Cabin filter - use OEM
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 416
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From: VA
Cabin filter - use OEM
just changed OEM with Fram and I can see why some have reported "less" air flow. Fram filter has about 50% less "surface" [folds] which causes less air flow. I just used the Fram for tonight but for those planning to do the cabin filter change, I would recommend using OEM. i will be sticking with all OEM filters since price differences is minimal but quality is much greater. This is also the easiest cabin filter change I have done. it literally took less than a minute [empty glove box]. three filter numbers as a references for future doers. with 20k on ODO, Air filter was dirty but cabin filter wasn't as dirty and probably could have use another 10k before changing. with OEM oil filter comes with two rubber ring gasket and one plastic plug. after i spill oil over the oil filter casing, i learned that it is use for draining oil out of the metal casing before removal to minimize oil spill [should have read the instruction beforehand]. clearly OEM oil filter is the recommendation I will make for DIY folks.
-- air --
17801-0P050
-- oil --
04152-YZZA1
-- cabin --
EL 1B
-- air --
17801-0P050
-- oil --
04152-YZZA1
-- cabin --
EL 1B
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 416
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From: VA
mine is always at circ mode but after I did the change and started the ignition to test, it faulted to recirc. not sure if removing the cover triggered recirc or not but I have always set the mode in circ. I didn't see anything inside that may interfere and the filter is placed about an inch above the fan so nothing else will "touch/interfere" the filter placement. all works find but I do notice little weaker air flow. I will probably go back to OEM next spring time.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: MA
mine is always at circ mode but after I did the change and started the ignition to test, it faulted to recirc. not sure if removing the cover triggered recirc or not but I have always set the mode in circ. I didn't see anything inside that may interfere and the filter is placed about an inch above the fan so nothing else will "touch/interfere" the filter placement. all works find but I do notice little weaker air flow. I will probably go back to OEM next spring time.
Intermediate
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 416
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From: VA
attached is the pic of inside. there is absolutely nothing inside that may come into contact with cabin filter. Pic is with vehicle in CIRC mode and filter removed. attached PDF reference from Sewell are for non RX models. I use to have 05LS and dealer changed one time but I don't remember changing cabin filter whole 6 years I had the vehicle but I think it was similar setup as the RX. seems like all vehicles now days come with cabin filter system but MB and few other luxury vehicles I had were more work than current RX.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
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From: NJ
Yup, did mine over the weekend. Super simple and cheap. Got the cabin filter from Sewell too. I tried Fram once but didn't like how thick it was compared to OEM. Air does not flow through as easily.
Lil tip, after removing the shelf inside the glove compartment there will be an L-shaped black cover (removed in sightdev's picture above along with white cover keeping the filter in). Push the black cover up to release the tabs on the bottom. The first time is the worst because it seems like everything is stuck a little.
Lil tip, after removing the shelf inside the glove compartment there will be an L-shaped black cover (removed in sightdev's picture above along with white cover keeping the filter in). Push the black cover up to release the tabs on the bottom. The first time is the worst because it seems like everything is stuck a little.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 286
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From: MA
A while ago I bought the Fram filter. I was surprised/disappointed to see how flimsy it was. As someone else mentioned, the difference in the number of pleats is huge--16vs35. The Fram was black-ish so I assume that's the "charcoal" and it supposedly has arm and hammer baking soda, but I can't help but believe that the more pleats the better the filtering. Anyone know for sure?
Lexus Test Driver
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From: MA