Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,015
From: Central KY
I just want to say that it's stupid that Ford designed the dash like they did. Unsnapping TWO panels that are prone to eventually break, and removing two screws that require hand tools, just to access a filter is the kind of lame brain crap General Motors would normally do.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,636
Likes: 4,721
From: Itinerant
I just want to say that it's stupid that Ford designed the dash like they did. Unsnapping TWO panels that are prone to eventually break, and removing two screws that require hand tools, just to access a filter is the kind of lame brain crap General Motors would normally do.
Or be smarter than the 10 minute job with a couple simple tools.
Or or why don't the manufacturer just delete it.
Or or or make it an option and pay for possible filtered air that takes 10 minutes and a couple simple tools.
Edit... Or or or or take it to the dealership and let yesterdays burger flipper change it for you and they can break the tabs AND charge you.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 198
I just want to say that it's stupid that Ford designed the dash like they did. Unsnapping TWO panels that are prone to eventually break, and removing two screws that require hand tools, just to access a filter is the kind of lame brain crap General Motors would normally do.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 968
From: Walpole, MA
I just want to say that it's stupid that Ford designed the dash like they did. Unsnapping TWO panels that are prone to eventually break, and removing two screws that require hand tools, just to access a filter is the kind of lame brain crap General Motors would normally do.
Step 1 remove engine.... I wish I was kidding.
It isn't the greatest design but I have definitely seen worse things.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 7,956
Likes: 4,039
Must have taken clues from Ford Topaz. the space between the pulley and fender makes it difficult to replace just the belt itself! Could be worse, look at replacing the water pump in the 3.5 Ecoboost for the non truck installs.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 968
From: Walpole, MA
Very true, the "innie" water pump sounds like a blast. FWD layouts are great until you have to do something other than oil changes.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 7,956
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With 186K on my Flex, I hear chain slap on some starts when the chain is tight on the tensioner when the engine stops. Most of the time it stops with slack on the tension side so it doesn't force drain back on the tensioner, but it is a sign that it is time to replace the parts, might as well replace the pump since I'm there. I found a Cloyes timing chain kit at Rockauto for half the price of anywhere else. From what I can tell, at least two of the guides have markings on them same as Ford parts, so who knows, maybe some of the OEM are from Cloyes. Have to take everything but the heads off to replace it.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 968
From: Walpole, MA
With 186K on my Flex, I hear chain slap on some starts when the chain is tight on the tensioner when the engine stops. Most of the time it stops with slack on the tension side so it doesn't force drain back on the tensioner, but it is a sign that it is time to replace the parts, might as well replace the pump since I'm there. I found a Cloyes timing chain kit at Rockauto for half the price of anywhere else. From what I can tell, at least two of the guides have markings on them same as Ford parts, so who knows, maybe some of the OEM are from Cloyes. Have to take everything but the heads off to replace it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 968
From: Walpole, MA
The cab occupants is the primary goal I am not sure how it is plumbed with the hardware, actually I like having it. I remember on my 2002 F-350 with the spring with all the pollen I would turn on the vents and get dusted with crap.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 198
The filter is between the fresh air intake and the blower fan. It filters the incoming outside air, it does not filter recirculated air.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 668
From: DeMotte, IN
The 1965 Thunderbird Ford set the heater core on a stand and built the entire car around it. Needed to remove the entire dash with a multitude of wires going to the 5000 lights in the dash to get to it. What a cluster ——. But it was an awesome looking dash driving at night!
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