Replacing A/C filter

[postalUT]

So the time has come to replace the cabin A/C filter on my 02 V8.

My dad insists the only way to do it is to go to the dealership. But i don't want to spend $60 to get it done at a dealership. My hypothesis is that you can order the filter unit from autozone and replace it with a couple hours work and some hand tools.

Who wins? And if anyone has ever done this themselves I would appreciate some help (like where the darn thing is).

 

[02LSE96LSC91SE84TC]

Real easy to do, try like no tools and 2 minutes. I think I paid like $15 for mine.

The cowl below the windshield on the passenger side has some pop pin type of fasteners, lift open a little bit and its right there.

 

[Kulow]

They should have the cabin air filter in stock at most auto parts stores it's nothing special. As for installation, all you do is pop open the cabin air filter box on the passenger side of the engine bay up against the firewall close to the windshield, pull the old one out and stick the new one in.

 

[Kulow]

Touché 02LSE, beat me to the punch.

 

[Jim Henderson]

Or if you are cheap and have a compressor, you can blow it clean.

The retainer pins have a center "bullseye" that you push in and the the whole pin can be popped out with a flat screwdriver. The filter box is pretty obvious and has two latches that hold the door closed. Just open the door and pull the filter out.

Very easy maintenance.

GOod Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

[postalUT]

Thanks guys. I now get the satisfaction of a well deserved "I told you so!

 

[ethosb]

I wish I had read this thread last week. I bought an '03 last weekend and the filter status was 3% so I took it to the dealer for replacement. Prior, I had called the auto part stores and they each said that it would need to be ordered as it was not a stock item. Long story short is the dealer charged me $160.00 to change this. He made it sound like it was a big deal having to take the "cowl" off to do it. The parts stores charge $29.00 for the filter, Ford charged me $36.00.
Lesson Learned.

 

[gcwimmer]

Might consider replacement with a cabin filter that has activated charcoal, it will help remove odors just not particulates like OEM. I know Bosch makes one for my 2004.