OEM Cabin Air Filtration Alternative. w00t

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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 09:35 AM
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OEM Cabin Air Filtration Alternative. w00t

Just a heads up, since I had no idea about an alternative. Doing 90k maintenance yesterday and my fiancee has been complaining about A/C smell recently so I figured it was time to finally change out the In Cabin Air Filter. Subaru Genuine wants $32 + shipping for it. Did some sleuthing on Amazon and found FRAM CF10377 Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter for $19 and free shipping.

The install is real easy, you just have to remove your glove box (5 screws up top, 2 on bottom, 1 clip on the door side). Don't have to clear junk out of it, just have to pull the whole thing out which gives you access to the filter. I found 5 years worth of pine needles and some bugs... and would like to report that my A/C no longer smells like I'm breathing in mold.
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 09:37 AM
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I hear you can totally get sick from old cabin filters that have a lot of buildup on them.
A lot of people don't change them out either and wonder why their car smells and they are always sick
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 09:45 AM
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ebay sells generic ones to for $10 shipped. They work just fine (thats what I use). I've also seen people getting the large square house filters and just cutting it to fit.
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 10:38 AM
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I need to put this on my to-do list.
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 10:54 AM
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Same here. If it is that easy especially
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 11:38 AM
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I have two for 02-07 if anyone wants to buy them since I sold my wrx. Also if you drive on dirt roads you should change them often since my old one was so nasty
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 02:22 PM
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well, not totally free.. still have to buy 7 dollars worth of stuff to qualify for the super free shipping.. pretty worth it though
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 02:46 PM
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ESPECIALLY if you live in a place like California where the weather is warm things like mold can start growing on your cabin air filter and then get you quite sick.

Usually it just smells bad.

You don't need a special $20 filter or any of that crap. Go to Home Depot and buy one of the big filter sheets meant for house AC filters. It should cost like $20 and once you cut it to size it will make like 6-8 cabin filters. Spray it with some air freshener if you want.
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Gancherov
You don't need a special $20 filter or any of that crap. Go to Home Depot and buy one of the big filter sheets meant for house AC filters. It should cost like $20 and once you cut it to size it will make like 6-8 cabin filters. Spray it with some air freshener if you want.
winner.
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 10:54 PM
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Just learned something. Thanks again to all those on i-club sharing the wealth!
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 11:20 PM
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just curious if the 02-03 wrx came with the air filtration assembly or was it an option from subaru as a accessory?
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by bugeye41510
just curious if the 02-03 wrx came with the air filtration assembly or was it an option from subaru as a accessory?
if you bought new, it's an option to have it already in there
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 11:27 PM
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^how can i find out?
Old Nov 21, 2010 | 11:31 PM
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Originally Posted by bugeye41510
^how can i find out?
take the glovebox out
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 08:45 AM
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Thanks for sharing, I wonder what I'd find in my 03. Especially with all the driving I've done in that thing. La, Tahoe, Reno.......... let's see if I can find some money! LOL!



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