DIY Cabin Filter Replacement

[hondaman2]

once the cover is off, just pull the filter out by the little pull tab. Its slides right out.

Notice the tab is on the bottom. Althought you can put the filter in tab up or tab down, you cant put the cover in unless the tab is down.

[hondaman2]

pulling the filter out

[hondaman2]

try and get all the junk still left in the A/C ...blower housing. Use a vacuum or something.

[lxblack]

Hondaman2;

Very nice pics.
If you want to save time, you can leave the right side of the glove box attached... I Couldn't get to that screw without removing bunch more stuff... You did, kudos for you.

You can wiggle the metal bracket enough to get the air filter out...

[hondaman2]

dirty filter next to a new one

[john802]

If I remember it correctly, the Pilot's cabin filter removal/installation is similar to the Odyssey including the location of the bolts and bracket.

[hondaman2]

put the new filter back in and put everything back together in reverse order. The left 8mm bolt will be a little tough to start, so I use a socket without the ratchet and pull the plastic back with my other hand.

[RipRocK]

Yeah, hondaman2, thanks for the pics and the nice instructions. I wish I'd have known that a careful pry of the plastic screw with something like a butterknife can remove it. I was hunched over on my knees for, I kid you not, close to half an hour turning and turing that little SOB over and over again! Arrrgh....

Dano's thread here was also helpful too.

[wesley]

I'M NOT CLEAR ON THE PLASTIC PIECE YOU CUT THROUGH. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO CUT? WHY WOULD HONDA DESIGN A FILTER SO HARD TO GET TO? LOOKS LIKE OVER COMPLICATED GERMAN ENGINEERING TO ME.

[hondaman2]

The plastic piece is located directly in front of the metal support. It blocks access to the bolts to remove the support bracket that blocks access to the filter.

Think of it like a plastic model car. You cut it off the mold and then cut the extra stuff off that doesnt belong. The extra stuff is not only part of the mold bt its there to support the pieces and keep them in place thus avoiding damage.

Honda uses this same method in the dash. The extra piece is there to support the dash during assembly and installation. It is also a deterant for DIYers. They want you to bring it to the dealer and let them do it. The dealer cuts it off too. Then they charge you outrageously for it. Honda has it in their service manual---you are supposed to remove it in order to complete the cabin filter removal and replacement.

[wesley]

Thanks for the clarification.

[wwong]

I just changed the cabin filter following hondaman2's instructions. Within the white box I outlined is the plastic piece that must be cut and removed.

[wwong]

Here's a picture of the old filter next to the new one.

[hondaman2]

alright wwong. what did you use to cut the stupid thing and how hard do you think it was? were the instructions easy to follow and what would you make better?

just lookin for some criticism for some of my next DIY's

any 3M improvements, velcro the whole thing for easy access?

btw wwong do you make any 3M products for a 99 CR-V or any other Honda? Your production line could jump tremendously. I know of several Honda families who would buy your products, plus word of mouth is the best advertising next to the product being demonstrated.

[wwong]

Your instructions and pictures made it pretty easy. I used a wire cutter to snip off the plastic piece. Listing the tools required made it easy. Don't have to figure out what size socket I need. Only other recommendation is to circle exactly what you are referring to in a picture.

Since the glove box is only secured by a couple screws, it will make it easier for me to completely take it out and make a template to pad the inside of the glove box. A few members have asked for a fulled padded glove box.

Anyway, your DIY maintenance has been great. We all appreciate the time and effort you have spent in helping us.