me of a granola bar? It's got everything in it? I had thought that when I replaced it in 10/16, maybe it was the original filter from 9/05, because it looked like the below. I think I went over, prolly every 12 mos. is good, maybe more....I did not reset the reminder first time, but just did.

I also did my wife's and it just had an even layer of dirt, but none of the stuff that the LS had. Maybe the opening to the outside is too large?

From today, it's Kashi baby!

 

There is a flow sensor for the cabin air filter, and the sensitivity of this sensor can be adjusted in Techstream. When the flow rate drops enough, you will get the Change A/C Filter message. You should install a new filter and hold the HVAC OFF button (with ignition on, engine off) to let the flow sensor know how much airflow a new filter can process.

Then you can change your filter based on actual airflow decline, as opposed to time, mileage, or guessing, which saves you money from changing your filter prematurely.

The filter is designed to pick up pollen, smoke, and other fine particles, so while you can try to vacuum it and/or blow compressed air through it, I personally don't think it's worth it and I prefer my air as clean as possible.

OEM part 87139-50030
OEM part with housing 87139-YZZ01
Denso First Time Fit (aftermarket line) 453-1007

Don't forget to check your rear air purifier filter if you have a UL, OEM # 88508-30110 (2001-2003) and 88508-50080 (2004-2006), aftermarket 2004-2006 part # 042-2109 and PC5518. I'm pretty sure the 2004-2006 is the exact same as the 2001-2003.

 

The rear A/C filter is really hard to tell if it needs to be changed. It has the added advantage of not drawing in outside air with trash. It recirculates air in the cabin and also has a UV light to kill bacteria and remove smoke. No smoking in my car, so I can't speculate on smoke removal. The rear air filter is huge and expensive (originally around $140).

 

I've made a mistake wearing my home warehouse operations supervisor hat....I always load up a shopping cart in rockauto, to grab parts since I am already paying for shipping on the part I need....i.e. if the shipping is $6.99, I may add air filters, etc., until the shipping becomes $8.99, then I back the last item out so it goes back to $6.99. In doing so, I have 6 cabin filters brand new, 2 of which were a mistake in ordering when I didn't need them, so I may as well just change it often. Mine are Denso and I do NOT think these are OE, these are aftermarket. Very cheap, I think they cost $10.xx. Contrast that with my wife's GM, the filter lists for $44.82, rock sells for $20.xx. This time there was a $10 rebate times 2. Maybe with that one you don't want to throw away prematurely due to cost, but ours are cheap enough imho to eyeball...