mistermet

I'm attempting to change the A/C cabin filter on my 2013 LS. I've followed the instructions explicitly including setting the A/C function to recirculate mode.
However, when I get to removing the filter case I press on the 2 tabs as indicated in the instructions and try as I might the case doesn't move.
Am I missing something? Is there a specific knack to this?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.

mbarron37

I'm not sure, but I just had some work done on my LS yesterday at the dealership. They stated my cabin filter needed to be changed and I said just do it. To my surprise it was $78 and change with installation. I went home and looked up the part and noticed these filters can be had for about $15 or less. My fault for being stupid. I will never make that mistake again. The dealership made a lot of money on that filter change.

Gbp

Can you reveal the breakdown between parts and labor on your bill? Thanks.

mbarron37

Sure. $27.99 filter and $51.00 labor. Real screw job! Next time I will do myself for $15.

bsl888

I think you have to push the 2 tabs and lift the tray upward slightly to remove. The most important part is to set the A/C on recirculate.

Cabin filter changes at dealerships are the biggest rip off along with engine air filter changes. Just buy the filters online and only takes a few minutes to do both.

Gbp

Thanks for the numbers. Assuming you were comparing the same OEM parts, I agree that the parts price looks like almost 100% profit for the dealer. Of course, when you buy online, you might have to add shipping costs to the item.

The labor charge I wouldn't dismiss as a rip-off necessarily. It depends on how long it would take you to do it yourself and how much you value your time doing other things. Of course, you've the option of buying the part yourself and having an independent shop whose labor rates are less than the dealership's do the work. For non-waranty work you don't want to perform, a good independent shop might be the way to go.

This is only one example, but when I was looking for a center console door repoacement, the service manager quoted me $80 more than the same OEM part I found online. I showed him the online quote, said I'd prefer to work with his department on this, and he came back with a quote for the part that was competitive. YMMV.

roadfrog

You can get these filters on Ebay for 5 bucks with free shipping. You can even get WIX ones with charcoal for about 10. I just use the 5 dollar ones and they work great. Here is a listing:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CABIN-AIR-FILTER-FOR-TOYOTA-LEXUS-CAMRY-AVALON-COROLL-HIGHLANDER-TUNDRA-SUBARU-/261828153962?fits=Model%3ALS460&hash=item3cf62c926a&vxp=mtr