Cabin filter air flow?
Cabin filter air flow?
Does anyone know the direction of air flow where your cabin filer goes? Does the air come in through the top and flow down? Or is the flow under the fitler where the fan spins, come up and out? I bought a Wix cabin filter on amazon and after reading the reviews there is a discrepency of which way to install it. Here is the review in question, its for ES 350 though
This is just to save everyone a headache or a mis-installation. On the OEM filters, there is an arrow indicating the orientation of the air filter in the slot. I.e. "UP" with an up arrow.
The Wix filter has an arrow, but nothing indicates in the directions or on the filter whether it indicated orientation, or the direction of airflow. Big issue!
I called Wix and the initial tech support couldn't figure it out. I was put in touch with a product manager and she told me the arrow indicates AIRFLOW. This is very important. On a Lexus ES 350 or Toyota Camry for example, the directions included were basically for the OEM filter, which would result in putting this filter in upside-down.
So, make sure to understand which direction the air is flowing. In the 2008 Lexus ES 350 and Camry, for example, air flows top to bottom and thus on this Wix filter the arrow should point DOWN, whereas on the OEM filter it would point up.
The filter itself seems like an excellent product, but the installation instructions are misleading. I wonder how many of these things are out there installed incorrectly- probably plenty.
If Wix had better directions, this would be a 5-star. Great price for a replacement cabin air-filter, and the technology is solid in terms of charcoal activation, odor removal, mold/pollen removal, etc. I've only had it installed for a day, so haven't really tested this thoroughly yet, but it seems to be working great and the air in the vehicle seems a good bit fresher (the filter I replaced was pretty old, so this is a big improvement).
This is just to save everyone a headache or a mis-installation. On the OEM filters, there is an arrow indicating the orientation of the air filter in the slot. I.e. "UP" with an up arrow.
The Wix filter has an arrow, but nothing indicates in the directions or on the filter whether it indicated orientation, or the direction of airflow. Big issue!
I called Wix and the initial tech support couldn't figure it out. I was put in touch with a product manager and she told me the arrow indicates AIRFLOW. This is very important. On a Lexus ES 350 or Toyota Camry for example, the directions included were basically for the OEM filter, which would result in putting this filter in upside-down.
So, make sure to understand which direction the air is flowing. In the 2008 Lexus ES 350 and Camry, for example, air flows top to bottom and thus on this Wix filter the arrow should point DOWN, whereas on the OEM filter it would point up.
The filter itself seems like an excellent product, but the installation instructions are misleading. I wonder how many of these things are out there installed incorrectly- probably plenty.
If Wix had better directions, this would be a 5-star. Great price for a replacement cabin air-filter, and the technology is solid in terms of charcoal activation, odor removal, mold/pollen removal, etc. I've only had it installed for a day, so haven't really tested this thoroughly yet, but it seems to be working great and the air in the vehicle seems a good bit fresher (the filter I replaced was pretty old, so this is a big improvement).
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 83
From: AZ
The air flows down but the arrow on the factory filters indicates which direction faces up - makes perfect sense, right? And matters are complicated by aftermarket filters using the conventional arrow indicating the direction of air flow through the filter.
Dave Mac
Dave Mac
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
Wait, really? The arrow should point up? Crap.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Wi
If you are using an aftermarket cabin filter (Wix, Mann, etc....) it will likely need to point down. (Aftermarket vendors typically put the arrow on the filter to tell you the Air Flow Direction which is down on these vehicles)
It is a bit confusing but hopefully this clears it up for some people.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
Likes: 455
From: GA
I completely agree with the above statement. Decent Cabin Filters do state either AIR FLOW direction or UP direction.
However I have seen filters (not necessarily cabin type) where it looks universal and can be flipped either way (mainly Engine Air Filters).
However I have seen filters (not necessarily cabin type) where it looks universal and can be flipped either way (mainly Engine Air Filters).
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Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 80
Likes: 3
From: Fl
Had my car for almost 2 years now. Replaced with Wix filter and still get smells from outside. Anytime I drive through smoke, behind a car or diesel truck, I instantly smell it. I got to where I just turn my AC off when I am approaching anything. Yes, this is with the inside recalculation on.
Does anyone else have this issue?
Does anyone else have this issue?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 135
From: AB
Had my car for almost 2 years now. Replaced with Wix filter and still get smells from outside. Anytime I drive through smoke, behind a car or diesel truck, I instantly smell it. I got to where I just turn my AC off when I am approaching anything. Yes, this is with the inside recalculation on.
Does anyone else have this issue?
Does anyone else have this issue?
Did you check your recirculated arm still work? The reason I ask cause some people replace the filter without putting it down in recirculated mode and broke the control arm. If the arm was broken, the door couldn't be close that is why you smell out side elements with recirculated mode when you using AC
Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 80
Likes: 3
From: Fl
Did you check your recirculated arm still work? The reason I ask cause some people replace the filter without putting it down in recirculated mode and broke the control arm. If the arm was broken, the door couldn't be close that is why you smell out side elements with recirculated mode when you using AC
