Cleaning Cabin Air Filter

scr38 · 11-22-2005, 02:08 PM

Many of us have the cabin air filters. I replaced mine a couple of weeks ago, then decided to get a new one for my wife's Murano. While changing the filter in the Murano I noticed a sticker inside the glove box. It stated that the filters could be washed and reused. These filters look as if they would come apart if they got wet, but I decided to try. The instructions said to swish the filter around in soapy warm water, rinse and let dry. This worked! The filter gets flimsy while washing, but it returned to its original shape when dried (I set it in the sun to dry)
So if your filter is not damaged, or very dirty, you can wash and reuse it, saving you about $30.00.

bestatchess · 11-22-2005, 02:13 PM

Wow! Good tip. I was thinking about trying to find a substitute filter as $30 is kind of pricey.

got_titan · 11-22-2005, 09:53 PM

great tip scr38! thanks!

skyhammer · 11-24-2005, 02:38 PM

There is an after market filter available that is permanent and re- washable. It is also available in an activated charcoal version (helps eliminate odors), for an additional cost. The basic version is about $50.00.
They are called Permatron life time electrostatic filters.

Justin311 · 12-19-2005, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyhammer

There is an after market filter available that is permanent and re- washable. It is also available in an activated charcoal version (helps eliminate odors), for an additional cost. The basic version is about $50.00.
They are called Permatron life time electrostatic filters.

Any PNs or good places to buy it?

I pulled my filter @ 30,000 miles. The airflow had decreased so much my AC never even cooled the truck completely.

I pulled the filter and its back to normal. I worry that a permanent one would have a huge pressure drop and flow similarly. Anybody else have a problem with this?

TitanTech659 · 12-19-2005, 05:46 PM

Damn, you guys are putting us techs out of business! LOL. I wonder how many times the OEM filter can be cleaned. I went to replace a cabin filter in a customer's Titan today. First one I've done. The truck didn't have very many miles on it. Anyway, when I went to pull out the old one, it wasn't there. Customer claims he didn't remove it. I wonder if the factory messed up and didn't put one in or he was afraid to tell me for some reason. Anyone have this issue?

scr38 · 12-19-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanTech659

Damn, you guys are putting us techs out of business! LOL. I wonder how many times the OEM filter can be cleaned. I went to replace a cabin filter in a customer's Titan today. First one I've done. The truck didn't have very many miles on it. Anyway, when I went to pull out the old one, it wasn't there. Customer claims he didn't remove it. I wonder if the factory messed up and didn't put one in or he was afraid to tell me for some reason. Anyone have this issue?

Not all Titans came with the filters. I don't think they were standard in the XE.

*95wolverine* · 12-19-2005, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanTech659

Damn, you guys are putting us techs out of business! LOL. I wonder how many times the OEM filter can be cleaned. I went to replace a cabin filter in a customer's Titan today. First one I've done. The truck didn't have very many miles on it. Anyway, when I went to pull out the old one, it wasn't there. Customer claims he didn't remove it. I wonder if the factory messed up and didn't put one in or he was afraid to tell me for some reason. Anyone have this issue?

From what I can tell, they are only in the Crew Cab Titans. I own a KC LE and there was not one in it either. I'll bet if we did a poll, we would find out exactly which ones got one. My guess is CCs only and then likely only in SE and LEs

TitanTech659 · 12-20-2005, 08:00 PM

Wonder why they do that. You would think it would be standard with all vehicles. Well anyhow, there is a place for the filter if you don't have one.

Deepwater · 12-20-2005, 08:18 PM

I just replace mine 3 weeks ago with about 16k miles on the truck and the filter was real dirty and filled with all kinds of stuff.

I'm glade I change it out! My truck is only 8 months old I thought I could go 12 months on the filter but after ready what other people said about there filters were drity with low miles I went ahead and change it.

I do run the AC alot so I guse I will check it in the spring time and most likely replace it with a new one.

Deep.

PerformanceNISMO · 12-21-2005, 06:35 PM

I have never heard of any one washing these filters...

The material doesnt seem like it will take kindly to water...

This is the actual filter that is for the Titan:

The Murano filter is the same material just one larger piece...

Once they get any mold or mildew on them the in cabin air will smell...

For the amount of work involved to access it, I would just change it...

IN CABIN MICRO FILTER $26.20 + $5.50 Ship, $0.75 shipping each additional.

scr38 · 12-21-2005, 07:01 PM

If you look on the inside of the glove box door on the Murano there is a sticker that has instructions on washing the filters. (At least there is one on my wife's Murano.) I have washed both the Murano and Titan/Armada filters with good results.

PerformanceNISMO · 12-21-2005, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scr38

If you look on the inside of the glove box door on the Murano there is a sticker that has instructions on washing the filters. (At least there is one on my wife's Murano.) I have washed both the Murano and Titan/Armada filters with good results.

Ill take a look at the cars on the lot tomorrow and also copy what is written on the silver sticker included with the new micro filters...

If people live in a damp climate, the micro filters absorb it and the AC gets smelly... I cant imagine how washing these filters can be good for them... But I will definatly look tomorrow and take pictures of any labels I see...

PerformanceNISMO · 12-22-2005, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scr38

If you look on the inside of the glove box door on the Murano there is a sticker that has instructions on washing the filters. (At least there is one on my wife's Murano.) I have washed both the Murano and Titan/Armada filters with good results.

I just went around our lot looking in all the glove boxes on Titans, Frontiers, Murano's, and Armada's... Including Used and New...

All of them have the same factory label:

From the Murano:

From the Titan / Armada:

Was the car equipped with the aftermarket "Washable 3M" Filters?

Included with the new filters is a decal stating:

"This vehicle is equipped with a ventilation air filter which collects dirt, pollen, dust, etc.

To ensure A/C heating, defrosting, and ventilation performance, please replace the filter regularly.

Contact your dealer for part replacement.

Replace the part every 15,000 MI or 1 Year."

No where that I can find does anything recomend the Factory Filter be cleaned...

scr38 · 12-22-2005, 03:14 PM

I didn't get a good picture of the label on the Murano, but I think you can read it.
It states:

"This vehicle is equipted with a washable ventilation air filter that collects dirt, pollen, dust.

Wash the filter every year or 12000KM driving.

Change the filter if the filter is noticeablely dirty.

How to wash

Dip and stir the filter in soapy water and rinse with clean water, then leave to dry."

Also attached is a photo of the original filter that I washed.