2013 Cabin Air Filter Replacement

[jeff_h]

This video created by user Darthsnipe on BOF -- was done on a 1.6L Fusion, though it probably would also be the same procedure for the hybrid.

 

He says it is his first video and I think it's a great job for doing the job AND holding the camera too... would have been so much easier with an assistant running the camera.

 

The only suggestion I have is one from experience, which is when taking off the trim pieces and setting them aside, don't just set them on the ground outside the door as it makes it too easy to step on them by mistake -- so better to set them out of the way (like in the back seat) where it would reduce chances of getting stepped on.

 

 

Edited September 12, 2013 by jeff_h

[GrySql]

Thanks to that young man for the movie and to you Jeff for showing us this.

Nope, in my youth I'd do it but not now.

The Dealer will get this job, I'll let his Service Tech break the pieces and dismount the air bag...

Plus, I'll know what to look for after they do the filter change and the vent trim is sagging or the side panel is not aligned, good info.

 

It makes you wonder who okay'd the design to make something as useful and important as an air filter so difficult to change.

Edited September 13, 2013 by GrySql

[majorleeslow]

I totally agree in all of my old (JPN) cars it used to be a 5 min job. pop two hooks that hold the glove compartment. open the snap on the air filter and swap. snap and re fit. done.

 

This seems to be a steep back.

Edited September 15, 2013 by majorleeslow

[Riggo]

Wow. I can't believe it's this complicated to change an air filter. Thanks for the video.

[corncobs]

Extra revenue for Ford and/or their dealers and designing / engineering solution would have cost only additional money.

[hybridbear]

Motorcraft part FP-71 FYI for those who are looking

[Skydogz]

That's just crazy to replace a filter! Thanks for the video though, I could do it myself and will keep that in mind.

[SteveB_TX]

I saw this video before I attempted to change the filter in my Z this week. Wow! The Z has two screws at the bottom of the glove box, and four clips holding it in. No need to tear the dash apart like in the video! Too bad my local O'Reilly store can't get the correct filter for the Z. Their computer only lists the one for the 2010-2012 as being compatible with the 2013/14. Wrong! I hope I can find an easier route to take when it comes to changing the filter in the FFH next month. :)

 

What is everyone's opinion of RockAuto? They sell the correct FP-71 Motorcraft filter for $11.64 plus shipping. I can get two of them for our hybrids for less than what the Ford dealer wants for ONE!

Edited April 20, 2014 by SteveB_TX

[GrySql]

What is everyone's opinion of RockAuto? They sell the correct FP-71 Motorcraft filter for $11.64 plus shipping. I can get two of them for our hybrids for less than what the Ford dealer wants for ONE!

Following jeff_h's lead I bought my cabin air filter and engine air filters from Rock Auto, it was easy, and quick. Shipping adds to the price but is still a better deal than the Ford Dealer.

[acdii]

Rock Auto is a good place to get parts from, but shipping can make it cost more, so plan out purchases so you have a large order which reduces shipping costs to pennies per piece.

[jeff_h]

The similar thread on the Energi forum got bumped so I figured well I better give this a try since the weather was nice, reviewed the youtube clip again and noted the steps on a piece of paper and went to work and replaced the filter on both cars. Mine has 21,700 miles with mostly highway driving, and hers has 21,100 miles with almost all in the 'burbs. I didn't keep exact track on how long it took to replace, for my car was about 18 minutes and then hers about 12 minutes - so it is pretty quick when you know what to look for (thanks to that youtube clip, however I skipped the part about detaching the wiring harness and just held the glove box on my shins while I sat in the seat and swapped out the filter). Here is how they looked after 21k of use:

First filter from my car, compared to the new filter:

Next filter from her car, looks about the same, maybe a little less grubby:

Filter from her car held up to the sunlight, is dirty but isn't awful:

[jeff_h]

Here is another video that was just posted to youtube a couple days ago, and is also very good.

 

[thavil]

Thanks Jeff!

[corncobs]

Thanks Jeff!

[acdii]

I have nearly 30K and 14 months on mine, though I rarely use the HVAC except in winter. Wonder how long it lasts before needing to be replaced.

[hermans]

I replaced mine at 15K miles. It was very dirty and had captured a significant numbers of bug life.

[GrySql]

I replaced the whole HVAC system & filter at 28k miles, it was dirty. :)

[GrySql]

Fram Fresh Breeze cabin air filter

I just ordered one for my Flex.

 

Fram told me that they are still in development for our FFH's and should hit Marketing soon, a product number still needs to be assigned.

Edited September 3, 2014 by GrySql

[Griswald]

Miles don't mean a thing for this filter, its time only.

 

Its not like an engine filter that is used while the motor is running.

 

Oh, and my Escape (Tribute) was done from outside in 10 minutes using a cut up Filtrete furnace filter and lasted a year.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Griswald

[acdii]

I wonder if the Freestyle has one, if you guys think your moldy smelling AC is bad, try a 9 year old one that probably has dog hair in it. WOOOF does it have a FUNK to it.

[GrySql]

I wonder if the Freestyle has one, if you guys think your moldy smelling AC is bad, try a 9 year old one that probably has dog hair in it. WOOOF does it have a FUNK to it.

But you can add one....

http://www.myfordfreestyle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1288

 

After the Mod, use this filter (04'-'06 Honda Accord filter):

http://www.framfreshbreeze.com/Installation.aspx?yr=2005&me=HONDA&ml=Accord

 

Wash the interior with a diluted batch of this:

http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Odor-Eliminator-Urine-Cleaner/dp/B00J9MYM5O

Edited September 4, 2014 by GrySql

[acdii]

But you can add one....

http://www.myfordfreestyle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1288

 

After the Mod, use this filter (04'-'06 Honda Accord filter):

http://www.framfreshbreeze.com/Installation.aspx?yr=2005&me=HONDA&ml=Accord

 

Wash the interior with a diluted batch of this:

http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Odor-Eliminator-Urine-Cleaner/dp/B00J9MYM5O

1000 Internets for yo my friend! Thanks, now I have another project :)

[GrySql]

1000 Internets for yo my friend! Thanks, now I have another project :)

It ought to be a fast project and very worth it.

 

The directions for doing the filter change for the Flex are here, might be the same procedure for the Freestyle.

Edited September 4, 2014 by GrySql

[acdii]

I probably should look into the filters on the HyTi and T since they are a year old now, though I rarely use the HVAC during the summer.

[GrySql]

I rarely use the HVAC during the summer.

You don't even use the 'vent' function? Any air passing thru the system can pollute the cabin filter.