Cabin Air Filter replacement (with pics) - The Mustang Source

**TacoBill** · 11/25/08, 6:25 PM

This install was performed on Leo's 2006 GT.

I believe the manual calls for this filter to be replaced at 30k miles.

Cost of this filter can range from $10-20 depending where you purchase it from.

Install time for this filter replacement will be around 5 minutes.

New filter

General location of filter, behind battery.

Turn key to 'ON' position and cycle windshield wipers to the up position and turn key off.

If you have aftermarket hood struts, you may need to disconnect the lower strut mount.

Using a standard Phillips screwdriver, carefully unscrew the plastic screw pin. Once unscrewed, pull up on the retaining pin. 2 places.

Carefully lift up the cover to expose the cabin air filter.

Pull the filter out noting the orientation.

Comparison of the new filter vs old (~20k miles).

After transferring the black frame from the old filter to the new filter, re-install in reverse order.

Make sure the cover is positioned back into the original location. The cover seal should sit flush up against the windshield.

Re-install screw push pins and (if removed) hood strut.

Installation complete. Enjoy your new fresh cabin air!

**2k7gtcs** · 11/25/08, 6:29 PM

Ew. That was dirty. I wonder what mine looks like.

jacostang · 11/25/08, 6:40 PM

Awesome, how many miles were on that one???

GrnT · 11/25/08, 6:41 PM

Great write up.

I wonder if another kind of filter can be used Vs the stock filter. I use a Filtrete hammock filter for our furnace. I always cut the extra filter material off with a scissors. I wonder if the extra could be used. It looks like there would be plenty left to use.
Just thinking out of the box.

*GottaHaveIt* · 11/25/08, 6:59 PM

When I had my 05 Gt the retards told me I didn't have one oh really so I walked up to the parts counter bought one and walked outside if front of all of them changed it and brought the dirty one inside and asked if they'd please dispose of it ! This write up will just impower the more of us to get er done ! thank-you guys !

*GottaHaveIt* · 11/25/08, 7:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrnT

Great write up.

I wonder if another kind of filter can be used Vs the stock filter. I use a Filtrete hammock filter for our furnace. I always cut the extra filter material off with a scissors. I wonder if the extra could be used. It looks like there would be plenty left to use.
Just thinking out of the box.

Why not you'd need to fit it into the outter housing and why not ! next time I do my next one I'll try that !

*LEO_06GT* · 11/25/08, 7:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacostang

Awesome, how many miles were on that one???

The filter had been on for 30k miles.

Rapture · 11/25/08, 7:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GottaHaveIt

When I had my 05 Gt the retards told me I didn't have one oh really so I walked up to the parts counter bought one and walked outside if front of all of them changed it and brought the dirty one inside and asked if they'd please dispose of it ! This write up will just impower the more of us to get er done ! thank-you guys !

LOL My dealer told me the 07s didn't have them too! I can't wait to show them the pictures

Thanks Bill.

jacostang · 11/25/08, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEO_06GT

The filter had been on for 30k miles.

Thanks! I have 22,000 and think I'll change it out. Auto Zone has the Bosch replacement filter for $18.99

ShowGT · 11/25/08, 10:49 PM

Nice write up, I done mine @ 25,000 miles.

JonCo · 11/26/08, 9:29 AM

after seeing this I'll be purchasing my replacement and doing this over the weekend. lol

MustangBrother · 11/26/08, 9:40 AM

Very nice write up! There isn't any differences to this in a V6 are there?

Boltzman · 11/26/08, 1:38 PM

all these years and I never even knew where it was

Thanks guys. Awesome writeup

sound wave · 11/27/08, 2:10 PM

excellent how-to as always. i heard it was a hard job but that looks really easy. thanks for the post. i am only at about 5500 miles though, so at this rate, i guess i will need to change mine out in about 10 more years. lol.

is there a "30,000 mile or 'x' years, which ever comes first" kind of deal? or is it strictly by mileage? thanks.

Mach · 12/1/08, 5:57 AM

While you have the filter out, it is a good idea to clean out all the debris (if there is any) at the lower grommet so any moisture will drain away. Should this get clogged (mine did) it will fill to the point that the water will pour through the air vent (that is covered with the filter) and pour into the passenger footwell. After this happened the first time, I changed the old filter (it was wet) and installed the new one.

Error404 · 12/2/08, 2:54 PM

heh, I bet I'm ready to do this, after going to El Mirage dry lake bed like 10 times now, I bet that filter is filthy!

Thanks for the reminder Bill!

**2k7gtcs** · 12/2/08, 3:14 PM

I need to do this on my F150.

2k5GTC · 12/6/08, 8:44 AM

After 24,000 miles, my '05s cabin air filter is as clean as the day they delivered my baby. I always use the recirculate function for days when I can't put the top down for both heat and A/C, and no vent air at all when the top is down. So, I guess the next owner (after I die that is!) can change it if they want.

metroplex · 12/9/08, 6:16 AM

FYI, some filters have a black charcoal insert so it looks "dirty" when it is brand new.

Mark S. · 12/15/08, 3:26 PM

In most cases you will have to pull up on the cowling (i.e. there are some push pins attached to the cowling which will have to be released) in order to give yourself additional room in getting the filter out. As posted here, be sure to have the windshield wipers in the twelve o 'clock position or you will find out that the cowling inner edge will rub against the wiper arm and cause some minor damage to it if you're not careful. For me, it's not the easiest task. In any event I had 6K miles on it and the filter could have easily gone another 15K (I use the heat and a/c all the time)...so I think 20K intervals would be fine with me...again it depends on often you use your HVAC system and whether you drive in sand storms or not.