[Corey872]

Decided to replace my cabin air filter as it appeared it has never been replaced...had to cut plastic. Trouble is, I originally bought a Purolator for $18, it seems to be the correct width, but about 1/2" too short in the height department. So I went to Honda and got a replacement for $60 :shock: :shock: It is OK in the height, but about 1/2" too short in the length. The Honda filter says "MicronAir", but neither of the replacements have the nice plastic housing of the original...D-OH!!

OK, I literally just ran up to the garage and back. It just dawned on me that the plastic housing may be re-useable and the element just pops into that. Sure enough! Strangely, the Purolator fits like a glove now, but the Honda filter is still nowhere close to fitting. And, no, it still doesn't fit if I rotate it 90 degrees.

Guess I will see if I can return the mega-buck Honda. I gotta get a shop manual! Willie is going to love this, another Engineer boo-boo, but I'll leave the post, maybe it will help someone else in the future.

 

[Rick]

Maybe they gave you the wrong air filter. You remove the plastic piece and pop the filter out. The original one is actually more specifically for the Insight. The replacement we get is CRV/fits the Insight conveniently. The fit is not as good, you have to make sure you get the first pleat to properly go in to the lip that seals it on the sides. The size however is proper. Was the filter part number 80291-ST3-505? I just recently replaced mine again. I thought I heard them mumble they changed the part number at the parts counter.

 

[Corey872]

The Honda filter says:

Part No: 560380 79831-S04-003
Description: W-Element

The Purolator was:
C35402

 

[Rick]

That doesn't seem right. I think they gave you the incorrect filter. The part number you have is on H-parts for ~$43. The one I just put in my car last week has a list price of $31.51 even. I paid $23.63 with my discount, it is even cheaper on H-parts. I would take it back and get the correct one.

BTW, the old one was still in the trash in the garage. It measures 223mm X 198mm X 30mm.

 

[dazey]

I installed the 80291-ST3-505 from H-Parts as well. The original filter had hard edges on all 4 sides, the replacements only have 2 hard sides. You have to make sure to tuck the folds (soft sides) of the new filter into the tabs of the plastic frame:

 

[b1shmu63]

Thanks for the post. It looks like the Purolator filter is a good deal.

 

[Corey872]

Once I figured out to keep the plastic frame, the Purolator fit great, even had a bit of that foam on the sides for good sealing. The filter I got from Honda is too long when measured along the length of the pleats...if the dimension was wrong across the pleats, I could have just squeezed or pulled it like an accordion, but it's nearly impossible to squeeze them along the length.

 

[Willie Williford]

Good job, I knew you would figure it out. Thats the excitement in being into R&D, Nothing ever works the first time. Invest in a good shop manual, you can't go wrong................... :lol:

 

[Resist]

This filter is $22.02 at HParts.com and $18.63 at handa-accessories.com.

 

[fscott]

Update to the honda filter.

I just swapped out the cabin air filter with a new one from the Honda dealership. It fit perfectly, so I think Honda's now stocking the correct one for the Insight. At least, First Texas Honda is.

Fred

 

[kapps]

Hey guys, remember there are two different filters for different models. If you don't have A/C, you have to use the 50 something dollar one. If you have A/C or have an auto tranny, then you have to get the cheap one.

The one for no A/C is about an inch longer than the other.

 

[Resist]

So I went to Honda and got a replacement for $60

I will never understand why consumers won't use this great tool we have called the Internet, to compare prices and prevent getting screwed by dealerships.

 

[Nman83]

Where is it?

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but where is the cabin air filter? I have a replacement filter but haven't found the location to replace it yet?

 

[kapps]

Re: Where is it?

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but where is the cabin air filter? I have a replacement filter but haven't found the location to replace it yet?

It's behind the glove box. You'll have to take to glove box out and then unscrew a metal bar that's behind it. If the filter hasn't been changed before, you'll have to cut a plastic "bar" by the metal one (you'll know it when you see it). All in all, it's fairly simple. The glove box comes out with a couple screws on the bottom of it. The hardest part is getting the screws back into the metal bar.

 

[Nman83]

Thanks

I'll go try that tonight!

 

[figgy]

If you look at the web site in my sig, I have detailed step by step instructions with lots of pictures.

 

[dan]

figgy,

Your website w/ instructions, pics and commentary are great and most helpful!

Many thanks,
Dan

 

[jameskb]

Replacing Cabin Air Filter

Figgy, your website is fantastic. Thanks for the instruction on how to do the air filter, just now did mine - original filter went almost 90,000mi. before being replaced! Ow! :shock:

 

[swkass]

I just replaced my this week. Purchased it at Napa Auto Parts for $22. Called dealer and they wanted $60!

 

[kapps]

I just replaced my this week. Purchased it at Napa Auto Parts for $22. Called dealer and they wanted $60!

It depends which one you need (and most dealers don't know there is more than one). If you have A/C, the filter is much cheaper than if you don't.