Cabin air filter was a little dirty!

I forgot about this filter for a few years. Couldn’t believe how bad it was. I paid $7.57 delivered to my door. Definitely ordering another right now.

 

Wow that’s horrible

 

^^^true. But the nightmare is over now. Just clicked the buy button and will have a spare on the shelf by next week.

 

went through this recently but it was a huge mouse nest. Some of it may have fallen down below so I'll see if the tube of my old Dyson vacuum (DC50) can fit to get the rest out. That or maybe a free carwash vacuum.
Not sure about buying a new vacuum (or Dyson) so I simply put new filters on it too recently, and a brush since the bristles on the original one were wearing off. I hear they wear fast.

Ordered the cheapest reputable brand I could find on RockAuto thinking it can't go wrong since 1) it's an upgrade over an old dirty one and 2) looks a bit better than whatever I saw elsewhere cheaper such as Chinese ones on eBay. Those looked flimsy
Though I know there's more expensive ones out there, for example Mann FreciousPlus (not sure if they make one for the Tacoma)

 

often an over looked item to replace

 

I have this in my Amazon subscribe and save. Ends up being about $11. It just shows up so I don't have to remember.

$13 FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, CF10374 for Dodge/Toyota Vehicles

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CEJH0W/ref=sns_myd_detail_page

 

The TYC replacement shown was very similar and fit perfectly.

 

Did you check your cowl area, that's where all the stuff gets in from. The dealer had replaced the filter on my truck but when I checked the cowl it was still loaded with debris and dirt. Get in there and clean that stuff out and your filter will stay clean a lot longer.

 

Good point and I did check there. It was all clear. Another place that stuff gathers is at the bottom front corner of the doors behind the rubber flap. I used a vacuum to clean that out too.

 

Yup I discovered this spot when I was cleaning. Completely packed with debris. I had to jab it with a stick to loosen it so the vacuum could pull something out.

Where is the cowl area?

 

Nothing wrong there, put it back.....

 

Yup. I bought my truck beginning of May from the previous owner I know well who always garaged it. Older lady who used gawd awful air fresheners in it so I really wanted to get the smell out. Pulled the cabin filter and was amazed at all the debris that came with it. That cowl lets in an unusual amount of crap IMHO, and simply needs to be watched. Also. The filters are cheap and ez to get to so it may become an every other oil change item.


EPAuto CP374 (CF10374) Replacement for Toyota/Dodge/Pontiac Premium Cabin Air Filter includes Activated Carbon

$13 EPAuto CP374 (CF10374) Replacement for Toyota/Dodge/Pontiac Premium Cabin Air Filter includes Activated Carbon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY5YMJJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Wz5dDb847GMH5

 

That's the biggest overlooked area when cleaning or washing your cars/trucks. It's a problem that collects over time then turns the body to rust. I learned this ...years ago when starting out in the business detailing cars. I always wipe down my door jam and trim area after washing to this day.

 

The cowl is under the hood by the windshield.

 

Yikes! Checking mine now that’s pretty rough

 

Only a few bugs among the leaves etc. No mouse poop so there’s a plus. The filter was plugged up with dust and dirt. Lots more air flow now. The shame associated with posting that picture will likely leave me scarred for life lol!

 

You could lose your membership to TW for such neglect.

 

Wow

 

And a literal 2 min job almost with one hand.

 

I know, I know.but