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Make Your Own GS Cabin AC Air Filter for $6

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Old 06-02-04, 11:53 AM
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jonathancl
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Lightbulb Make Your Own GS Cabin AC Air Filter for $6

BananaGS outlines this briefly here: http://lexusmodz.netfirms.com/GS_DIY/hepa_filter,
but I figured I might as well post the pictures I just took while doing it (and I'm pretty sure his is in upside-down).

Replace GS Cabin AC Air Filter for way less than $30

Step 1: Buy Air Filter
I bought a Dirt Demon Ultra Electrostatic 14”x20”x1” at Lowes for $6.
There were tons to choose from, but since Satan is my Motor, I wanted Demons in my Cabin.


Step 2: Remove Existing Air Filter


Step 3: Measure Filter Size
I just used a Sharpie to mark the edges.


Step 4: Cut Filter
Cutting the edges is the hardest. I used the saw on my Leatherman Wave.
Scissors cut through the rest easily.


Step 5: Install Replacement Filter
For the borders, I used printer paper because I was in a hurry.
Cardboard and glue is probably better, but perfectionism and kludge should never be used together, IMHO.


Last edited by jonathancl; 06-02-04 at 08:48 PM.
Old 06-02-04, 12:31 PM
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04GS300
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Default Re: Make Your Own GS Cabin AC Air Filter for $6

Originally posted by jonathancl
but since Satan is my Motor, I wanted Demons in my Cabin.
wow that's hilarious!!!
Old 04-05-05, 09:40 PM
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jonathancl
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I just changed my filter for the second time since that post.
Apparently, I've driven 25,000 miles since last year.

Here's what the filter looks like after 10,000 miles next to one that's new:



To think I could have been breathing all that...

Last edited by jonathancl; 09-30-05 at 06:41 AM.
Old 04-06-05, 05:10 PM
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parula
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jonathancl, Nice pics! I'm doing this too to get what I think is a better filter. When I set it to recirc the air really smells clean to us and it seems easier to breathe.
Oh, also using Filtrete fwiw.
Old 04-07-05, 01:34 PM
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tmf2004
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Well, i just took my filter out and holy sh__. That thing was so dirty. Its never been changed in 54,000 miles i assume... I called toyota and they wanted 48.00 for the filter. I went to publix and bought for 4.99. It fits ok inside the plastic housing but it will work... Thanks tmf
Old 04-07-05, 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by tmf2004
I called toyota and they wanted 48.00 for the filter
Although still costly, you can get these at Carson for about $32 give and take a few.
Old 11-06-05, 05:13 PM
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AustinGS4
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Question Holy Sh__

Originally Posted by tmf2004
Well, i just took my filter out and holy sh__. That thing was so dirty. Its never been changed in 54,000 miles i assume... I called toyota and they wanted 48.00 for the filter. I went to publix and bought for 4.99. It fits ok inside the plastic housing but it will work... Thanks tmf
Can someone tell me where you're removing these filters from? I opened the glove box hoping to see something obvious and didn't. Any pics out there showing removal or instal?
Old 11-11-05, 04:58 PM
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jonathancl
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Originally Posted by AustinGS4
Can someone tell me where you're removing these filters from? I opened the glove box hoping to see something obvious and didn't. Any pics out there showing removal or instal?
I'm pretty sure the owner's manual (which you should probably read some more) covers this.

The rear surface of the glove box slides up and out. Behind is a panel that snaps out. Behind that is the filter that pulls out.
Old 11-17-05, 05:34 PM
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You have to pull the glovebox down, the AC filter is behind it....DRRRRRRR
Old 11-18-05, 05:48 AM
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AustinGS4
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Originally Posted by jonathancl
I'm pretty sure the owner's manual (which you should probably read some more) covers this.
I didn't even think to look at the owner's manual for this kind of information. Sometimes when kids, work and life get to be too much, we look to our friends and CL buds for easy answers.

Originally Posted by minty99z
You have to pull the glovebox down, the AC filter is behind it....DRRRRRRR
I suppose it was the mess of wiring harnesses in front of the panel that has me concerned. They are thick and not easy to move. I am afraid to break something. But thanks for your kind words.
Old 11-25-05, 07:05 AM
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nice ifo............just changed my today .......WOW i was shocked how dirty it was............THANXS!!save me some $$..........
Old 11-25-05, 08:48 AM
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Originally Posted by AustinGS4
I didn't even think to look at the owner's manual for this kind of information. Sometimes when kids, work and life get to be too much, we look to our friends and CL buds for easy answers.



I suppose it was the mess of wiring harnesses in front of the panel that has me concerned. They are thick and not easy to move. I am afraid to break something. But thanks for your kind words.
I'm not sure your looking at the right thing, There are no wires in front of it. If you open the golve box look in the back part of the rear panel is removable. YOuo have to remove that part of the glove box. then you can reach behind the glvoe box and there is another panel. You pull this panel out and then you have access to the filter cartridge. PUll out the filter cartridge and replace.
Old 11-25-05, 04:38 PM
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I made my own filter as well. I use 3M Ultra Allergen

Old 11-25-05, 08:08 PM
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Just think of the non-Lexus cars you have driven in the past that did not even have a filter much less a dirty one. I am going to try this one myself. My filter is fine but the one in my wife's car looks original with leaves etc. Since she smokes, I will see if I can add some air freshener to the filter too.
Old 11-26-05, 07:36 AM
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They had filters with baking soda to help get rid of odors, you might try one of those.


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