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How To Replace the Cabin Air Filter (Pollen Filter)

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28K views 31 replies 21 participants last post by  Pinetree  
#1 · (Edited)
I know this is similar to the G8 (see Cabin Air Filter DIY), and that there is an instruction sheet for right hand drive cars included with the filters, but our cars are just different enough that I thought some pictures of the swap process might be helpful to somebody.

According to the maintenance schedule this is due for replacement every 22,500 miles or 2 years.

Tools Needed:
Small flat head screw driver
Fender cover or towel to protect the car while you lean into the engine bay

Optional:
Beer or Gatorade (as needed)

Part:
ACDelco CF182 ($28.92 shipped from Amazon; RockAuto and others carry this and other options as well)


Steps:

1: Open the hood. Bask in the view, cover your fender, and then get to work.

2: Using a flathead screwdriver, pop up and remove the centers of the retaining clips. Remove the rest of the clip by squeezing together and pressing from the underside. Remove all 7 clips from the passenger side to the split in the cowl cover.
(see attachment 1)

3: Remove the hood gasket from the driver's side to just beyond the split in the cowl cover. This lets you get the extra lift on the cover that you need to work. The large triangle topped piece is glued in place, but there is no need to mess with it. The gasket pops off of that and then is hooked onto the cowl cover. Gently pull along the gasket to locate each point where it is secured. Pinch the gasket, pull toward the driver's side and up until the gasket is released from the hook.
(see attachment 2)

4: Once the gasket is released, gently pull apart the two sides of the cowl cover so that the passenger side can be lifted independently of the driver side. If you are an overachiever, I suspect you could remove the wiper arm and remove the entire cowl cover.
(see attachment 3)

5: Lift up on the cover, reach in, and vacuum out any dirt and debris you can access. A long, narrow, and flexible attachment is a big help here. I used a crevice tool from a Dyson car care kit.
(see attachment 4)

Remove the old filter. Pay attention to how you have to twist the older filter to remove it, because you will have to use the same motion to install the replacement. Vacuum again to get anything that was trapped against the old filter.

New and old filters.
(see attachment 5)

6: Noting the air flow direction indicated on the filter (arrows should be facing the blower, toward the back of the car), twist the new filter to slide it into position. I found positioning this to be a little tricky, both manipulating it into position and properly seating it once there.
(see attachment 6)

7: The left side of the filter should rest into a slot just beyond the curve of the box. Push the bottom left too much and it will buckle and slide into the intake area, leaving a gap for debris. The right side sits just inside the bar visible in this picture. There is an upright piece on the bottom at the midpoint (not visible here) and the filter should be resting against it. Position the bottom first, then gently press the top edges in along the top opening. If the filter appears buckled or compressed oddly then the bottom likely slid out of position, and you will need to re-position the filter.
(see attachment 7)


I hope this helps!
 

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#8 ·
Topic has previous activity, here are some links:

Cabin Air Filter

Passenger Compartment Air Filter

Chevy SS Forum - View Single Post - Passenger Compartment Air Filter
(link to my own filter change photo sequence--not as detailed)
Thanks, I should have thought to link the prior discussions.

I should have read your write up closely before I dove under the hood. I wasn't sure if there would be some difference between the PPV and the SS given that the cowl covers look different in that thread, but I see now the filter area is identical. Plus the wet rag wipe down is a good idea, and you got some great shots of the filter housing.
 
#7 ·
Nice write up, thank you. I sure wish it was as easy as my buddy's Challenger...
 
#14 ·
I know this is similar to the G8 (see Cabin Air Filter DIY), and that there is an instruction sheet for right hand drive cars included with the filters, but our cars are just different enough that I thought some pictures of the swap process might be helpful to somebody.

According to the maintenance schedule this is due for replacement every 22,500 miles or 2 years.

Tools Needed:
Small flat head screw driver
Fender cover or towel to protect the car while you lean into the engine bay

Optional:
Beer or Gatorade (as needed)

Part:
ACDelco CF182 ($28.92 shipped from Amazon; RockAuto and others carry this and other options as well)
So, how many beers would you say this jobs takes? Asking for a friend.... :grin
 
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#19 ·
ordered last week a CF182 through Walmart...it was $27.25 plus tax delivered to my Walmart store and what arrived was an actual Holden marked filter (white) with an AC Delco sticker on the plain gray box and a made in German (Republic of...)

the filter was a couple bucks less than Rockauto when tax and shipping were calculated in...

Bill
 
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#21 · (Edited)
#22 ·
...just to add that I also put in for the $10 rebate from GM parts for the Cabin Air Filter, bringing it's price after rebate to about $18...not bad...they have rebates for engine air filters, oil filters and spark plugs too... https://gmpartsrebates.com/offers

Bill
 
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#23 · (Edited)
I bought replacement Cabin and Engine Air Filters on Amazon back in March. Part Numbers for those who need/want them:

Cabin: CF182 ACDelco/GM92184248
Engine: A3149C ACDelco/GM92066873

At almost 12,000 miles and 15 months my Engine Air filter is still in real good shape, but I haven't had the opportunity to check the Cabin Air Filter yet. I just ordered both on Amazon again to take advantage of the Rebate Offers. $15 bucks is $15 bucks and it's not like the filters will go bad. Anyway, the Cabin Filter was $27.25+tax and the Engine Filter was $23.58+tax. So both filters for $35.00 is a-okay with me.

The oil change rebate is next on my list. Even though I still have one free oil change left, I'm gonna pay for this one to get a $45.00 oil change and save another $15 bucks (don't have a GM Credit Card). Starting to think I should get one to use for these kinds of things.

And for those who are unaware, be sure to sign up for the GM Rewards Program. You get 1,000 point for joining, another 1,000 points for completing your profile, then 6 points per dollar spent on parts and service and on other things as well. Haven't figured out yet how many points are required for what, but it doesn't make any sense not to join because its free, and we're always gonna need service of one form or another. Hope this helps someone. Saving money us always a beautiful thing.
 
#24 ·
I had mentioned buying my filter from Walmart as it was cheaper than Amazon or Rockauto...I keep getting notifications from Amazon to see if I am still interested in buying a cabin air filter as they have lowered their price and met the price from the 'mart...excellent choices out there and good luck everyone with getting their rebates...it sure helps out when doing the routine maintenance...

Bill
 
#26 · (Edited)
Replaced my air filter today, was pretty easy since I had the pushpin removal tool. Should have worn long sleeves to keep from shaving forearm on the plastic edges of the air box.
This replacement is likely due long before the recommended 22,500 miles. At 25,000 miles, this filter was filthy! Not gonna wait so long next time. Did use the AC Delco filter.

ETA: I used ACDelco CF182 GM, PN 92184248
 

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#27 ·
Ira, the one on the left appears to be identical to the factory OE unit we got. They are impregnated with charcoal granules for odor control.
 
#28 ·
Excellent info, thanks for posting up! Where did you get the OE filter, I couldn't find one like you mention. With me in the car, odor control would be useful. With all the burning chemical plants around here, probably need an even better filter.
 
#30 · (Edited)
Try part # 92184248 (AC Delco # CF182) at a dealer or online but grab your hat -they are about two or two and a half times the cost of the standard, non-charcoal filters. Want to say it was about $40 bucks.
A good aftermarket replacement at considerable savings is by a company called Cleenaire (Amazon) under their part number CAF182. You might want to look into theirs. It is a heavier, denser media with more carbon than the OEM. Not sure if it will flow as freely as the OEM, but appears it might catch more odors.


ETA: Cleenaire CAF 182 currently unavailable with undetermined future availability.
 
#31 · (Edited)
To clear this up:

I am holding the box (sealed when I got it from my GM dealer) that has a AC DELCO sticker over the Holden sticker with the Holden VE fitting instructions enclosed:

CF182 GM#92184248

It is NOT carbon (black/grey) ... it is white and the filter itself reads:

MICRONAIR 921 842 48 316A with the HOLDEN LION logo

Yes this is the expensive correctly sized filter. Some, including the much cheaper DELCO are smaller and incorrect. Make sure you verify the dimensions !!!

NB:

The factory installed filter; just like on my SRX; is a carbon filter. The GM replacement is not. This is SOP across many platforms.
 
#32 ·
Yeah, same deal as CB says - just couldn't remember if my replacement filter was gray or white and too lazy to pull it out to check. Haven't noticed any change in odor control, but pretty sure the one in there now is white, meaning no carbon.