Replacement Passenger Compartment Air Filter

[gyee]

It's time to replace the air filter that's behind the glove box in my 2003 Camry. However I don't like the high cost of the replacement filter. Are there cheaper alternatives? What would happen if I don't use a filter at all?

I ask this because my older car doesn't have an air conditioner filter. So why do newer cars have one?

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by gyee

It's time to replace the air filter that's behind the glove box in my 2003 Camry. However I don't like the high cost of the replacement filter. Are there cheaper alternatives? What would happen if I don't use a filter at all?

I ask this because my older car doesn't have an air conditioner filter. So why do newer cars have one?

Hello Gyee,

Auto Zone, Advanced Auto, Pep Boys and other auto part stores like these will be your best bet for a low cost Passenger Compartment Air Filter a.k.a. cabin air filter for your 2003 Camry. Auto Zone sells them for around $22.00 and Advanced Auto sells them for around $20.00. I don't know if these stores are located where you live.

AFAIK nothing bad will happen if you remove the filter and do not replace it. you will just breathe unfiltered air when you have the AC or heater on.

I believe the cabin air filter is only a convenience feature of the cars AC/ heater system.

BTW, how often does Toyota recommend the filter be replaced?

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

[somick]

I do not know how Camrie’s ducts routed but when I replaced a cabin filter in my Honda the outside part of the filter was clogged with leaves dust and other debris.
I think that a cabin filter is just a cheap (read: inexpensive) protection and I would never leave the system opened.


By the way I replaced Camrie's filter at 20,000 and it was also pretty bad: almost all covered with dust


Sam