IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

AC filter replacement suggestions

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Old 11-16-18, 10:14 AM
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ivanez
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Default AC filter replacement suggestions

Hello guys! This is going to be my first post here. I got a 2010 IS 250 a year ago. It is my first car I want to slowly start doing as much work as I can on it. So I wanted to start with something easy like the AC cabin filter since sometimes there is a smell after it turns on.
I was wandering should I go with an OEM part or get an aftermarket one that might be a better solution? Also I see there are carbonized ones on the market. I plan to get it from eBay but I am also open to suggestions about it, too.

Thanks!
Old 11-16-18, 10:27 AM
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MikeFig82
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I would get the charcoal OEM filter. It helps some degree but for $35 + it's pointless. I can actually smell the charcoal filter in the summer heat. I get the same smell coming from the stock air box upper cover. I wash it with car wash soap, then dry it with a blow dryer.

One thing you can try before shutting off the car. Put it in fresh mode instead of recirculation. It may help with the smell.
Old 11-16-18, 11:55 AM
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ivanez
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I usually drive with fresh mode on and switch to recirculation in traffic jams or if it is too hot when I start to help it out a bit with cooling.
What’s the purpose of the charcoal?
Old 11-16-18, 12:10 PM
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MikeFig82
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Originally Posted by ivanez
I usually drive with fresh mode on and switch to recirculation in traffic jams or if it is too hot when I start to help it out a bit with cooling.
What’s the purpose of the charcoal?
To absorb chemicals and what not. I think since the IS drain pipe drains through the transmission tunnel. What happens is some water gets trapped in the bottom of the evaporator housing. Most cars I've owned the pipe leads to the back of the housing. Exiting at the lower firewall in a better position to drain all the water and not causing any water to remain pooled.
Old 11-16-18, 12:23 PM
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gompka
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Also, what works is just spraying lyson into the car both in recirculate and in fresh air mode. I usually do this in the spring when its almost impossible to stop that smell from happening. It will take a couple of hours for the car to stop smelling like lysol so i would recommend doing this over a weekend. This seems to do the trick when I run into this problem.
Old 11-16-18, 08:14 PM
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ivanez
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Originally Posted by gompka
Also, what works is just spraying lyson into the car both in recirculate and in fresh air mode. I usually do this in the spring when its almost impossible to stop that smell from happening. It will take a couple of hours for the car to stop smelling like lysol so i would recommend doing this over a weekend. This seems to do the trick when I run into this problem.
That is an interesting idea. I might check it out.

What do you guys think about this one:
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F122211203742
Old 11-16-18, 08:26 PM
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MikeFig82
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RockAuto has OEM parts for cheap. Sometimes it's cheaper just to buy online, and you get DENSO OEM brand.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...008-is250.html

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ir+filter,6832

Old 11-17-18, 07:21 AM
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i stick with oem
Old 11-18-18, 02:40 PM
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Texas149
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One point on changing the cabin filter is to make sure the dash control is on 'recirculate' before trying to open the access flap that contains the actual filter element otherwise if you try and force it open you may well damage the linkage and it is not an easy/inexpensive fix.

paul m.

Last edited by Texas149; 11-18-18 at 02:49 PM. Reason: Pic added
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