Changing out the cabin (dust/pollen) filter

[Dano]

Hey,

it's been a while since I've visited, but the pilot has tipped 30,000 and I see that it's due to have it's interior filter changed (as well as the engine air filter).

Wondering if anyone has done this, and, more importantly, how?

[jay]

Changing the cabin air filters involves removing the glovebox to get at the filters. I say filters because my '98 Accord had two filters. They'd go in white, come out black.

When the dealer changed them in my Accord, it was $150. $36 for the filters and 1.5 hours labor. That was three years ago. Who knows how long it really took. I personally wouldn't try it myself; if the dealer breaks the glovebox or introduces rattles, they're accountable to fix it. I am interested, though, in how easy or difficult it really is.

[lxblack]

Wow, you got to 30K miles in a hurry.
I know friend of mine has MDX and he had dealer change it for $100. I've heard that it's behind the glove compartment box, but it's not verified. Does Tim sell this filter?
If anyone has done it DIY, please post.

[ricebw]

If it is anything like my Acura TL, then it is really very easy if you are even the slightest bit mechanically inclined. I changed mine in the parking lot of the autoparts store. I bought Purolator brand filters for ten bucks (for both) and they looked identical to the OEM, including the HEPA ratings.

There are some good instructions at acura-tl.com. The Pilot box looks to be the same. All you do is (1) dettach the "shock" on the right side that holds the glove box up (one screw), (2) pop out on each side of the interior of the glove box the two rubber gear like stops that keep the box from falling out. Be gentle, don't break'em. (3) fold the box down out of the way (4) On my TL, there is this dotted outlined plastic panel that you are supposed to remove, only I didn't remove it. I cut it on one side and sort of hinged it out of the way. The filters are behind it. Once you do that there's a cover that pops off to reveal the filters. (5) pull out the two filter housings noting the direction of flow. (6) replace the filter elements in the correct direction and put the housings back in. (7) fold the glox box back into position and snap in the stops and (8) reattach the "shock" with the single screw.

Really, don't pay $150 for this. That's ridiculous. It literally took me 15 minutes and that included putzing around for half of it.

[TheWorm]

$30 or so for the filter. Easy (if not tedious) replacement the first time around (cutting the plastic brace). A number of us have done it ourselves. Check the MDX forum for pics and instructions.

No way it's worth paying $120 in labor. $25, maybe. Someone who does it all day long should be able to swap it out in 15 minutes.

[Birdman]

Details...

[Dano]

thanks for all the help. . . going to try it this weekend.

As for getting to 30,000 pretty quick, I've had the car a year at the end of this month. . . .you live in jersey, you gotta drive.

[lxblack]

Birdman,

thanks for the detail diagram, that's great. Can you please also provide detail of how to remove the glove box? that would really help.

Dano;

Did you replace the filter over the weekend? How did it go? Let us know.

[Dano]

Didn't get to the filter yet. . .probably this weekend. I'll post results when it's done.

[lxblack]

Dano,

Did you get to replace the filter DIY?
Let us know how it went. How much did the filter cost?

[lxblack]

Dealer at Diamond Bar Honda is offering $70 to replace the dust & pollen filter.

Does anyone know how much the filter cost?

[yrneh]

I just bought a cabin filter yesterday for $35.92 plus tax from Classic Honda in Round Rock, Texas. I installed it this morning in a little under one hour, but next time will be much faster. I had to figure out how to remove the glove box and the plastic cross brace cannot be cut with diagonal cutters as stated in the service manual. I used a Dremel tool with a friction cutoff blade and it worked fine. Be careful of the metal glove box brace. It has a sheared edge which was not finished and it is a knuckle slicer.

[SteveLuman]

Originally posted by lxblack
Dealer at Diamond Bar Honda is offering $70 to replace the dust & pollen filter.

Does anyone know how much the filter cost?

HandAaccessories.com lists the filter at $ 25.80 + shipping from northern California.

[davemac]

Yrneh,
Wondering what your mileage was, and what was the condition of the cabin filter that you removed (how dirty)???

[yrneh]

My mileage was 39,000+ when I changed the cabin filter. It was filthy and should have been changed earlier, maybe at 20,000. It's a shame that the filter is so hard to access. It is a durable looking filter and I'm sure that it could be blown out several times.