strange that a $16 part was not included. I'm sure this will make a big difference, I have to wait until my girlfriend brings my car back to install it.
Hopefully it will be a snug fit.


edit:

I installed this last night and it fits perfectly. I was going to do the DIY filter but we live in a hot environment and I had concerns about the duct tape melting. With having to replace the filter only every 10,000 miles it should be easy to go to NAPA whenever i need one.

Thanks for the part number:thumbsup:, good for all of us to know so members can obtain one with less hassle if so desired. The 3rd gen car now includes the cabin air filter from the factory, at least for the U.S. market. I would guess that Toyota did this re all the issues caused by leaving the housing empty from the factory in the past.

[Rockstar]

Wow US models really misses out on a lot of 'hidden' features. Aus gets this standard on all models :frown:

[bestyaris]

reviving ancient thread..^^

any feedback from long term DIY ers?

[jRoss]

I checked and i don't even have a cabin air filter. Wtf? Guess i'm going to do this diy.

Ok nvm, did a lil research, it's normal.

[albee213]

K&N Performance/Cabin Air Filter for $39.99 each and might add 1hp and a throatier sound when you turn your heater/AC on!

[firebird1999us]

Holy cow - I had no idea the car even had a cabin air filter until I saw this!?!

[nookandcrannycar]

K&N Performance/Cabin Air Filter for $39.99 each and might add 1hp and a throatier sound when you turn your heater/AC on!

:bellyroll:

[Astroman]

reviving ancient thread..^^

any feedback from long term DIY ers?

I don't even smoke and mine turns almost black after 6 months. My total cost using the day method for almost 8 years is about 30 bucks

[IllusionX]

I don't even smoke and mine turns almost black after 6 months. My total cost using the day method for almost 8 years is about 30 bucks


Smoking in the car almost have no effect on the cabin filter unless you run recirculate all the time. Even then, the smoke doesn't get that much from the passenger side.

Also, the cabin filter is supposed to be changed every 10k miles or 1 year.

[mike1419]

is the space above the filter opening always open.
It looks to me like it is sealed when the glove box is closed. there is a felt like padding on the back of the glovebox

[manborn]

Wtf. No filter since 07 geez

Electrostatic it is home depot!

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[manborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/10/18/e7ypuju4.jpg

Done during lunch. Thanks

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[Steveh27]

The little white left clip on the filter tray cover snapped off when I removed it, but it seems to go back in place.

[cptriker1]

I got my 2008 Yaris Sedan new with 29 miles. It didn't come with a cabin filter. I now have 301,000 miles. Replaced the fan motor once, napkins got sucked into it another time, and today I had to endure the pain of removing it because of ONE leaf.

If i would have had a filter it would have stopped the leaf. Now having seen this thread I'm going to look into getting a filter in there.

Btw, trash (leaves, etc...) will plug the ac drain. I had to use my Rainbow vacuum cleaner to suck out the trash thru the outside drain hose.

All of this could have been avoided if I'd known about this year's ago with all the miles I've put on her!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[manborn]

Mine was no filter also. Not sure if it was factory or dealership at fault.

[BLH]

My 2007 came with no cabin filter. Directly from the Toyota factory.
I would not count on the dealer selling the car to me actually put one in. They probably would be happy to sell me and charge to install one