kreativ

Some additional information on filter choices for '02-'05 ES

87139-33010 is made in Japan and charcoal-impregnated (for odor removal). Feels sturdier (thicker filter media) than the US-made filters. Why is it the US-made OEM equivalents never match up to the Japanese-made ones?

87139-YZZ03 is made in USA and charcoal-impregnated as well.

87139-YZZ05 is made in USA and is not charcoal-impregnated.

For the charcoal-impregnated filters, the darkish-gray color throughout the filter media sometimes gets mistaken for a dirty filter.

The 87139-33010 comes stock on the ES (built in Japan, with Japanese-made oil and air filters). The 87139-YZZ03 is the specified U.S. replacement filter for the '02-'03 ES, while the 87139-YZZ05 is the specified U.S. replacement filter for the '04-'05 ES. Not sure why they decided to specify a non-charcoal filter for the later model years, but they're all interchangeable.

By the way, good pictures and writeup! That is one dirty-looking filter you changed out. How many miles were put on that filter b4 you replaced it?

miltonlin

Thanks for the breakdown on the filter types. This information is not easy to find. I always prefer the Japanese if I get a choice.

The most obvious reason for coming out with a replacement filter is to cut to the bottom line - costs. Or maybe it is to address concerns owners have expressed. Maybe some folks have complained about a smell and it's actually coming from the carbon within the filter?

That dirty filter had 13K on the odometer (from new). The manual says replace every 10K.
Pretty expensive filter $24 (discounted) when you compare it to what a good house (furnace/ac) filter costs. Markup on these things must be enormous.

kreativ

Yup, some Lexus dealers charge $40+ for this filter, and double that to have it installed as well. People on CL have made their own from 3M Filtrete furnace/ac filters (search the forums for "filtrete")

superpats

Ok so with all these recent posts of Cabin filters and a/c filters i'm a little unclear on the locations of both on my 00ES. Is it the cabin filter that is located by the drivers side gas pedal underneath the carpet or is it the a/c filter? If it's one where's the other? I've exhausted searches for both and have found nothing that specifies my year vehicle.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

What about earlier years like 96+. Mine is a 97 and I saw pics that it might be by the gas pedal...Is that correct or is it behind the glove box?

Tony

lexusk8

Cabin filter and A/C filter mean the same thing. As you already mentioned, the filter is located on the right of the gas pedal underneath some carpeting (gotta open up a small access door once you pull down the carpeting, and you should see an open rectangular slot where the filter sits inside). This applies to all '92-'01 ES, whether or not the filter is included in the car from the factory.
See answer above

al sicnarf

Gonna keep it real, that dam filter is gone be banged and washed clean if i gits to it ! oxy clean to the rescue.

lexus4jess

Thats some good info to know.Thanks.

lic2q

i found some white plastic panel. is that the access door? i saw a few screws, should i take those out and will that allow me to access the filter? please advise. thanks.

if you have pics that will be great. thanks

rsgehlot

Pic 2 has disappeared from the original post can someone re-post it ?
Thx

dpayne

THe 200 Model Cabin air filter is Totally different from the later versions. It is on the drivers side and is very difficult to get to. Also there are two filters that go there. There is a link somewhere on this forum that has pictures of step by step on the 2000.

Lexusfreak

Excellent & very helpful write up! Should be a sticky.

cory143

The directions have no graphic for Step 2.

Should I just proceed from Step 1 to Step 3?

CAN I proceed from Step 1 to Step 3?

Also, I'm looking to replace the filter for my 2005 ES330. Does anyone know if these directions are accurate for a 2005?

Thanks.

Cory
2005 ES330

fju2112

Just to clarify on superpats question and answers from other members, if I have a 2000 ES300, I need to pull up the carpeting by the gas pedal and that's how I get at the cabin air filter? Will the part numbers referenced by miltonlin work, if not, any good places for discounted parts elsewhere (Sewell, Carson)?

rlx101

just replaced it for a 2nd time, 15kmiles later, easiest thing ever. saved 25$x2 on 2 filters (toyota wants 45$ to replace cabin filter)