Where Is the Cabin Air Filter Located in Vehicles

by Contributing WriterUpdated June 12, 2017

As the nation's best-selling sedan, it's hard to imagine Vehicles as anything less than well-equipped. In fact, the Vehicles could be equipped with an optional cabin air filter, something considered de rigueur by today's auto market, to strain out allergens from the air conditioning system. This filter, if equipped, is installed within the AC evaporator unit concealed within the center console. Like any other filter, the cabin air filter can clog and accumulate a nasty collection of particulates that can trap strange odors and reduce the AC's performance. Removing and replacing the filter, despite its hidden mounting location, is easy to do.

Under The Hood:

 Where Is the Cabin Air Filter Located in a Pontiac?

History

Cabin air filters have been in European vehicles for more than 25 years and in U.S. and Asian models for more than 15. According to Air-Purifier-Power, most vehicle owners don't know their car has a cabin air filter. Even fewer can find the filter.

Benefits

A cabin air filter helps keep allergens, other miniature particles and gas fumes out of your vehicle's interior. It also improves air circulation through the ventilation, heating and air-conditioning systems in your Pontiac.

Location

The cabin air filter is located on the passenger side of all Pontiac vehicles. It is either under the dashboard, in the glove compartment or under the hood, just beneath the cowl.

Change Interval

You should change the cabin air filter in your Pontiac every 12,000 to 20,000 miles, and more frequently if you drive on dirt roads or suffer from allergens. If the filter looks dusty or black, it's time to change it, regardless of mileage.

Replacement Time

Replacing a Pontiac cabin air filter is a fairly quick process. You or a mechanic can change it in five to 15 minutes.

 Where Is the Cabin Air Filter Located on Cars?

Function

The cabin air filter filters the outside air coming into the vehicle.

Time Frame

The useful life of a filter depends on external conditions and the air quality in your area; they usually require replacement around 15,000 miles, or every year.

Identification

The cabin air filter is rectangular in shape and protected by a plastic cover that can be removed, usually with a tab.

Location

The cabin air filter may be in the outside air intake under the hood, or it may be inside the vehicle, around the dashboard on the passenger's side.

Tips

The car's owner's manual should include information about where to find the cabin air filter. The instructions will also explain how to replace the filter when necessary, including where to purchase a new one.

 Where Is the Cabin Air Filter Located for a Toyota Camry 01?

Open the driver-side door and pull the carpeting back from the foot well, moving from the door to the accelerator pedal near the center console. Pop out the heater cover door from the side of the center console, using a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in masking tape.

Locate the long, rectangular filter cover from the evaporator unit in the center console. Pop the cover off of the unit, then pull the cabin air filter out of the unit.

Hold the new cabin air filter against the evaporator unit, with the arrows imprinted on the filter pointing into the unit. Push the filter into place and reinstall the filter cover.

Reinstall the heater cover door and push the carpeting into place in the driver-side foot well.

Items you will need

  • Flat-head screwdriver

  • Masking tape

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