i got the electrostatic lifelong filter from lowes and cut it into pieces,i put 3 pieces in the car filter box and i will see how it works.any suggestions.thanks

 

While several people have sought alternative solutions to the a/c filter's high cost, there is one caveat: Despite Lexus' advertising copy that intimates the filter is for the comfort of the passengers, the real purpose of the filter is to clean the air of particulates before circulating it over the evaporator coil. It seems that the coil consists of tiny fins that are densly packed for efficiency, thus dirt and lint can easily clog the coil and interfere with the operation/performance of the a/c - and the entire climate control system. If an improvised filter fails to clean the air stream properly, you may have expensive problems down the road. Warranty coverage for any induced problems may well be voided. If you elect to install a non-standard filter, pull it occasionally and be sure it is working properly.

Although replacement of the filter is not called for often in the owner's manual, YMMV. Lexmexico has noted that in the pollutant-rich environment of Mexico City, his filter loads up in only a month or two. As an alternative to replacement of that pricy little filter, he has reported success in simply removing the synthetic fiber element and giving it a good scrubbing with soap and water. Here's a link to one of those conversations, including the mod of a HEPA pre-filter:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-1st-gen-1999-2003/46751-ac-filters.html

Good Luck!