View Full Version : Replacing cabin air filter
Mazda says to replace cabin air filter every 40,000 km or 24 months. My 2009 Mazda 3, bought 2 years ago, has only 20,000 km. Can the replacing air filter wait for another year or should I get it done now? During last 2 years I actually drove the car only for 18 months (stored the car during winter).
shaboi
02-26-2011, 06:26 PM
Just as a reference, here's what mine looked like after 110 K. I was the second owner of the vehicle but it looked like the filters had never been changed.
[URL=http://img837.imageshack.us/i/img00020201102191510.jpg/]http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/6518/img00020201102191510.jpg
crono06
02-26-2011, 10:29 PM
Lmao that's kinda gross
SilentJay
02-26-2011, 11:01 PM
Hmmm... Just hit 88k this week... Maybe it's time to change mine. I hear it's a major PITA though, especially if you have meaty bear paws like me :P
pacmann33
02-26-2011, 11:02 PM
I replaced my cabin air filter roughly a year after I purchased the car. It was disgusting. Change it once a year. I only drive my car on weekends also. In the winter it sits for usually about 3 weeks and then I'll use it for a weekend to charge the battery etc etc.
Keeps everything clean and your AC working at it's best. When you remove the old air filter if you are VERY careful vacuum out the crap lying around in there.
mikejones
02-27-2011, 01:29 AM
You don't have to replace it, but remember it is the air you are breathing with, so whats more important?
Dubcee
02-27-2011, 02:49 AM
For the sake of not inhaling a bunch of crap, replace it o.o
On that note, it involves taking out the fuse panel, glove box, and doing crazy voodoo and being a contortionist. Might wanna get someone else to do it if you don't feel adventurous. I got my mechanic to do it. His words were:
"I've been a mechanic for many many years and I've seen a lot of stupid engineering, but that was ****ing retarded"
Have fun~
cwp_sedan
02-27-2011, 03:31 AM
I had mine done by the dealer. Didn't feel like dealing with cut knuckles.
shaboi
02-27-2011, 12:14 PM
For the sake of not inhaling a bunch of crap, replace it o.o
On that note, it involves taking out the fuse panel, glove box, and doing crazy voodoo and being a contortionist. Might wanna get someone else to do it if you don't feel adventurous. I got my mechanic to do it. His words were:
"I've been a mechanic for many many years and I've seen a lot of stupid engineering, but that was ****ing retarded"
Have fun~
I'm a pretty small dude and still found it pretty difficult to get to that position. It's worth a shot to try and replace it on your own to save some money. And if you can't squeeze in there just put it all back together and see if you can find a place that will change it for fairly cheap. The only issues i had other then actually getting to the filter were moving the fuse panel bracket out of the way (it's attached to the carpet with a plug but i realized after that you can easily pull the carpet away from the plug and then reattach it later) and i had a few issues getting the connectors back onto the fuse panel.
I followed this how to: http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=96166.0;topicseen
wildcard50
02-27-2011, 12:27 PM
For the sake of not inhaling a bunch of crap, replace it o.o
On that note, it involves taking out the fuse panel, glove box, and doing crazy voodoo and being a contortionist. Might wanna get someone else to do it if you don't feel adventurous. I got my mechanic to do it. His words were:
"I've been a mechanic for many many years and I've seen a lot of stupid engineering, but that was ****ing retarded"
Have fun~
+1
The honda and toyotas are so much easier to replace, just pull the glove box bin down by removing the retaining clip, open the air filter panel, remove the air filter tray and replace the filter, takes like 5 minutes. at least with the 2010's you don't have to remove the glove box, but you are on your back for a long period of time, i know i just replaced mine (24,000 K)
cklwilliam
02-27-2011, 01:56 PM
is there a how to on this? I probably should change mine on my 04..
hersh
02-27-2011, 02:02 PM
There is a YouTube video on how to replace the cabin air filter.
I am planning to do mine in April when the weather warms up a little bit.
If you wanna wait until April then I can give you a helping hand.
is there a how to on this? I probably should change mine on my 04..
cwp_sedan
02-27-2011, 02:04 PM
is there a how to on this? I probably should change mine on my 04..
Try looking a few posts above...
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=96166.0;topicseen
I'm not sure but you may not have one on your '04. I think it may have been added in '05 or '06. Double check with your dealer before you rip everything a part.
repoman_2
02-27-2011, 02:12 PM
2004 Mazda 3 does not have a cabin filter. I do believe that the spot is there if you wanted to add one however.
mzr2.0
03-01-2011, 05:02 PM
if it has A.C. it has one. No A.C. no filter
SilentJay
03-02-2011, 07:45 AM
I wonder if Street Performance does this, and if so, how much?
MistaChin
03-02-2011, 08:20 AM
I wonder if Street Performance does this, and if so, how much?
+1!
Default User
03-02-2011, 10:03 AM
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=96166.0;topicseen
I should've done this when I installed my amp.
it is a tight spot to maneuver. But remember - the person that wrote this How-to had enough space to even take decent pics.
Also, it's probably easier when you pull the passenger side seat all the way back - or even out entirely.
Might seem like overkill - but it will also give you an opportunity to clean up under the seats at the same time.
TheMAN
03-04-2011, 02:52 PM
you guys realise that the filter lasts the 50k if you used recirculated air most of the time right? :)
sarujo
03-04-2011, 10:48 PM
Maybe some of us prefer fresh air over that stale re-circ! :P
you guys realise that the filter lasts the 50k if you used recirculated air most of the time right? :)
mzr2.0
03-07-2011, 10:07 PM
you guys realise that the filter lasts the 50k if you used recirculated air most of the time right? :)
if u read the owners manual, it says to change every 40,000ks or 24 mths which ever comes first just di mine yesturday took 8.5 mins to change thanks to you tube
mzr2.0
03-07-2011, 10:10 PM
You don't have to replace it, but remember it is the air you are breathing with, so whats more important?
don't have to replace it?! WTF! that' like saying u don't have to replace the oil filter wen u do an oil change it's only dirty?!
jewopi
03-07-2011, 11:56 PM
in my family we have 3 mazdas, an 05 mazda3, an 06 mazda3, and an 06 tirbute. only the 06 mazda3 had a cabin air filter, the tribute and the 05 mazda3 do not have it, just regular air filters. just saying to check with ur local dealer by giving them ur vin and they will tell u if u have 1 or not.
cooper22
03-08-2011, 01:40 AM
Whats the actual amount of km you should go before changing these filters? is there an actual recommended distance?
ericssonfan
03-08-2011, 03:37 AM
Just as a reference, here's what mine looked like after 110 K. I was the second owner of the vehicle but it looked like the filters had never been changed.
[URL=http://img837.imageshack.us/i/img00020201102191510.jpg/]http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/6518/img00020201102191510.jpg
Ugh.. Those are looking gross.. I'm at 80K now and I haven't swapped mine out yet.. Honestly, I didn't think it would be that bad of an issue.. and the 150$ pricetag the dealer gave me helped me put it off for a while.
Looks like I'll have Jimmy do a filter change during my next oil change.
Hoodzy
03-20-2011, 12:11 AM
don't have to replace it?! WTF! that' like saying u don't have to replace the oil filter wen u do an oil change it's only dirty?!
An oil filter is completely different then an air cabin filter.. You do realize most vehicles probably pre 2002 don't even have them!?
wildcard50
03-20-2011, 07:11 PM
Just replaced my cabin filter and I am not impressed with the oem filters, the material looks so porous that it will allow big particles and pollen through , waiting for fram and 3m to make a better aftermarket cabin air filter for the 2010's
pacmann33
03-20-2011, 09:59 PM
^It's tough because anything more restrictive will reduce flow. The dinky fans in cars these days can't blow a fart off a blonde chick!
It's main function is just to stop leaves and such from getting to the AC coils, nothing more. No air quality benefits at all. Changing the filter is simply to allow your AC to work more efficiently.
If you make the filter more restrictive, the fan will not have to work as hard, but it won't move as much air. Weird concept but it's true.
What is more embarrassing is the terrible amount of blow-by past the OEM filters. They don't seal very well. I added some foam gasket to improve the seal. I wouldn't recommend doing that unless you know what you're doing though....
MikeyGT
03-20-2011, 10:11 PM
Is there any good after market cabinet filters for 04-09 3s?
wildcard50
03-21-2011, 12:48 PM
Is there any good after market cabinet filters for 04-09 3s?
plenty.Fram has one ,wicks and i think 3m.and at half the cost of the oem mazda filters
just check your local autoparts supplier like nappa.
standsideways
03-21-2011, 03:11 PM
Is there any good after market cabinet filters for 04-09 3s?
I use the napa c.a.f. And it seems decent..they cost me 1/2 the price mazdas filter costs.
FLIPDADY
04-03-2011, 01:07 AM
They're all the same shit.....OEM filter is better quality. Check them if you haven't replaced it yet.
http://184.72.239.143/mu/ae5b5ddf-0087-dd9f.jpg
06silver3
10-12-2011, 09:13 PM
How can I tell if I have a cabin filter in my car?
I just bought it - it is an '06 hatchback.
Hoodzy
10-12-2011, 09:27 PM
How can I tell if I have a cabin filter in my car?
I just bought it - it is an '06 hatchback.
If it has A/c then you have one.
cwp_sedan
10-12-2011, 09:46 PM
If it has A/c then you have one.
Where did you hear that? I didn't think 04-05 had them at all. I'm pretty sure 06+ have them though. All models.
Hoodzy
10-12-2011, 09:53 PM
Where did you hear that? I didn't think 04-05 had them at all. I'm pretty sure 06+ have them though. All models.
Sorry ya 06 and up.. is a/c standard??
cwp_sedan
10-12-2011, 10:05 PM
Sorry ya 06 and up.. is a/c standard??
No it's not standard.
FLIPDADY
10-12-2011, 10:18 PM
Even if your car didn't come with one you can add it.
cwp_sedan
10-12-2011, 10:37 PM
Even if your car didn't come with one you can add it.
Yep! Thanks for adding that Joe. Definitely good for those who don't know.
iGOzoom
10-12-2011, 11:35 PM
Funny this came up, I was told by Prima Mazda today while getting my oil change that on my next service I have to get it replaced. Any idea on what the price is?
MistaChin
10-13-2011, 08:49 AM
Funny this came up, I was told by Prima Mazda today while getting my oil change that on my next service I have to get it replaced. Any idea on what the price is?
IIRC around $120
r4BBiT
10-13-2011, 09:37 AM
I see one here for $27.57.
http://www.autopartsway.ca/PartList.cfm?Mazda/2010/3/GS/2.0L_L4/allB/HVAC/Filters/Cabin_Air_Filter_Set/pagenum1/tabS
cwp_sedan
10-13-2011, 09:56 AM
IIRC around $120
+1. Yeah it's something around that installed at the dealer.
rzapata
10-13-2011, 10:58 AM
I see one here for $27.57.
http://www.autopartsway.ca/PartList.cfm?Mazda/2010/3/GS/2.0L_L4/allB/HVAC/Filters/Cabin_Air_Filter_Set/pagenum1/tabS
Damn shipping is $15.99..
Does anyone know how much do the OEM ones go for if we get it from FLIPDADY?
RedRaptor
10-13-2011, 11:03 AM
The OEM filter is around $30+ but the service itself is expensive. I was charged $40 from a local popular mechanic for just the service and he mentioned its a lot of work to get to.
If your car didn't come with one, get one installed. Its worth it.
rzapata
10-13-2011, 11:06 AM
The OEM filter is around $30+ but the service itself is expensive. I was charged $40 from a local popular mechanic for just the service and he mentioned its a lot of work to get to.
If your car didn't come with one, get one installed. Its worth it.
If it's only $30 then I would rather go with OEM than that part from auto parts way. I got to get one and ask Jimmy to install them. :)
r4BBiT
10-13-2011, 02:42 PM
The OEM filter is around $30+ but the service itself is expensive. I was charged $40 from a local popular mechanic for just the service and he mentioned its a lot of work to get to.
If your car didn't come with one, get one installed. Its worth it.
I had the pleasure of cleaning my out when when my blower fan started making some noise and it is not a lot of work, at least for 2010+. It took me 15 minutes first time, but for someone that know exactly what to do it should only take 5 minutes.
cwp_sedan
10-13-2011, 02:47 PM
I had the pleasure of cleaning my out when when my blower fan started making some noise and it is not a lot of work, at least for 2010+. It took me 15 minutes first time, but for someone that know exactly what to do it should only take 5 minutes.
2010+ have a different setup. It's much more difficult on the 04-09.
r4BBiT
10-13-2011, 03:02 PM
Ah, okay.
how much is an aftermarket one at say Canadian Tire?
i wrote down these part #s because I'm planning to have it replaced with my next oil change, but I'm not sure which is the right one
FRAM CF 10218
Wix 24482
Purolator C15873
06silver3
10-13-2011, 03:15 PM
I picked one up at my local parts supplier this morning. It cost me $21.
Cab0oze
10-13-2011, 04:42 PM
Think im going to have to do this before it gets too cold. Subbed!
06silver3
10-13-2011, 06:42 PM
I replaced mine this afternoon in about 30 minutes. It wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, and it was definetely needed.
Default User
10-13-2011, 07:22 PM
Even if your car didn't come with one you can add it.
Is it just an empty slot then? Or do I need to "retrofit" it?
Hoodzy
10-16-2011, 03:11 PM
Just replaced the cabin air filter in my car.. Holy crap that was not fun. Took about an hour and 3 minor cuts
Noisy Crow
10-16-2011, 03:31 PM
Is it just an empty slot then? Or do I need to "retrofit" it?
Yup, just an empty slot.
BTW, summary of what is needed to get at it: Remove glovebox (not 100% necessary, but easy to do and makes the rest much easier!). Remove / unmount PJB from its bracket. I think you can get away without actually unplugging anything. Remove PJB bracket. Disconnect a couple of connectors. Pull out four irritatingly located screws that hold the filter cover in place. Remove filter cover, pull out old filter half #!, and when half #2 drops down, pull it out too. Installation is the reverse, except with more swearing in order to keep filter half #2 in place while sliding half #1 under it. And some more swearing for the screws. BTW, I used an impact wrench to get the PJB bracket bolts out...........
Default User
10-16-2011, 03:49 PM
Thanks Crow.
Where have you been?
Noisy Crow
10-16-2011, 04:09 PM
Thanks Crow.
Where have you been?
:)
Work. Bathroom reno. Etc. But I'm still around!
JaYson
10-21-2011, 09:41 AM
Heads up!
FRAM is having a promotion for its Cabin air filters with a $3.00 Mail-in Rebate with purchase of one filter
http://ca.fram.com/enca/products/rebates_and_special_offers/?pid=233
greaves82
10-21-2011, 10:27 AM
Does anyone know if my 09 sport gt would have a cabin air filter? Ive had it since new and havent replaced it yet (if it does have one)
cwp_sedan
10-21-2011, 10:31 AM
Does anyone know if my 09 sport gt would have a cabin air filter? Ive had it since new and havent replaced it yet (if it does have one)
Yes it does.
Does anyone know if my 09 sport gt would have a cabin air filter? Ive had it since new and havent replaced it yet (if it does have one)
Yes it does.. I think 08 and up comes starndard with them and the older cars has the slot their for the filter but no filter in
Canadian tire has the cabin filter for $25+ tax ....dealer wants $39+ tax
Here is the part number for the filter at canadian tire CF10218 (fram is the brand)
greaves82
10-21-2011, 11:49 AM
Ok thanks for the reply and the information cwp_sedan and aris
Cab0oze
10-21-2011, 05:03 PM
Heads up!
FRAM is having a promotion for its Cabin air filters with a $3.00 Mail-in Rebate with purchase of one filter
http://ca.fram.com/enca/products/rebates_and_special_offers/?pid=233
Any idea where to buy that...?
-edit-
AHA!
http://www.amazon.com/CF10218-Fresh-Breeze-Cabin-Filter/dp/B003YNYCJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319231141&sr=8-1
23 bucks before rebate from amazon. Ignore the bad reviews, it was n00bs buying them for their 2010+s, which do not take that filter.
Going to do a bit more research tomorrow, then if i cant find a better deal i'll buy that. Thanks!
Any idea where to buy that...?
-edit-
AHA!
http://www.amazon.com/CF10218-Fresh-Breeze-Cabin-Filter/dp/B003YNYCJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319231141&sr=8-1
23 bucks before rebate from amazon. Ignore the bad reviews, it was n00bs buying them for their 2010+s, which do not take that filter.
Going to do a bit more research tomorrow, then if i cant find a better deal i'll buy that. Thanks!
FYI Canadian tire sells it for $25+tax which equals $29 something... Canadian tire is cheaper the amazons ...
JaYson
10-21-2011, 07:53 PM
Any idea where to buy that...?
-edit-
AHA!
http://www.amazon.com/CF10218-Fresh-Breeze-Cabin-Filter/dp/B003YNYCJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319231141&sr=8-1
23 bucks before rebate from amazon. Ignore the bad reviews, it was n00bs buying them for their 2010+s, which do not take that filter.
Going to do a bit more research tomorrow, then if i cant find a better deal i'll buy that. Thanks!
Canadian tire - $25+tax (minus $3.00 mail in rebate)
Cab0oze
10-22-2011, 08:27 AM
Canadian tire - $25+tax (minus $3.00 mail in rebate)
I've never even seen cabin air filters there... but alrite thanks, i'll head there today and check it out
I've never even seen cabin air filters there... but alrite thanks, i'll head there today and check it out
Go to parts desk
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af102/aristeidis/f318fc80.jpg
yearoftherat
10-22-2011, 10:25 AM
Thx for the part number!
Thx for the part number!
no problem
Cab0oze
10-22-2011, 04:28 PM
no problem
Thanks dude, after waiting 20 minutes for the incredibly slow people at the parts desk, i finally got it :D
Thanks dude, after waiting 20 minutes for the incredibly slow people at the parts desk, i finally got it :D
Lol
Souls
10-22-2011, 08:00 PM
hmmmm I'm thinking I'm going to do this after my tranny flush
greaves82
10-24-2011, 04:25 PM
Changed mine earlier this afternoon......and couldn't Mazda have put it in a more easier/convenient location instead of having to take almost everything out :s
JaYson
10-24-2011, 04:29 PM
how long did it take you to do it? (was it your first time?)
Changed mine earlier this afternoon......and couldn't Mazda have put it in a more easier/convenient location instead of having to take almost everything out :s
greaves82
10-24-2011, 05:08 PM
Yeah it was my first time and it took an hour
how long did it take you to do it? (was it your first time?)
Sonic31
10-25-2011, 08:06 AM
Did it for the first time this past weekend, and I was definitely doing some crazy voodoo contortionist stuff to get it in there.
Took me about 30 min to do, and my old filters make the ones shown earlier in this thread look almost new in comparision.
Very happy I found this thread and decided to do this.
maz06
11-01-2011, 05:07 PM
Thanks for the link, it may still be possible if weather permits.
Try looking a few posts above...
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=96166.0;topicseen
I'm not sure but you may not have one on your '04. I think it may have been added in '05 or '06. Double check with your dealer before you rip everything a part.
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