MikeLex

Two months ago I replaced my cabin air filter with a cheap TYC unit ($14). It fitted well, but the problem I am having is an unpleasant smell (charcoal?) coming from the vents every time I turn on the A/C. It's barely noticeable a few minutes later, but it bugs me anyway. So, for peace of mind, I ordered a Denso one ($29) from Rockauto. However, and much to my surprise, when I opened the package there was (very, very faint, I must add, that smell again). BTW, the filter has no brand name imprinted upon it.
So...Denso aftermarket = Denso OEM in terms of quality? I doubt it...
Does anyone have experienced something like this?

Tecknician

I got the house brand from Napa Auto parts...no smell, and it fit perfectly.

Good luck

PeterR1

Plastic gives off gasses constantly. That's what you smell when you open the sealed cellophane bag. Clean the leaves and goo out of the grill under the wipers. ( you have to remove the wiper arms and take the plastic off. flush w water, making sure water doesn't leak into cabin, spray w lysol, reassemble. Remember it's a pollen/particle filter, not an odor filter.

sphillips

I purchased Wix from local auto parts, no smell, fit perfect.

MikeLex

As I suspected, TYC cabin air filter is exactly the same as the other "made by Denso": same low cost recycled plastic frame, same fragile paper element, same symbols printed on (no brand), same smell...
Conclusion: all of these crap are probably made by the same third-party company using "slave labor" somewhere in China, Thailand, etc...