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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).
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/img837/6...1102191510.jpg
Lmao that's kinda gross
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
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.
You don't have to replace it, but remember it is the air you are breathing with, so whats more important?
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 had mine done by the dealer. Didn't feel like dealing with cut knuckles.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubcee
I followed this how to: http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.ph...66.0;topicseen
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubcee
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)
is there a how to on this? I probably should change mine on my 04..
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cklwilliam
Try looking a few posts above...Quote:
Originally Posted by cklwilliam
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.ph...66.0;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.
2004 Mazda 3 does not have a cabin filter. I do believe that the spot is there if you wanted to add one however.
if it has A.C. it has one. No A.C. no filter
I wonder if Street Performance does this, and if so, how much?
+1!Quote:
Originally Posted by SilentJay
I should've done this when I installed my amp.Quote:
Originally Posted by cwp_sedan
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.
you guys realise that the filter lasts the 50k if you used recirculated air most of the time right? :)
Maybe some of us prefer fresh air over that stale re-circ! :P
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMAN
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 tubeQuote:
Originally Posted by TheMAN
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?!Quote:
Originally Posted by mikejones
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.
Whats the actual amount of km you should go before changing these filters? is there an actual recommended distance?
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by shaboi
Looks like I'll have Jimmy do a filter change during my next oil change.
An oil filter is completely different then an air cabin filter.. You do realize most vehicles probably pre 2002 don't even have them!?Quote:
Originally Posted by mzr2.0
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
^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....
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 filtersQuote:
Originally Posted by MikeyGT
just check your local autoparts supplier like nappa.
I use the napa c.a.f. And it seems decent..they cost me 1/2 the price mazdas filter costs.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeyGT
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by 06silver3
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoodzy
Sorry ya 06 and up.. is a/c standard??Quote:
Originally Posted by cwp_sedan
No it's not standard.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoodzy
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by FLIPDADY
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?