The Mysterious Cabin Air Filter - Page 4

cowboybilly9mile · #46 08-01-2017, 01:56 PM

Filter is installed in the cavity found after the blower motor is removed, filter needs to be compressed, inserted diagonally and rotated, you will probably just have to fiddle with it as I did, and yes, EV filter is the only filter option that exists. The EV service manual for R&R the filter is online; I found it by accident back maybe in April.

MaDMaXX · #47 08-01-2017, 03:14 PM

Ahh, so it's a real mess getting in there then, ok, thanks.

Do you remember if it seemed to fully seal the gap, or was there plenty of space for air to bypass?

cowboybilly9mile · #48 08-01-2017, 03:44 PM

Yeah, the coolant/washer tank had to be loosened and moved aside a bit, then the cruise had to be removed, then the wiring for these things, finally the blower. Nothing was *hard* but it was clear, the filter was not in the original plan for this HVAC setup (IMO). And yes, the gap is sealed and if airflow is lessened then I can't really notice it. FWIW, I did crack the plastic on my nice new filter; to make use of it I made a small shim to hold the filter in position. Shim is held in place with one small self tapping screw. I'm expecting that when it's time to replace this filter, that it'll be easier the second time around.

I believe user mfernandes (spelling might be off) has a decent pic of an HVAC unit with that filter in it, or showing the cavity. I can.......dig up my pic of it but it's in a cloud and might take a bit to find.

MaDMaXX · #49 08-01-2017, 03:50 PM

Sounds like unless it's already to the stage you're at, it's likely not worth it unless you have allergies, or smells, in which case it will help.

cowboybilly9mile · #50 08-01-2017, 04:09 PM

Sometimes I can't help but think all cabin air filters are above and beyond being needed, I mean, gotta wonder, how did mankind ever survive the first 100 years of driving cars that didn't have an air filter, lol and sarcasm. FWIW, I did the install just "to do it", but in reality, the cabin filter doesn't help keep the interior any cleaner, I still notice smells, I'm mildly sensitive to pollen and nothing changed, almost seems like a way for filter makers to sell a "new product" to consumers.

Sidenote.....I really looked hard and long, studying the layout of the Ranger HVAC package in search of devising a way to build a holder (AND without spending endless hours fabbing it) and installing an easy to replace cabin filter, any off-the-shelf filter that could be had. I can't find an easy way, largely due to the placement of the blower and IIRC a mount on the evap box under the hood. Grrrrrrrr.

MaDMaXX · #51 08-01-2017, 04:59 PM

Yeah, they started putting carbon filters in them for smells etc, as well as making them easy cassettes behind the glove box.