replacing the cabin air filter

Roger · April 4, 2004

Just got done replacing the cabin filter. All I can say is I was very happy to have a printout of http://www.gm-trucks.com/IAR_cabfilter.shtml next to me.

I replaced it at 26,000 miles. It was quite dirty. One thing that the article doesn't mention is the fourth screw which is in the driver's comprtment. I removed it because it was there. That third screw is really a pain to get to.

One last comment that dawned on it after I had it put back together is that I wondered if I should have turned the fan on (and on High) with the filters out to blow all the crap out of the system. What do you guys think?

lrymal · April 4, 2004

Just a quick comment before folks start taking their lower dash panel apart without reading all the messages in the link in the previous message. The 2003 full-sized trucks and up do NOT have this filter. Don't take anything apart. Ain't there.

willfxp · April 4, 2004

Just a quick comment before folks start taking their lower dash panel apart without reading all the messages in the link in the previous message. The 2003 full-sized trucks and up do NOT have this filter. Don't take anything apart. Ain't there.

So all the in-cabin air is unfiltered? Or does it take it from the engine filter?

lrymal · April 4, 2004

So all the in-cabin air is unfiltered? Or does it take it from the engine filter?

It is unfiltered, just like cabin air has been for decades. Filtered cabin air is a relatively new concept and for trucks, tried for a few years. However, most people never changed the filters and complained how the airconditioning would not flow air.

Of course, since no one reads their manuals, they never realized that they had cabin filters and would pay the dealer $$$$$$$$ to "fix" the problem, especially after the warranty ran out.

So, in short, other than a good cleaning by way of the cowling about every 40,000 miles, an unfiltered evaporator and heater core will flow cabin air just fine.

michigan2500hd · April 4, 2004

Whats with all the screws? my 2000 5.3 1500 only

has 1 screw to remove to get both filters out, and

yes alot of people with these trucks dont know that

there are two filters under the dash to filter cabin air.

I guess I got ripped off on my 03 just because people

dont read their manuals. Took me about 3 days to

read mine, its very boring but every so often you

learn something

tdrumm · April 5, 2004

So no one has ever been able to tell me, can I put cabin filters in my 03? I would imagine that cheap 'ol GM would rather just leave out the filters and continue using the 99-02 duct than redesign the entire duct system to totally eliminate the filter.

Mort · April 5, 2004

So no one has ever been able to tell me, can I put cabin filters in my 03?

I looked through my manual and could find no reference to cabin air filters. On page 5-122 under Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts it lists Passenger Compartment Air Filter Kit ** GM part number 52485513. What do you suppose that means? Do we have cabin air filters or not or can we fit them if we wish to?

Jim

Maybe I'll get off my duff one day and have a look see.

Quadrasteer · April 6, 2004

I found out something when I first ordered cabin filters at my dealer, you can get charcoal filters also. The dealer gave me both types and I didn't like the way the charcoal ones fit. They were a little shorter, had a rubber sealing strip and were more expensive. My'02SD has a bad odor when the AC is used, I wonder if the lack of airflow is part of the problem? There's a TSB on it (I think) with a complicated fix for the odor.

lrymal · April 6, 2004

So no one has ever been able to tell me, can I put cabin filters in my 03? I would imagine that cheap 'ol GM would rather just leave out the filters and continue using the 99-02 duct than redesign the entire duct system to totally eliminate the filter.

My first reply stated that the '03s cannot use the in-cabin filter. There isn't a location for one, or both. GM actually changed the design. You can remove the plastic bottom kick panel under the fan and floor vent assembly and check it yourself, but it ain't fun.

The odor mentioned is mildew giving off sulfur fumes. No filter can fix that. GM has the aforementioned complicate fix in which one can have the dealer install a device that has the fan run through a few cycles after the ignition is cut. The idea is that outside air will run through the evaporator's coils, evaporating any remaining moisture.

Many of us just simply place the truck on the fresh-air mode a couple of minutes or so before retiring the truck at the end of the day. Sort of does the same thing. Use the SEARCH feature on this board. Messages from late 2002 and early 2003 mentions this quite a bit. That is how I learned about all of this.

Greek · April 6, 2004

I've replaced mine three times already. I really like these filters and it's a shame they discontinued them (there are two in there). My wife has allergies and she really appreciates the feature. I broke the last screw hole near the center console, when I went to replace the filters the first time. I have bucket seats and it was hard to see that last screw, so, I just took the others off and used too much mustard to take off the cheap plastic enclosure, as a result I and broke the screw hole. It still stays up with the others. There are two filters in there and there is another small screw holding the bracket once you get the cover off. If they had a better design and easier way to change it I'm sure people would have paid for it. 1500 Z71 Silverado, 2000 model, 53K miles.

99GMCZ71 · April 6, 2004

I just checked on the price of the cabin filters, $25.00 each at the dealership or a pair for $20.00 at Autozone. Does that sound right?

Shaggnasty · April 6, 2004

I just checked on the price of the cabin filters, $25.00 each at the dealership or a pair for $20.00 at Autozone. Does that sound right?

seems like I paid around $12 for both @ Pepboys

sgiangregorio · April 6, 2004

I paid $20/pr at AutoZone two weeks ago.

Markeaux · April 7, 2004

With experience the cabin filter change can be done in about 5 minutes. And you don't need to remove the screw on the plastic strap holding the filters in place, the plastic strap has a tab that can be easily released with a flat blade screwdriver.

As I've said before, the cabin filter was one of the main reasons for me getting my 01 Hoe. It is really disappointing to hear it has been discontinued.

Red2500HD · April 7, 2004

according to my 2003 1500hd manual, the filter is called: Passenger Compartment Air Filter Kit and the GM part # is 52485513 .

The above quote came from the HD forum.

The owners manual I have referenced this as well, but there is no other mention of a cabin filter for my '03 any place else. I haven't actually looked, but most say it is not there for the 02's and 04's.