> I have a 2003. Took mine out to check for obstruction, and I found
> quite a bit of dirt and a few leave fragments. Couldn't find one at
> local stores, and didn't feel like running out to dealership... so..
> Rather than buy a new one, I vacuumed both sides, ran hot water
> through element (with a bit of OxyClean for good measure!). Seemed
> find structurally.. and good as new...so just put it back in. Sticky
> stuff? Maybe I should have sprayed it with Endust?? Plan on checking > again next year.
I have a 2003 also but I wanted better air filtration than the standard filters because of the air quality here in the Washington D.C. Metro area.
Anyhow, I made my own three-phase electrostatic filter from scratch. Its not hard to do and it works *really* well--maybe too well; it actually took out the "new car" smell. :-)
As a side benefit, the electrostatic filter is a 'permanent' filter -- it is
*designed* to be rinsed and reused. That is, a person only buys one per car, ever.
If there is any interest I could post construction plans.
- Mike