I used the search tool and could not get a real good answer to my question so I thought I would try a new post. I have a 2003 F-250 Supercab. Some say there is no cabin air filter some say there is. the autoparts stores list one for my truck and I purchased it. I can't figure out where it goes and the owner's manual is rather ambiguous on the subject.

Has anyone ever replaced one or installed one? If so, where does it go? I replaced the one in my father's 99 GMC p/u and could not believe the amount of crap the filter caught.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

The manual says no filter. The filter was available as an option on some. The myth is that it is up under the dash behind the glove box, but you have to access it from beneath. There is a little kick plate with 3 screws. If you have the filter it should be in there straight up. I looked and I dont have one but it looks like you could cut the plate and put one in ??? Let me know if you have it or if you dont and decide to modify the plate to insert a filter as I would be interested in doing this as well.

 

It was great option on the F150's but haven't seen it on the F250's SD and up. Why they left it off is beyond me as these truck see more off road action then any other and it was a great way to keep your a/c from getting clogged up w/ cabin crap; dog hair, dust, etc.

 

I was unable to open the document.

I recall some time back that one FTE meber actualy took a photo of where it goes but when I tried to open the link, it no longer existed. This was back in October or so and the post with the link to photos was pretty dated then.

Would be intersted in hearing form others on this. Again, after looking at the carp that came out of my father's GMC cabin air filter, I'm sold on using them.

What perplexes me is why one is listed for these trucks at the parts stores.

 

It is a pdf file so you have to have adobe reader to open it. t is a free download.

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

 

I have the viewer and can't open the document. It comes up with a message that says there is an error with the document.

 

Bummer . . .

 

OK, save the file to your PC and open it. It works doing that.

 

I dropped that panel down to install the A/C mod and there is a dirty white filter-looking thingey pasted to the drop panel. Is THAT the filter?
Or....
Maybe it's part of the sound-dampening....

 

Cut and paste from the PDF. Sorry about the formating

412-01-1 Air Distribution and Filtering 412-01-1
The air distribution system is designed to provide
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Air Distribution airflow from the defrost nozzle when no vacuum is
applied to any of the vacuum control motors. This
NOTE: The air distribution system of this vehicle is done to prevent a situation where defrost cannot
cannot be equipped with a cabin air filter. be obtained due to a system vacuum leak.
There are two sources of air available to the air Air enters the passenger compartment from the:
distribution system:
• instrument panel A/C registers (19893).
• outside air
• heater outlet floor duct (18633).
• recirculated air
• windshield defroster hose nozzle (18490).
Recirculated air is only used when the climate
control mode selection is set in the MAX A/C (if • side window demisters.
equipped), AUTO (if equipped with EATC), and Passenger compartment air is exhausted from the
OFF modes. vehicle through open windows or cab air vents.
Air distribution within the vehicle is determined by
the function selector switch position (manual
systems), or is controlled by the EATC system in
the AUTO mode (EATC systems). The air
distribution mode on vehicles equipped with EATC
may be overridden by the driver if desired. Airflow
control doors are used to direct airflow within the
air plenum chamber. Vacuum control motors are
used to position these airflow control doors.
Copyright

 

Any chance you could take a picture(s) of what you found and post it??

 

NOTE: The air distribution system of this vehicle is done to prevent a situation where defrost cannot
cannot be equipped with a cabin air filter. be obtained due to a system vacuum leak.

************************************
Perhaps you could paraphase what the document says. Seems that the formatting problems you mentioned in your post caused some of the information to be ommitted.

 

Here is the important part.

NOTE:

 

What I am trying to figure out is why the auto parts stores sell a cabin air filter for our trucks if there isn't one and why some folks claim to have one.

 

Here is a pic of the approx 3/4 inch thick pad.
There is a vent hole behind it but this white thing in no way filters what comes in. It's dirty like a filter would be but I still think it's for noise dampening.
Anyone have a pic of the one that's available for sale?
Here's what I have right where they say the filter is supposed to be.