Hot Vent

Yeah, that cabin filter is something I may tackle myself on my wife's '03 OBW. Unfortunately, the glove box must come out. And, the 2 filters are $31+ mailorder. When I get the old ones out I'm gonna try to refit them with A/C filter material and make my own replacements for next time. I THINK the WRX has a single filter. probably get someone to refer you to online step-by-step procedure if you ask at either

or

Carl

Mike wrote:

I wash the filters in mild detergent and then place them back. The cost of replacement is just too high.

Ben

Carl 1 Lucky Texan wrote:

It's possible the HVAC controls need to be adjusted, although on the

05 they may be the automatic ones (I don't recall for sure). On the manual systems the control cables can be out of adjustment and cause the vent to allow in some warm air from the heater core even with the dial on full cool. In any case since it's an 05 you should take it back to the dealer and have them look at it and make any necessary repairs. The cabin filter is located behind the glovebox in the fan housing, behind a small trap door. You do have to remove the glovebox to access it unless Subaru has made some design changes. The filter needs to be serviced when it gets sufficiently clogged to affect airflow (or preventively before that point), the interval will vary depending on where you live and drive. The filters are in the $30-40 range as mentioned if you buy them from the dealer, however it is possible to make your own from readily available home furnace filters for much less. Here is a thread on NASIOC that describes how to do this-

Does K&N make a filter for this?

Mike

I dunno. Purolator makes cabin filters for several makes - no Subaru last I looked.

Carl

Mike wrote:

K&N doesn't make cabin filters AFAIK. I am not aware of any aftermarket replacements for the Subaru cabin filter, yet, so as of now it's either buy the OEM one or DIY.

Cut a larger filter into 3-4 for your application.

2005 Toyota Tacoma owners have started doing this, as the truck has a slot, but there are no filters available. Even Toyota doesn't sell a filter element.

You can make 3 or 4 for the cost of a decent furnace filter (I start with a 20x20), some scrap cardboard, and duct tape. That's (4), for less than $20. To save time, cut all of them while to knife and straightedge is out, and reuse the cardboard frame. Use the scrap to create a blank, which is the used as a pattern.

Bwah hahahah! Good one!

Just use a decent home HVAC filter...20x20 will yield four 7.5" x 8" pieces for four dollars. Cut em with tin snips, duct tape a little flange all the way around and you got it.

It's amazing how much crap they collect...you'll be surprised, guaranteed.