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I dunno if we ever figured out the cabin air filter dilemma, but this link is very interesting - it's a PDF file that shows how to replace the filter. Evidently it's 4 screws underneath the glove box - looks like it might take all of 38 seconds. I'm going to check mine out first thing tomorrow!
Nobody's even the least bit interested? Now you guys hurt my feelings..........
At any rate, I checked mine out - I pulled the air filter housing cover thing off, and saw the slot where the cabin filter goes. Upon further investigation, however, I saw that the slot is blocked off - basically, the cabin air filter could have been in there, but whoever bought the truck first didn't order it so Ford just blocks it off.
This brings me to my next idea - what if I cut the whole thing out with a utility knife and slid a cabin air filter in there? I don't see why Ford would have substantially changed the design, wasn't it like a $40 option? I guess if somebody ordered it, then they just cut the plastic cover out of there and threw the filter inside.
I'm offering my truck as a guinea pig - Wednesday I'm going to go buck wild with a utility knife and see if I can't get a cabin air filter in there.
Matt, I'd bet that most don't require a cabin air filter because they use the "Max" AC setting all the time which merely recirculates clean interior air. There's really no need for such a filter (unless one smokes with windows up....gross, but that guy doesn't want his air filtered anyway). Now if the filter actually filtered outside air and people used the "Normal" AC or vent settings then the filter might serve a purpose.
Originally posted by buzzard Matt, I'd bet that most don't require a cabin air filter because they use the "Max" AC setting all the time which merely recirculates clean interior air. There's really no need for such a filter (unless one smokes with windows up....gross, but that guy doesn't want his air filtered anyway). Now if the filter actually filtered outside air and people used the "Normal" AC or vent settings then the filter might serve a purpose.
Wait, so when is the CAF actually filtering?
I've got allergies, so I'd prefer my air be as clean as possible, but I think that's more paranoia than anything else...
Your return air is coming from inside the vehicle when on MAX AC. That's why MAX AC seems to cool more and faster when hot outside, you're merely recirculating conditioned air again. Hence, why would anyone want/need to filter it unless their car is a pig pen?
Good luck Matt. I want one too. Some of the roads I travel out in the deserts are enormously dusty with dirt fine as talcum powder and just as slippery. Even with a positive pressure from the ac bringing new air, this super fine dust will creep in and cause sinus problems. If there is any way to scrub the air inside aI want it. If there was a way to scrub the air coming in from the outside, I want it!
I bought an early 97 (built May 19) there was no mention of any air filters in the options list or I would have ordered it with my vehicle.
Originally posted by buzzard Your return air is coming from inside the vehicle when on MAX AC. That's why MAX AC seems to cool more and faster when hot outside, you're merely recirculating conditioned air again. Hence, why would anyone want/need to filter it unless their car is a pig pen?
I see your point, but the way I see it - If I can get this to work with relative ease, then why not? Might as well get most of the crap out of the air.
Please post how you make out with this! I inquired yesterday whether the filter "kit" was still available for my 2003 F-150 and was told (by Torrie at FordPartsNetwork.com) that Ford discontinued them.
Unbelievable!
In my opinion, this feature should be standard equipment. People don't realize all the stuff floating around in the air. Even if you don't have allergies (as I, unfortunately, do), it's a good idea to reduce the particulates.
I got an "old stock" factory kit. I've seen them on eBay. It claims to filter both incoming and recirculated air. It just seemed like a good idea for my asthma.
I think you'll find that you can cut out the blank (the kit includes a metal template, but it's not essential) and slide a filter up into the housing, but without the two side brackets and the cover, some air might bypass at the bottom. I guess it could probably be sealed somehow if you gave it some thought.
Thanks BSS. I will look on eBay. You can find the whole world there!!
I am not surprised to hear about the cover and side brackets, since the opening I was looking at under the dash (while standing on my head) was larger than the filter dimensions shown on Hastings Filter's website. So I figured there would likely be some sort of guide or bracket.
How did you obtain your "old stock" kit? If you have a source, perhaps there may be some left.
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