In Cabin Filter

The damping arm does have to be removed. You can't see the filter until you do.

 

Yeah, no one will see it once the cowl is on. If I did that, I would prefer a material that won't rust like maybe, thick plastic screen or stainless steel, but at least you won't be smelling heated rat piss this winter and not have those freeloading stowaways with you too.

 

The hardware cloth is hot dip galvanized , it doesn't rust , I've used it outside for 10+ years no rust issues

 

Smart choice!

 

I didn't disconnect it. Just push the two limiting tabs on the box in and you can get your hand in to get the filter in and out.

 

I've used regular fiberglass window screen on a couple of vehicles. Cut to fit the bottom of the removed cowl and hot glue it, and you won't get leaves and needles down in that area.

I plan on using the hardware cloth on the big hole Oz shows for varmits, and the screen on the cowl for trash.

 

A house cat is no defence against them things. You need a Def Leopard

 

Thanks for this thread guys. I just cleaned out my heater box and got enough mouse stuff to start my very own toxic waste site. Sorry, no photos, as it was too cold to hang around outside any longer than necessary.

 

Yep it’s amazing how much crud gets in there...

 

I changed the one in my wife's minivan a couple of weeks ago. I should have taken a picture of it. One of our cats jumps up on the van and lays between the hood and windshield before you even shut it off. It was the original and the van is a 2006.
It was PACKED with cat hair.
It only took about five minutes and you don't have to take anything out of the glove box. Once you remove the regulator, the whole thing just pops up off the hinges.

 

The dealer dummies took out my good "washable" filter - after I told them to leave it alone - and replaced it with that paper rag that Toyota stocks. Since I mistakenly believed they did as directed - I didn't discover this until about two months later when I was going to clean it. Morons......

 

If true, you just turned this into a 1 minute task. That damn damper thingy is such a pain in the ass to reconnect. Thanks @SocalTaco15

 

I change mine every Spring with an OEM filter. I've had terrible luck in the past with other filters so I use OEM for oil, air and engine filters

 

Thanks again for this thread. I got my 1/4" screen in as photo'd in other people's posts above and slid in a new filter from Filterheads. They really deserve my business for making their instructional video. Now I'm thinking I better check my wife's Subaru. Yikes!

Oh, BTW, if you're in the hantavirus zone, wear a face mask and gloves while cleaning up the droppings.

 

Just bought my 2006 Tacoma with 206,000 miles.... I don’t think this filter has EVER been changed... at least I know why my AC was blowing weak. There was even more leaves/pine needles that fell on the floor mat..... nasty!

 

The scary part is, for something so easy to change you wonder what else they skimped out on maintenance wise.

 

Well engine air filter was pretty bad, the spark plugs were some of the worst I’ve ever seen, the rotors were bad, and the transmission fluid was a little low. After doing all my maintenance the check engine light is gone (oh yeah they had put tape on th back of the cluster where the check engine light and maint required light are but I took that off) and she purrs like a kitten. Thankfully I got it for a good price.

And I really am thankful for this website/forum!! You guys are awesome.