I change the cabin filter of my mother's 2002 ES300 every 18 months. This time I could hardly get the filter out as 1/8" or so of hard tree seeds and their shells from a nearby tropical (Florida)tree filled the area (about 1 1/2 cups worth).

Is this normal, i.e., to be expected? Isn't there some sort of prescreen? Or did some animal chew through something and start a nest?

 

Possible some animal( mice) chew through it or bluiding the nest. Open the hood and look for any sign of bite or cut around wireharness or insulator.

 

when i changed mine it was real dirty with crazy leaves in it havent had a problen since

 

Where is the cabin filter located and how much does a replacement cost. Thanks

 

in my ls its right behind the glovebox when you open it theirs a piece in the back that you just slide up to gain access

 

On my 2002 RX300, you slide off a panel from the back of the glove box to get to it. However, on the 2002 ES300 it's different. You hand unscrew the black plastic fasteners on the sides of the glove box (one is clockwise and one is counterclockwise) and remove them. Then you unscrew phillips screw on the side that holds the end of the spring return to the glove box. The glove box now drops down and you pull off the cover in back that exposes the filter. Replacement filters are about $22 at www.irontoad.com . I see the local Toyota dealer advertises $60 to replace cabin filters. It's a 2-minute job.

 

On your 1997 ES the filter is located by the gas pedal. You will have to pull the carpet out of the way. It's a pain in the neck.

 

Wow I hope an animal didn't get into it...

 

where is this filter?

 

See posting #6, it's behind the glove compartment.