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Cabin Air filter permanent removal?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by chadabear, Jan 6, 2016.

  1. Jan 6, 2016 at 1:01 PM
    #1
    chadabear

    chadabear [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Has anyone ever taken out the cabin filter, and not replaced it?? Left it open....I live in Louisiana, and for the most part, keep my windows down most of the time...Just wondering if any people decide it's not worth the $$ and take out for good...
     
  2. Jan 6, 2016 at 1:06 PM
    #2
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Sometimes when I close my eyes, I can't see.

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    It's a fairly modern invention in cars. But it is helpful keeping the evaporator clean, evidenced by all the yuk you'll find in the filter.

    They can often be blown out with some low pressure shop air.

    You can find them a lot less expensive at places outside of Toyota.

    In the 'cheap free mods' thread, or one like that, you'll find a posting on how to make your own filter out of a household AC filter.

    No, I'd not leave it out. Even if you don't use the AC, air for the heater and outside air vent flow follows the same path. Why make a mess in there when you don't have to?
     
  3. Jan 6, 2016 at 1:06 PM
    #3
    TacomaMike37

    TacomaMike37 Well-Known Member

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  4. Jan 6, 2016 at 1:10 PM
    #4
    chadabear

    chadabear [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thats my point...I ride w two front windows all the way down, and back ones at minimum, half way...Cant let anymore dust in than that...lol...I was just thinking, that even replacing the filter, whichj I have multiple times, and then riding the way I do for days, weeks, and even months....is it just a waste?
     
  5. Jan 6, 2016 at 1:12 PM
    #5
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    Why wouldn't the crap just evaporate.
     
  6. Jan 6, 2016 at 1:12 PM
    #6
    TacomaMike37

    TacomaMike37 Well-Known Member

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    Ha. Gotcha. I think Billy makes a good point in that it keeps all types of shit off the evaporator, that fact alone might make me personally want to keep it in.
     
  7. Jan 6, 2016 at 1:19 PM
    #7
    edm3rd

    edm3rd Well-Known Member

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    Suggest you keep it. Base of windshield is a high pressure point - a lot of air comes thru. I can usually get 2 years out of an aftermarket filter at minimum cost (or as mentioned, make one), just take it out, tap it on something/or use air to hose it off. Really helps keep your entire heat/cooling system much cleaner - evaporator, heater core, fan in addition to your cab interior.
     
  8. Jan 6, 2016 at 1:55 PM
    #8
    cj13058

    cj13058 Well-Known Member

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    When I got my 2005 TRD DCSB in NOV 2004 there were no cabin air filters installed in any of the trucks...must not be that important. The part wasn't even available and I can't remember when the filters could be purchased. I have been using then since they have been available though, despite my comment above.
     
  9. Jan 6, 2016 at 1:56 PM
    #9
    127.0.0.1

    127.0.0.1 AKA ::1

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    it keeps crap out of the system otherwise you are much more likely to have a clogged evaporator
    drain and end up with wet carpets
     
    Jimmyh likes this.
  10. Jan 6, 2016 at 4:29 PM
    #10
    RickG

    RickG It seemed like a good idea at the time...

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    I made a cleanable one from a household air filter as in this thread mentioned above. Works great, didn't cost much, and I had enough left over to make one for the wife's Jeep too. Now, if I could just remember to check it when the temp's not in single digits outside ;)
     
  11. Jan 6, 2016 at 5:35 PM
    #11
    spp

    spp OC, Kalifornia

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    Every time I think about just leaving it out when I change it and find all sorts of little leaves and tiny rocks that get sucked in laying on top and decide it's better to filter ahead of the system than clean out deeper later.
     
  12. Jan 6, 2016 at 6:25 PM
    #12
    Bajatacoma

    Bajatacoma Well-Known Member

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    Pretty much this- the '05s didn't come with filters installed, but you could add the one from other Toyota models. The dealer wants something ridiculous for the filter and install but you can buy them cheap off Amazon, Rock Auto, etc. I usually just add a couple when I place an order and then store them. I run with the windows down a lot as well but as others have said, it helps keep crap out of the blower.

    If/when you replace it, be careful removing that cheap, plastic POS glove box spring. The molded tabs on the truck side get warped easily and then the piece won't stay on; my glove box just drops open. I need to get around to putting a spring of some sort on it but I don't use the thing that much.
     

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