changed the indoor air cabin filter

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Superdrol, Oct 16, 2010.

  1. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2010
    399
    32
    0
    Location:
    ...........
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I'm surprised how dirty the indoor air cabin air filter was. I have 12k miles on my car, and it looks more dirty than the intake filter in the engine. Is the fram fresh breeze an ok quality indoor air cabin filter to be using ? It is completely loaded with activated charcoal.


    Also to ppl who says it is easy changing it out, I threw out my lower back trying to get the glove box off and I'm a 26 yr old male. Just saying.....................
     
  2. stream

    stream Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2008
    2,977
    452
    14
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Did you follow the instructions in the owners manual? It couldn't have been easier.
     
  3. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2010
    399
    32
    0
    Location:
    ...........
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    i did. The way the glovebox is placed, I had to kneel then lean over to release the side tabs while simultaneously putting pressure to release both of them. I strained my lower back and inevitably the sides of the plastic where the glovebox is located gets scratched badly because you have to drag it.
     
  4. docsnavely

    docsnavely Insert Custom Title Here

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2010
    66
    15
    0
    Location:
    Ocoee, FL
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    III
    Notice any difference in the output or smell after the change?
     
  5. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2010
    399
    32
    0
    Location:
    ...........
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    There's sometimes a musty smell. Same that I had with the stock air filter. I think this is due to the moisture in the vents. I've had this problem with both my corolla and camry. I was hoping that the activated charcoal would take care of it.



    So far it is the same as the stock. No difference.
     
  6. docsnavely

    docsnavely Insert Custom Title Here

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2010
    66
    15
    0
    Location:
    Ocoee, FL
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    III
    At least its good to know I can go with whichever is cheaper. Thanks for the update.
     
  7. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2010
    399
    32
    0
    Location:
    ...........
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    no problem. The fram is $18.00 or so at Walmart. Not sure what the dealer charges, but I'm sure it is more. Someone suggested putting a little scented tree on top of the filter prior to putting it in. So that when air gets pulled through it scents the interior of the cabin. I might try it.
     
  8. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    953
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Regarding the musty smell, don't leave the A/C in recirc all the time and switch to outside air a few miles before reaching your destination to dry out before parking.
     
  9. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2010
    399
    32
    0
    Location:
    ...........
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    that may be the culprit. I always keep my air on re-circ all the time a/c or heat. I'll keep that suggestion in mind.
     
  10. redrockprius

    redrockprius redrockprius

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2007
    167
    30
    0
    Location:
    Murray, UT
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I'm 76 and I'm sure I would have thrown out several joints if I tried to assume the position you describe. Instead of kneeling, I sit in the passenger seat and lower the glove box onto my feet. I'm able to get at the side tabs pretty easily.
     
  11. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2010
    399
    32
    0
    Location:
    ...........
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A


    So you just sat in the passenger seat and bent over ? If I slid back the seat that would probably work. I wish I would have done that, I had to severly extend my arms and apply sideways pressure simultaneously with my arms extended while leaning over. Nasty back injury.